Kohima: Two youth organizations are fighting back. The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation and the Chakhesang Youth Front condemned the detention of activist Vezhoto Hesuh. Officials from the Forest Department grabbed the Porba Village man after he posted pictures showing his affection for animals and birds. The groups claim this social media activity is not a crime under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Leaders Dode Nakro and Shevoto Vezuh from the CCYO want an impartial probe. They allege the department demanded 1 lakh rupees for the man's release without proving he broke the law. The groups argue this behavior undermines local conservation work. They pointed to the Shoot with a Camera and Not with a Gun campaign as a positive example the department is actively ruining.
The Porbami Youth Organisation wants a Great Barbet bird returned to them immediately. They claim the bird was taken on September 14. They view bird keeping as a local tradition that predates modern wildlife statutes. The CCYO warned the government that overreach regarding Article 371(A) of the Constitution might force them to declare forest laws null and void in the Centre Chakhesang Area.
Kevesa Khamo and Vetho Vadeo of the CYF slammed the department for failing to hold awareness programs. They argue that social media policing cannot replace actual field work. The CYF demanded to know exactly what laws were allegedly broken. "The CYF questioned why Hesuh was allegedly asked to pay Rs 1 lakh without a formal trial or judgment and demanded clarification on the specific Act and section invoked." The organization now demands the activist's immediate release, a full investigation into the department, and disciplinary action against the officers involved.
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