Kohima: A local wildlife case in Nagaland has sparked a fierce constitutional battle. Naga youth organizations now demand a high-level probe into the state Wildlife Crime Control Unit. The controversy follows the arrest of 30-year-old Vezhoto Hesuh. He posted social media photos featuring an owl and a monkey on September 8. The WCCU summoned him to Dimapur on September 11. Officials kept him in remand for five days. He secured bail on September 22.
Youth bodies claim the WCCU demanded 1 lakh rupees to settle the matter. They allege the officers bargained the price down to 50,000 rupees. WNYF President Neisapa Soho questioned the department's ethics. "Just for posing and taking a picture, imposing an amount of Rs 1 lakh, and then negotiating down to Rs 70,000 and Rs 50,000, is this a shop where people bargain for goods?" he asked. The Western Naga Youth Front, Naga Youth Movement, and Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation held a joint press conference on September 24 to denounce the move.
Activists now challenge the reach of the Wildlife Protection Act. They want the government to revisit Article 371(A). They fear conservation laws clash with Naga customary traditions. Critics point to double standards in enforcement. They believe politicians and bureaucrats escape the same scrutiny. The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation submitted a formal demand to the Chief Minister on September 22. They want the accused officer suspended immediately. They also hold audio recordings of the alleged bribe attempt. The groups now demand transparency. They want full disclosure on all statutory provisions used during the incident.
Updated at 25th September 2026 at 1:49pm
New details reveal the animals in the photos, an owl and a juvenile monkey, were owned by Hesuh's relatives. Youth leaders also raised concerns that officials summoned the accused via phone call rather than following formal legal processes. Major (Retired) Boktiba Jamir specifically warned that rigid enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act could threaten Naga traditional practices involving items like hornbill feathers, animal bones, and teeth.
The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation is now pushing for a time-bound judicial or magisterial inquiry rather than just an internal probe. They have also demanded the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department publicly detail the exact case numbers and legal basis for the detention. Additional demands include mandatory sensitisation for wildlife personnel to ensure future enforcement respects local community dignity.
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