Kohima: Forest officials gathered in Yali village on August 22 to tell residents that tribal land rights do not override national wildlife laws. The Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya project hosted the event. They clarified that Article 371A demands environmental protection, not total immunity from federal regulations.
Forester II Tiakaba Chang led the training on illegal hunting and crime. He detailed the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, focusing on the specific prohibitions found in Schedules I through IV. He also walked the room through the Biodiversity Act of 2002. Participants went on an earlier nature walk to study local flora and fauna signs.
The session hit a serious note regarding legal limits. The organizers stated, "landownership and resource rights under Article 371(A) do not grant the right to hunt or cut trees indiscriminately." Local leaders attended the indoor meeting chaired by Bokashe Kinni of the Forest Department. Head GB L Ngaku asked for more support. Range Forest Officer Menya Wongto praised the existing Community Conservation Areas and hinted at future cash rewards for top performers.
Village Council Chairman M Malem noted that his council already uses customary laws to punish violators. Pastor A Thungpang told the crowd that the church regularly preaches about conservation. Kundang Lemla spoke for the village women, emphasizing their role in protecting the woods. CCA Chairman S Sangpa reported steady revenue gains and announced plans to launch a new self-help group to maintain the project's pace.
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