Organisation reaches agreement with Forest Department on three demands but seeks wider review of wildlife laws
The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on October 15 called off its non-cooperation movement and indefinite picketing of three forest offices in Phek district after reaching an agreement with the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on its three demands.
The second phase of the agitation began on October 12, when the organisation locked the offices of the Divisional Forest Officer in Phek and the Forest Range Offices in Phek and Pfutsero in a traditional manner.
Announcing the withdrawal of the agitation, CCYO thanked tribal bodies, civil society groups, youth organisations and individuals who supported the movement, as well as the Naga people for their solidarity.
However, the organisation clarified that the withdrawal of the agitation did not mark the end of its broader campaign concerning the application and implementation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in Nagaland in relation to Article 371A of the Constitution.
CCYO urged the state government to revisit and thoroughly examine wildlife legislation and other laws that could affect constitutional safeguards relating to Naga customary practices, social traditions, and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
It also called for meaningful consultations with the public, tribal organisations, customary institutions and other stakeholders, stating that wildlife conservation laws should be implemented in a manner that respects the constitutional protections and customary rights of the Naga people.
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The organisation maintained that its campaign was not intended to undermine wildlife conservation or environmental protection, but to ensure that conservation measures respected the distinct identity and constitutional safeguards of the Naga people.
It said it would continue to pursue the broader issues surrounding Article 371A through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means.
“The agitation may be lifted, but our commitment to justice, constitutional rights, and the protection of our customary institutions remains unwavering,” the organisation stated.
