The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has sought an inquiry into the alleged detention of Vezhoto Hesuh of Porba village under Phek district by the Forest Department and his alleged demand to pay Rs 1 lakh over a social media post involving birds and animals.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the CYF said it was “shocked and genuinely concerned” by the incident, claiming that Hesuh had been detained after a social media post showed him feeding and caring for birds and animals without any intention to harm them.
The CYF questioned the legal basis for demanding Rs 1 lakh without a trial or judgment by a competent authority and sought details of the particular Act and sections invoked by the department.
The CYF said it had been implementing the Chakhesang Public Organisation resolution banning hunting in any form for the past 25 years, with the objective of protecting wildlife within its jurisdiction. It said the community’s efforts had complemented government wildlife protection measures.
The CYF also stated that it had not seen Forest Department personnel conducting regular checks, searches or awareness programmes in its jurisdiction, and said monitoring social media posts alone could not constitute an official check.
While reaffirming its opposition to hunting and activities violating wildlife laws, the CYF said harassment of its members could not be tolerated.
It demanded Hesuh’s unconditional release, a thorough investigation and disciplinary action against officials found responsible, along with justice at the earliest.