Joint declaration acknowledges CM Rio’s intervention
The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) have agreed to resolve the dispute involving Vezhoto Hesuh through amicable means, following a meeting in Kohima on October 14.
According to a joint declaration signed by PCCF and HoFF Vedpal Singh, IFS, and CCYO president V Dode Nakro, the department and the CCYO met at Japfu Hotel, Kohima, at 2 pm on October 14 and “deliberated the matter with a view to amicably settle the matter outside the court and reached an agreement.”
The meeting followed three demands raised by the CCYO: the immediate withdrawal of the case against Hesuh, the return of the Great Barbet seized from Porba village, and an independent and impartial inquiry into the allegation of a Rs 1 lakh demand, including identification of the officials involved.
On the demand for the return of the bird, the joint declaration stated: “The demand to return the bird was settled on 30th of Sept 2026 and the bird was jointly released back in the community forest of Porba village.”
Regarding the case against Hesuh, the declaration stated that the department had met with the CCYO on October 1 to resolve the issue amicably outside court.
However, it noted that the process had been delayed as “the Department alone cannot settle the case without the cooperation of Shri Vezhoto Hesuh and the Court of Law.”
The declaration further stated that Hesuh “had declared that he is ignorant of any of the laws and lacked awareness and had acted on a rescue mission only.”
It added that he had also expressed his desire to settle the issue outside court.
On the allegation of a Rs 1 lakh demand, the declaration stated: “The police have already initiated an enquiry and the outcome of the enquiry is awaited.”
The declaration credited CM Neiphiu Rio’s intervention with helping the department and the CCYO reach an agreement.
It also acknowledged the efforts of CL John, MoEFCC, MLA and Advisor for Science and Technology Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, and Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema, IAS in facilitating the settlement.
