Bird handed over to CCYO and released at Porbami; enquiry ordered into alleged unlawful money demand and misconduct
The Great Barbet seized by the Forest Department from Porba on September 14 was returned to the community on Wednesday and released in the Porbami Reserved Forest, while the Nagaland Police CID has ordered a preliminary enquiry into the complaint concerning the detention of Vezhoto Hesuh.
The bird was handed over by Forest Department officials to the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) through the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pfutsero, in the presence of representatives of the Centre Chakhesang Public Organisation, Centre Chakhesang GBs Union, village council, youth organisations and other public leaders. The bird was subsequently released by the ADC, Pfutsero, following a traditional blessing by the Head GB of Porba.
The development came two days after the CCYO staged a traditional Kühu-Kürüle procession in Pfutsero and submitted a memorandum to the government demanding, among other things, the immediate return of the Great Barbet and an independent inquiry into an alleged demand of Rs 1 lakh in connection with Hesuh’s release.
In a separate development, the Inspector General of Police (CID), Nagaland, has directed ACP (West) Dimapur Zubenthung Ovung, NPS, to conduct a Preliminary Enquiry in connection with State Crime Police Station, Kohima, PE No. 05/2026 dated September 28.
According to the police order, the enquiry follows a complaint from Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA and Advisor, Department of Science & Technology, seeking registration of an FIR and investigation into the alleged unlawful demand of money, abuse of official position and misconduct in connection with the detention of Hesuh.
The enquiry officer has been directed to submit the Preliminary Enquiry Report within seven days from the date of issue of the order.
The police order does not establish the allegations but directs an enquiry into the complaint.
The CCYO had earlier demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged Rs 1 lakh demand, along with withdrawal of the case against Hesuh and return of the Great Barbet. The allegation of the monetary demand had not been independently established when it was raised by the organisation.
READ | A Great Barbet, a wildlife case and Article 371A: CCYO marches in Pfutsero over Forest Department action
Meanwhile, welcoming the return of the bird, the CCYO said the Forest Department had respected the sentiments, customs and traditions of the community.
The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation, citing standing resolutions of the Centre Chakhesang Public Organisation and Chakhesang Youth Front. These include bans on hunting, airguns, indiscriminate jungle burning, commercial extraction of medicinal plants and destructive fishing practices.
The CCYO said it would continue to uphold customary and traditional rights under Article 371(A) while remaining committed to wildlife conservation.
It appealed to villages, youth organisations and citizens under Centre Chakhesang to adhere to community conservation resolutions and protect forests, wildlife and biodiversity.
