EF&CC Dept and CCYO reach amicable settlement

Kohima, October 14 (MExN): The Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on Wednesday resolved their differences amicably with regard to the three demands raised by the latter, following the intervention of Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio.

The two sides, at a meeting held at Japfu Hotel Kohima at 2 PM, reached an agreement to settle the matter outside the court, stated a ‘Joint Declaration’ appended by PCCF & HoFF Vedpal Singh, IFS, and CCYO President Dode Nakro.

Of the three demands made by the CCYO to the government, the demand for immediate return of the bird (Great Barbet) seized from Porba village was settled on September 30, 2026, and the bird was jointly released back in the community forest of Porba village.

On the demand for immediate withdrawal of the case against Vezhoto Hesuh, together with appropriate corrective action, the Department had a meeting with the CCYO on October 1, 2026 to resolve the issue amicably outside the court. However, it was delayed as the Department alone cannot settle the case without the cooperation of Vezhoto Hesuh and the Court of Law.

On the demand for an independent, impartial enquiry into the allegation of the Rs 1 lakh demand, including identification of the officials involved, the police have already initiated an enquiry and the outcome is awaited.

Vezhoto Hesuh had declared that he is ignorant of any of the laws and lacked awareness and had acted on a rescue mission only. He also expressed his desire to settle the issue outside the court, it stated. 

The Department and the CCYO appreciated the efforts of the Chief Minister, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Village Guards CL John, MLA and Advisor Science and Technology Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, and Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Nagaland, “for a settlement outside the court through amicable means.”