Members of the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation stage a traditional procession at Pfutsero on September 28 to protest what they termed “arbitrary action” by the Nagaland Forest Department against a youth from the region. (Morung File Photo)
Phek, October 8 (MExN): The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) has announced the second phase of its agitation from October 12, with ‘indefinite picketing’ planned at the offices of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Phek, and the Forest Range Offices at Phek and Pfutsero.
According to the CCYO, the picketing will begin at 10AM as part of its ongoing movement seeking “justice, accountability, transparency” and recognition of the customary rights, traditions and institutions of the Chakhesang people.
The organisation appealed to participants and concerned citizens to maintain peace, discipline and dignity throughout the agitation. It also called on youths of Phek and Pfutsero towns to support and participate in the movement, stating that the issues raised concern the rights, dignity, customary practices and welfare of the people of Nagaland.
The CCYO further announced that the ban on hunting within the jurisdiction of Centre Chakhesang would remain in force from October 9, following the conclusion of Wildlife Week on October 8.
The decision was taken in accordance with the advice and guidance of the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) and the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF), it added.
However, the organisation said its non-cooperation movement against the Forest Department would continue, including its stated position of non-operation and non-enforcement of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 within its area, until its demands are addressed and fulfilled.
The CCYO said it would continue to pursue the matter “peacefully, democratically, and resolutely” until its demands were fulfilled in toto.
It also appealed to all sections of society to remain united and uphold peace and public order during the course of the movement.
Earlier, on September 28, (https://morungexpress.com/wildlife-video-row-ccyo-protests-alleged-arbitrary-action-in-pfutsero) the CCYO staged a ‘traditional procession’ in Pfutsero town and, in an ultimatum addressed to the Chief Minister, demanded the immediate withdrawal of the case against Vezhoto Hesuh, the return of a Great Barbet seized from Porba village, and an independent inquiry into the alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh by Forest Department officials.
On September 30, (https://morungexpress.com/forest-department-returns-great-barbet-to-porbami-village) the organisation acknowledged that the Nagaland Forest Department had returned the Great Barbet. However, the other issues remained unresolved.
