WNYF seeks accountability over Forest Department incident

Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has condemned the recent incident involving the Forest Department and Vezhoto Hesuh, particularly the allegations of a monetary demand, and called for a fair and transparent examination of the matter. A press release from the WNYF said “Any act of corruption, abuse of official authority, intimidation or harassment of citizens is unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly and impartially.”

It said government departments responsible for the protection and management of natural resources must function with “transparency, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of the people.” The WNYF also appreciated the Chakhesang community for standing together and raising its voice in defence of its rights and interests. “Their collective response demonstrates the importance of an aware and responsible citizenry in safeguarding the rights of the people,” it stated.

According to the WNYF, the incident should not be viewed merely as an isolated confrontation between individuals or institutions, but should serve as “an eye-opener for the Government and all stakeholders to re-examine how laws, regulations and administrative procedures are being implemented in Nagaland, particularly in matters concerning land, forests and natural resources.”

The organisation called for an urgent re-examination of the implementation and protection of the special constitutional safeguards guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution of India. “The spirit and intent of these constitutional protections must be respected not only in principle but also in their actual application on the ground,” the WNYF stated.

It, however, maintained that constitutional safeguards cannot be interpreted as a licence to disregard the rule of law, while administrative mechanisms should also not be applied in a manner that undermines “the customary practices, traditional rights and legitimate interests of the Naga people protected under the Constitution.”

The WNYF called upon the authorities to conduct a “fair, transparent and impartial examination of the matter,” fix responsibility wherever wrongdoing is established and ensure that no citizen is subjected to harassment or exploitation for asserting lawful rights. It further appealed to the government to undertake a broader review of existing mechanisms governing forests, land and natural resources in Nagaland, with “meaningful consultation with communities and traditional institutions.”

The organisation said such a review should ensure that the constitutional protections under Article 371A are “effectively reflected in governance and implementation.” “The WNYF stands for justice, accountability, constitutional rights and the dignity of every citizen,” the statement said, adding that the organisation appreciated the “courage and unity demonstrated by the Chakhesang community” and believed such collective action could contribute to strengthening democratic accountability in Nagaland.