Phek, October 15: The Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) on Wednesday formally withdrew its non-cooperation movement against the Forest Department and unsealed departmental offices in Phek and Pfutsero, bringing weeks of agitation to a close following an agreement with the state government.
The traditional unsealing ceremony was held at 11 AM, with Shri Külaveyi, Chairman of the Centre Chakhesang GBs Union, pronouncing traditional blessings. The symbolic cutting of the wild ropes used to seal the Forest Department office in Phek was performed by 102-year-old Shri Sülüngoyi, the oldest man of Sakraba village.
The reopening followed a meeting held on October 14 at Hotel Japfü in Kohima between Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) Vedpal Singh and CCYO president V. Dode Nakro. The meeting resulted in an agreement to resolve the dispute amicably and outside court, following the intervention of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
According to a joint declaration issued after the meeting, the dispute revolved around three key demands raised by the CCYO: withdrawal of the case against Vezhoto Hesuh, return of a Great Barbet seized from Porba village, and an independent and impartial inquiry into the alleged demand for Rs. 1 lakh in connection with the case.
The demand concerning the Great Barbet had already been resolved on September 30, when the bird was jointly released into the community forest of Porba village.Regarding the case against Hesuh, the Forest Department stated that an out-of-court settlement would require his cooperation and the involvement of the court.
Meanwhile, the allegation concerning the demand for Rs. 1 lakh remains under inquiry, with the joint declaration stating that police had initiated an investigation and its outcome was awaited.The agitation intensified after the CCYO’s seven-day ultimatum to the state government expired without a satisfactory resolution. The organisation launched its non-cooperation movement on October 5 and escalated the protest on October 12 by sealing Forest Department offices in Phek and Pfutsero with traditional ropes and wooden materials.
The CCYO had expressed concerns over the application of wildlife protection laws in relation to Naga customary practices, traditional rights and the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371A.The joint declaration acknowledged the intervention of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the efforts of Minister C. L. John, MLA and Advisor Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, and Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema in facilitating the settlement.
With the traditional seals removed and the offices reopened, the CCYO’s withdrawal of the movement marks a step towards restoring cooperation between the organisation and the Forest Department. However, the police inquiry into the alleged demand for money and the legal process concerning Hesuh remain subject to their respective procedures.
