The Chakhesang youth agitation in Nagaland was called off on October 15 after the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) reached an agreement with the state’s Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The settlement addressed three key demands raised by the organisation, including the case involving Vezhoto Hesuh, the return of a seized bird and an inquiry into an alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh. The decision brought an end to the organisation’s non-cooperation movement and indefinite picketing of three forest offices in Phek district, although its wider campaign for the protection of Naga customary rights and constitutional safeguards will continue.
CCYO Withdraws Agitation After Agreement
The CCYO formally withdrew its agitation on October 15 following discussions with the Forest Department in Kohima on October 14. The meeting resulted in an agreement to resolve the dispute amicably, including settling the case involving Hesuh outside court.
The second phase of the agitation had started on October 12 after the organisation expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to its demands. As part of the protest, members picketed and locked the offices of the Divisional Forest Officer in Phek and the Forest Range Offices in Phek and Pfutsero.
The organisation had earlier issued an ultimatum to the state government, seeking action on issues it said concerned the rights, dignity, customary practices and institutions of the Chakhesang people.
According to reports, the settlement followed the intervention of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. A joint declaration was signed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Vedpal Singh and CCYO president Dode Nakro.
Three Demands at the Centre of the Dispute
The dispute between the CCYO and the Forest Department centred on three demands submitted by the youth organisation.
Settlement in the Vezhoto Hesuh Case
The first demand concerned the withdrawal of the case against Vezhoto Hesuh, along with appropriate corrective action. The dispute arose from a wildlife-related incident that prompted concerns among members of the Chakhesang community.
The department had met the CCYO on October 1 to explore an amicable resolution. However, the matter remained pending because a settlement required Hesuh’s cooperation and consideration of the legal process.
In the joint declaration, Hesuh reportedly stated that he was unaware of the relevant laws and legal provisions and that his actions had been motivated by a rescue mission. He also expressed willingness to resolve the matter outside court.
The latest agreement provides a path towards an amicable settlement, although the legal process remains an important consideration.
Great Barbet Returned to Porba Village
The second demand concerned the return of a Great Barbet seized from Porba village. The issue had already been resolved on September 30, when the bird was jointly released into the village’s community forest.
The return of the bird was an important development in efforts to ease tensions between the community and the department.
Police Inquiry into Alleged Rs 1 Lakh Demand
The third demand sought an independent and impartial inquiry into an alleged demand for Rs 1 lakh, including the identification of officials involved.
According to the joint declaration, the police had initiated an inquiry into the allegation, but the findings were still awaited when the agreement was reached.
The outcome of the investigation remains significant, as the organisation had called for accountability and clarity over the alleged incident.
Forest Offices Reopened After Withdrawal
Following the settlement, the CCYO lifted its picketing and the forest offices in Phek and Pfutsero were unsealed. The withdrawal marked a step towards restoring normal functioning at the affected offices after days of protest.
The organisation acknowledged the support extended by tribal bodies, civil society groups, youth organisations and individuals during the agitation. It also expressed gratitude to the Naga people for their solidarity.
The settlement was facilitated through the involvement of several state representatives and officials, including the chief minister, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister, MLA and adviser Kuzholuzo Nienu, Village Guards representative C. L. John, and Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema.
Chakhesang Youth Agitation and Article 371A
Despite ending the immediate protest, the CCYO clarified that the settlement did not signal the end of its broader campaign concerning Article 371A of the Constitution and the application of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in Nagaland.
Article 371A provides special constitutional protections concerning Naga religious and social practices, customary law and procedure, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, subject to the provision’s terms.
The organisation has urged the state government to review wildlife legislation and other laws that may affect these protections. It has also called for meaningful consultations with tribal organisations, customary institutions, community representatives and other stakeholders.
The CCYO maintained that its campaign was not intended to undermine wildlife conservation or environmental protection. Instead, it argued that conservation measures should respect Naga identity, customary practices and constitutional safeguards.
The organisation said it would continue pursuing these concerns through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means.
The settlement between the CCYO and the Forest Department has brought immediate relief to the dispute in Phek district. However, the pending police inquiry and the broader debate over wildlife laws, customary rights and Article 371A remain important issues for the state government and community stakeholders. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the agreement is implemented and whether further consultations can establish a lasting understanding between conservation authorities and local communities.
Major Warning: Bodo Language Removal Could Rekindle Bodoland Statehood Demand, Says ABSU