CYF urges govt to resolve CCYO-Forest Dept impasse

Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): The Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has urged the Nagaland government to intervene and resolve the ongoing impasse between the Centre Chakhesang Youth Organisation (CCYO) and the Forest Department over the detention of Vezhoto Hesuh by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), Dimapur.

In a statement issued by its president, Kevesa Khamo, the CYF expressed concern over the issue, alleging that Hesuh's detention was arbitrary.

The CYF said it had been closely observing and assessing developments towards resolving the matter, but expressed disappointment over what it described as a lack of seriousness and commitment on the part of the department to bring the issue to a logical and acceptable conclusion.

The organisation said the matter required urgent and serious attention from the state government, taking into account the constitutional safeguards guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371A of the Constitution of India, particularly those relating to Naga customary practices and traditions, and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

The CYF said the issues raised by the Chakhesang community deserved fair consideration and called for the matter to be addressed through transparency, mutual respect and a clear understanding of the constitutional and customary issues involved.

It also urged the government to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Hesuh's detention were examined fairly and impartially, with due regard for the rule of law and the principles of natural justice.

Prolonging the impasse would deepen mistrust and widen the gap between the public and the government, the CYF said, stressing that an early and constructive resolution was necessary in the larger interests of peace, mutual understanding and harmonious relations.

The organisation expressed hope that the state government would act promptly and responsibly to bring the matter to a just and amicable conclusion.

Cautioning that it would have no option but to intervene and pursue its democratic rights if the issue was not resolved and a reasonable conclusion reached at the earliest, the CYF said the government would be held solely responsible for any untoward incidents.