Wokha, September 16 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho, on behalf of Lotha community and the people of Wokha district has condemned the statement of Forest Minister CL John in the Nagaland State Assembly on September 12.
“Are eight human lives not so valuable for the Forest Minister and his department? If the Minister and his Forest department do not value even human life; why talk about Wild life Conservation? Is wild life more precious than human life, for the Forest department?” said Lotha Hoho, Chairperson Er Mhondamo Ovung and General Secretary, Tsupon Murry in a statement.
The Lotha Hoho asked the Forest department and Wild Life Warden to physically inspect the elephant dwelling areas and practically work for Wildlife Conservation; and not by way of sacrificing human life.
“The LH is to confidently assert that for the people of Wokha district, human life is more precious than any other, be it wildlife, domestic animal or any other commodity. The Forest department and the Wild life Warden cannot be allowed to only issue Principles on paper; while sitting in their Comfort chairs; and thereby allowing marauding wild elephants to kill human beings and destroy agriculture crops,” it stated.
It also alleged that there is not even Forest guard and “so why prevent people to act defensively?” If a Sanctuary cannot be maintained, theoretical Conservation (only on paper) cannot be allowed; and the affected people cannot be prevented to take any protective action, it stated.
“The LH has so far not seen even any signboard on awareness or; anywhere; in the affected and vulnerable areas,” it stated while reiterating “that the Forest department is to be held accountable for any loss of life and for destruction of valuable crops – agriculture, horticulture and cash crops.”
“Although no amount of compensation can truly compensate the loss of human life; the Forest Minister is asked to give enough compensation to the kin of the victims of elephant cruelty, at least to the tune of Rupees fifty lakh and a government job; for each to sustain the family of the concerned victim. Destroyed crops should be evaluated and compensated appropriately,” it also demanded.
