The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) on Thursday held a press conference at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, expressing strong condemnation over the detention of Vezotho Hesuh by the Forest Department on September 11, 2026.

According to the WCYO, Hesuh, a bona fide member of the organisation, was detained in connection with videos and photographs of wildlife that he had posted on social media. The posts included images of an owl, Red-Indian Barbet and a monkey. The organisation stated that the owl was photographed in 2020 and subsequently released.

The issue had generated considerable discussion on social media. Hesuh is currently out on bail.

The WCYO alleged that an official had demanded Rs 1 lakh from Hesuh and called for the suspension of the official concerned, along with a free and fair investigation into the matter. The organisation appealed to the government to look into the allegations and ensure that due procedure is followed.

The organisation questioned whether Hesuh could have been dealt with through a warning, stating that the incident involved his first offence. It said the alleged demand for money had caused financial and mental distress to Hesuh and had hurt the community.

“Is this a Forest Department or a mafia?” a WCYO representative asked, alleging that similar cases may have occurred in the past.

The organisation also raised questions over the equal enforcement of wildlife-related laws, alleging that wildlife artefacts are present in the houses of some influential individuals. It called for the same standards to be applied to ordinary citizens as well as the rich and powerful.

The WCYO maintained that Hesuh should be treated according to established procedures and that the matter should be investigated fairly to ensure justice.

The organisation further stated that it would continue to stand by Hesuh until the matter is resolved.