The Lotha Hoho has called upon the Nagaland Government and the Government of India to take immediate and concrete measures to address the escalating elephant–human conflict in Wokha district, which has led to repeated loss of human lives.

The appeal follows the death of Rentsamo Odyuo of Riphyim New Village, who was trampled by a wild elephant on August 2. The Hoho stated that such fatalities are preventable if the concerned department implements sustained awareness campaigns, deploys adequate forest security personnel, and ensures active public participation.

In a memorandum to the Principal Secretary of the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change & Wildlife Conservation, the Lotha Hoho demanded immediate and adequate compensatory relief for the bereaved family of Late Rentsamo Odyuo; implementation of wild life conservation measures, such as setting up of Conservation Sanctuaries at various elephant habitats under Wokha district and implementation of preventive measures.

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It also demanded immediate conversion of existing Doyang Forest Plantation Division to that of exclusive Wildlife Conservation Division, in charge of Wokha district.

The Hoho further demanded deployment of at least half of the 150 Forest Guards under recruitment to Wokha, given that the number of elephants in Nagaland mostly dwell in Wokha district.

The Hoho warned that deployment of forest guards to districts, where not needed, would amount to discrimination.

The Lotha Hoho urged the concerned authority to do the needful.