nagaland is dealing with the problem of jungle burning in a novel manner. The state government is penalising villagers for any such incident, even if they are not directly involved in setting the fires. This is forcing the latter to be more vigilant and the government claims the crime has reduced considerably.

Kohima district deputy commissioner Zhaleo Rio points out that a government order banning jungle burning had been in force since 1996 but it wasn't being adhered to. "I only re-enforced the existing orders