A Statement About IFB Trust's Work in the Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
To Whomsoever It May Concern
In view of what appears to be an unfortunate recent misunderstanding concerning legitimately approved activities of an intern supported by the Indian Foundation for Butterflies Trust (IFBT) in the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, and subsequent blacklisting of the said IFBT field team member based on unsubstantiated allegations, IFBT would like to place the following clarification on record:
IFBT has been conducting research, citizen science, educational and outreach activities in Arunachal Pradesh and other states in NE India since 2022. These activities have been conducted with formal research permits from various state forest departments as well as consent and cooperation from local community members, with their full on-ground support.
A young intern associated with IFBT, Mr. Fahim Khan, was a member of the field team working in the Dibang Valley in July 2026. He was named in the research and trekking permits issued by competent authorities of the Arunachal Pradesh forest department. Mr. Fahim Khan was conducting his activities in forest areas, i.e., under the jurisdiction of the Arunachal forest department, under the guidance of a senior, experienced scientist who also had relevant official permits, in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down in the official permits, and with full knowledge of competent forest authorities.
In the communication issued by the Idu Mishmi Cultural and Literary Society (IMCLS; vide Memo No. IMCLS/RERB/2026/August/01, dated 14 August 2026) and in a subsequent news article citing IMCLS (https://arunachaltimes.in/article/imcls-blacklists-4-researchers-for-breaching-community-research-ethics), unspecified and unsubstantiated violations of the Idu Mishmi Community Research Code of Ethics (IMCRE) have been alleged in connection with Mr. Fahim Khan’s field visit to the Dibang Valley.
Based on the research and trekking permits issued by competent forest authorities for the forest areas visited, IFBT firmly rejects the unspecified and unsubstantiated allegations of ethical violations against the IFBT field team member. To the best of IFBT’s knowledge, Mr. Fahim Khan did not undertake any activity in violation of applicable laws, regulations and the permits issued as a member of the IFBT field team, and no evidence to the contrary has been presented to the IFBT.
IFBT further clarifies that as far as known, Mr. Fahim Khan was not engaged in the illegal collection of flora or fauna, damage to the environment, or any other unlawful activity, and he complied with the IFBT’s Code of Conduct, during his visit to the region as a member of the IFBT field team. IFBT has not been presented with any material evidence to the contrary.
IFBT is unaware of any due process followed and evidence presented, evaluated and verified about the alleged but unspecified violations, before the decision to blacklist the IFBT field team member was taken and released to the public by IMCLS. This development is highly unusual in its stark departure from due process.
IFBT remains firmly committed to due process and conducting ethical, responsible and legally compliant research on Indian biodiversity under the permits issued by relevant forest and other authorities, as appropriate, while also respecting the rights, traditions, knowledge systems and concerns of local communities. Over the years, IFBT and its associates/collaborators have undertaken research expeditions aimed at generating and sharing scientific knowledge responsibly. IFBT has also supported community-oriented initiatives, including workshops, guided tours and capacity-building activities in several parts of northeastern and other parts of India. We remain committed to supporting conservation research and conservation action as well as community development while respecting community interests and sovereignty.
IFBT respectfully urges members of the public, viewers and social media users to refrain from circulating or otherwise spreading unverified information, rumours or unsubstantiated allegations concerning IFBT, its trustees, staff, research assistants, research associates, collaborators, and activities. We request that any concerns or questions be taken up and addressed through appropriate official channels and their resolution strictly based on verified facts.
IFBT believes that issues concerning research permissions, research activities and community engagement for conservation research and action are best addressed through transparent paperwork, clear evidence, direct communication, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue. We remain open to engaging with all relevant authorities and stakeholders in the spirit of common goals and cooperation and with the shared objective of ensuring responsible research, conservation, and community development activities, in the country.
Issued on behalf of The Trustees
Indian Foundation for Butterflies Trust
7 September 2026