J Alam bids farewell after nearly 5 years as chief secretary

KOHIMA — Dr. J Alam, who served as chief secretary of Nagaland for nearly five years, on Thursday expressed confidence in the state’s future as he stepped down from service after 34 years in the bureaucracy.

“Nagaland has a bright road ahead,” he said, addressing the media following a farewell programme held in his honour at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat.

The farewell was held at the N/W Wing of the Secretariat and attended by senior officers from across the state.

Dr. Alam, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, held the post of chief secretary for four years and nine months, having taken over the office following the sudden demise of Temjen Toy.

Also read: Sentiyanger Imchen appointed next Nagaland Chief Secretary

He will be succeeded by Sentiyanger Imchen with effect from August 1, 2025. Imchen, a 1991 batch IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre, is currently serving as additional chief secretary and finance commissioner.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Alam said: “I only want to thank the people of Nagaland, the leadership here, all my colleagues in the government, and all those with whom I have worked—people who have given me their support, help, and guidance in discharging my duties. I'm truly grateful to each one of them for helping me serve the people here and complete my tenure successfully.”

Asked what he would miss most, he said it would be the warmth of the people and the bonds he had formed.

“I'll definitely miss the warmth of this place. The relationships that I’ve forged over the last three decades are my most cherished treasure, and I’ll really miss them. But I hope to keep coming back to Nagaland, continue my connection with the state, and keep meeting people from Nagaland,” he added.