Mangkolemba rallies again for district dream

MANGKOLEMBA — Residents of Mangkolemba subdivision on Friday delivered yet another strong political statement as the District Demand Committee Mangkolemba (DDCM) orchestrated a successful public rally calling for the upgrade of Mangkolemba into a full-fledged district.

The rally culminated with the resubmission of a long-pending memorandum to the chief minister, renewing their appeal for district status after eight years of persistence marked by frustration over what locals described as “administrative neglect and developmental disparity.”

The peaceful procession, flagged off from Mangkolemba Town Hall, wound through the main streets and concluded at the ADC’s office.

It saw participation from hundreds of residents—including students, women, village leaders and representatives from 45 villages across the Jangpetkong, Japukong and Tsurangkong ranges.

The formal memorandum, signed by DDCM convenor C Onen Walling and presidents of the three range Mungdangs (bodies/organisations), was submitted through ADC Mangkolemba to the chief minister’s office.

The latest submission reiterates the original representation dated October 24, 2017, tracing Mangkolemba’s administrative evolution—from a Circle Office in 1961 to EAC, SDO , and ADC Headquarters in 1967, 1980, and 1991, respectively—and the inclusion of Tsurangkong Range in the 1990s.

It pushed for an upgrade, describing Mangkolemba as a resource-rich but underserved region encompassing three of Mokokchung’s six ranges, with a geographical area of 817 sq km—roughly 50% of the district.

The memorandum argued that such a vast area requires “dedicated governance and administrative presence.”

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Citing the subdivision’s border with Assam, the committee highlighted recurring interstate tensions and law-and-order challenges, urging for “effective and prompt administration” to safeguard border residents.

It also lamented poor roads and communication infrastructure that have stalled key state and central schemes, sometimes leading to fatal medical emergencies due to inaccessibility.

Home to 45 recognised villages (including nine from non-Ao tribes), four administrative blocks, and 42 government offices, Mangkolemba, it stated, is “well-positioned for standalone district administration.”

The memorandum also underscored the area’s untapped economic potential—from agarwood, rubber, and organic produce to fisheries, tea, and minerals—asserting that district status would unlock sustainable growth through better governance and market regulation.

“After 61 years of Nagaland’s statehood, the subdivision continues to languish in deplorable conditions,” the memorandum read, calling for urgent intervention. “We pray that your kind authority will consider the appeal and establish Mangkolemba as a separate district at the earliest.”

Addressing the rally earlier, DDCM convenor Walling traced the movement’s journey since its inception in 2013 under the Mangkolemba Division Development Coordination Committee.

Renamed DDCM in 2017, the movement’s earlier milestones included a 2018 endorsement from the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) chaired by former MLA Dr. Longrineken, a 2021 meeting with Chief Secretary J Alam, and a feasibility report prepared under Minister Temjen Imna Along.

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Support for the demand has since grown, bolstered by an Ao Senden No Objection Certificate (NOC) in 2022 and renewed resolutions this year.

DDCM co-convenor I Nungsang Lkr reminded that Mangkolemba is “the oldest and largest sub-division in Mokokchung.”

“Our demand is just and rightful. This movement is not against anyone. All right-thinking Nagas will stand behind this genuine aspiration,” he declared.

He urged the chief minister, legislators, and officials to demonstrate the “political will” to fulfil the long-standing demand.

The rally received widespread backing from allied bodies, including Tzurangkong Senso Senden, Khar Village Council, Japukong Senso Senden, Mangkolemba Watsu Telongjem, Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem, Jangpetkong Kaketshir Telongjem Mungdang, Tzurangkong Youth Organisation, and the All Ward Chairmen Association, all of whom voiced frustration over poor infrastructure and rallied for the “districthood dream” as the key to equitable growth.

“The people’s dream rests in the government’s hands,” DDCM leaders said. “We will continue our struggle through democratic means until Mangkolemba is granted full-fledged district status.”