Seven-day Civil Defence training commences across districts in Nagaland

DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — Seven-day training programmes for Civil Defence wardens and volunteers commenced simultaneously on Tuesday across multiple locations, including Mokokchung (Town Hall, Tuli, and Mangkolemba), Kohima (conference hall, Agriland Building, AG Colony), Kiphire (Hopongkyu Memorial Hall), Dimapur (council hall, Zeliangrong Ram Colony), and Phek (Town Hall, Phek).

The training, which aims to equip hundreds of volunteers with critical competencies in civil defence and disaster management, is being organised by the Department of Home Guards, Civil Defence, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in various districts, with the Kiphire programme funded by the Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence, and Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mokokchung: With parallel sessions simultaneously underway in Tuli and Mangkolemba, the Mokokchung initiative will equip 360 volunteers from across urban and rural areas of Mokokchung district.

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The curriculum encompasses foundational principles of civil defence, fire science and firefighting techniques, search-and-rescue operations in disaster scenarios, and advanced first aid and basic life support as medical first responders.

Attending the inaugural programme, Ajit Kumar Verma, deputy commissioner (DC), emphasised that the training is designed to stimulate and fortify the district’s civil defence architecture, particularly to safeguard public welfare during crises triggered by natural calamities or human-induced disasters.

Elucidating the structured hierarchy, the DC explained that the system operates under the district controller (DC), integrating line departments down to the grassroots level.

Verma urged the Mokokchung Municipal Council, ward authorities, and village councils to intensify mobilisation efforts, encouraging citizens to embrace civil defence as an act of selfless public service.

Lanutemjen, company commander of Civil Defence and Home Guards and deputy controller of Civil Defence, Mokokchung, outlined the intensive modules the trainees will master. He described civil defence as an evolving discipline with training frameworks continually refined to address emerging disaster paradigms. He further informed that the SDRF currently maintains dedicated teams of 30 personnel across eight districts.

Dimapur: In Dimapur, the programme drew more than 50 youths and will cover key areas such as disaster management and mitigation, rescue techniques and the use of rescue equipment, basic fire science and firefighting, search and rescue operations, first aid, and related emergency response skills.

Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, DC Dimapur, said that the trainees should consider the training as a privilege and urged all volunteers to take it seriously. He emphasised that the training was not only important for the individual but also for the larger public.

He noted that Nagas as a community are very willing and forthcoming, always ready to help one another. He encouraged all participants to complete the course sincerely.

Chang reminded the trainees that Nagaland is an incident-prone area where disasters can strike unexpectedly. Therefore, it is essential to know how to act and what steps to take during such situations. He added that people should not rely solely on the government during emergencies, as the first line of defence is always the public itself.

He further called upon the volunteers to support the government with manpower whenever required and expressed hope that the training would equip and empower the public to respond more effectively during emergencies.

Kohima: The programme in Kohima is being attended by 200 volunteers representing various wards across Kohima.

Speaking at the event, Alemyapang Longchar, ADC Chiephobozou, highlighted the significance of involving youth in disaster response preparedness and capacity building. Sharing past experiences from rescue and training activities, he emphasised the value of readiness, timely response and community-based support, particularly during incidents such as landslides and earthquakes.

According to a DIPR report, in his welcome address, Wopenthung Kikon, district commandant, urged the trainees to take the training seriously and make full use of the opportunity.

Kiphire: Temsuwati Longkumer, DC Kiphire emphasised the vital role of Civil Defence wardens in acting as the bridge between the district administration and the community of Civil Defence volunteers. The master trainers were exhorted to inspire confidence and instil a sense of responsibility in the days to come.

He also reminded that in January 2026, a mock drill will be conducted where the air raid warning system, collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR), reconnaissance and damage assessment with components on Emergency Methods of Rescue (EMR), and Medical First Responders (MFR), as well as chemical, biological, and radiological first responders, will be held.

Inaho, sub-inspector, moderated the programme and assured the participants of dearness allowance (DA) with a certificate and urged the participants to be disciplined and be regular in the training.

Phek: One hundred sixty Civil Defence wardens and SDRF personnel and trainees attended the training programmes in Phek.

Delivering the keynote address, Rhosietho Nguori, DC Phek, spoke on the importance of intensive training for Home Guard, Civil Defence and SDRF personnel.

The DC stated that the Civil Defence personnel—wardens and volunteers—are expected to be well equipped with vast knowledge to perform rescue operations competently during the actual occurrence of disasters and any eventualities.

Therefore, the DC encouraged the wardens, volunteers, and SDRF personnel to take advantage of the training programmes and management of equipment so as to be enabled to face any disaster or any kind of eventuality for the safety of the public.