Newly elected NCD office bearers for the 2025-2030 tenure during the induction and oath-taking ceremony held in Dimapur on August 20. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 20
Marking a fresh beginning, the newly elected leadership of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has pledged fairness, transparency, and accountability to the people, while calling for unity and collective effort towards a stronger Dimapur and a united Naga family.
“Let us walk this path together, hand in hand for a united Naga family and a stronger Dimapur,” the new NCD President, GK Rengma, stated during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of the freshly elected NCD office bearers and councillors for the 2025-2030 tenure held today at Town Hall, Dimapur.
He also called upon the gathering for cooperation and pledged to lead with fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Emphasising that the NCD is not just an institution but a collective voice of the people, Rengma highlighted their core task to preserve identity, protect rights, and work for the welfare of every citizen irrespective of tribe, class, or religion.
While acknowledging that there will be challenges, he also reposed faith in the “wisdom of the elders, the energy of the youth, and the blessings of the Creator” to overcome them.
“Together we can make Dimapur a place where every citizen feels safe and proud to belong,” he exhorted.
The new President, along with his team representing 20 tribal communities, also pledged to cooperate with the district administration and police to keep Dimapur safe and to create a conducive environment for business growth. While recognising the need for support and prayers to accomplish their responsibilities, he further appealed to the community to continue keeping them in prayer.
Apart from the President, other key functionaries for the 2025-2030 tenure are Vice President (Administration) M Biremong Yimkhiung; Vice President (Council Bench) M Sapong Chang; General Secretary LK Peter Anal; and five other members.
The new councillors include 24 members from 20 tribes, with representatives from the NWHD, DNSU, DUCCF, and GB’s Union.
The oath-taking was administered by Hokuto Zhimomi, Chairman, Nomination Committee, while dedicatory prayer for the new office bearers and councillors was offered by Rev Dr N Paphino, President, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) and BSI Dimapur Auxiliary.
DC Dimapur for people-first leadership
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, extended his gratitude to the outgoing team of office bearers, noting that their dedication had not gone unnoticed. He acknowledged that the former leadership had “carried the responsibilities of NCD with integrity and wisdom, often in difficult circumstances.”
While congratulating the newly elected executives, the DC reminded them that they have been entrusted with a sacred duty to lead, serve, and represent the people with humility, courage, and vision.
He emphasised that the Council must be guided not by personal interests but by a collective commitment to progress, unity, and the dignity of all Nagas in Dimapur.
Dr Chang further urged the gathering to remember the words of the forebears: “When the clan is united, the village is strong. When the village is united, the land is at peace.”
Earlier, outgoing NCD President Etsungmomo Kikon underscored that the installation was “not merely ceremonial” but symbolic of a “fresh beginning.”
The NCD, having served for over 75 years, is now entering a new chapter that calls for introspection, reformation, and renewal, he affirmed.
Reflections and challenges
Reflecting on key achievements during his tenure, he listed the adoption of a systematic burial system during the COVID-19 pandemic, induction of NCD into the District Planning and Development Board, the landmark 75th Anniversary celebration under the theme “Celebrating Naga Unity”, and the State government’s allocation of land for the New Naga Cemetery along with the sanction of Rs 5 crore for a new NCD office building.
Kikon also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, with the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue being the most prominent. Though the NCD is not a negotiating body, he maintained that it must continue to serve as the people’s voice and a pressure group.
He also cited other challenges, including the ongoing debate on the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, the long-standing demand for a world-class Dimapur Railway Station, and concerns about illegal immigration and enforcement of the Inner Line Permit system.
Further, the outgoing President stressed that the Council’s earlier recommendations on development must not remain on paper but be actively pursued with the government.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by LK Peter Anal, NCD General Secretary, while Imtisangba Aier, outgoing councillor, proposed the vote of thanks.
