Mokokchung, November 7 (MExN): The District Demand Committee, Mangkolemba (DDCM), representing the three ranges of Jangpetkong, Japukong, and Tsurangkong under Mokokchung District, has resubmitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland seeking the upgradation of Mangkolemba Sub-Division into a full-fledged district.
In a representation addressed to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, the DDCM stated that the demand was in continuation of its earlier memorandum submitted on October 24, 2017. The Committee noted that the Mangkolemba Circle Office was established in 1961 for the administrative coverage of Jangpetkong (erstwhile Changkikong) and Japukong ranges, and was subsequently upgraded to EAC in 1967, SDO (C) in 1980, and ADC Headquarters in 1991. The later inclusion of Tsurangkong range, it added, had further expanded the administrative area of the Sub-Division.
The DDCM highlighted that Mangkolemba Sub-Division presently covers three out of six ranges in Mokokchung District, accounting for nearly 50% of its total geographical area. The Committee emphasized that the Sub-Division shares substantial borders with Assam, which has made it vulnerable to inter-state border disputes and law and order concerns. “Considering the fact that the border area is always vulnerable to border disputes, law and order problems, there is an urgent need for an effective and prompt administrative mechanism to ensure welfare, interest, safety and security of the people living in the border areas,” it stated.
The memorandum pointed out that the lack of proper road infrastructure and communication facilities had paralyzed developmental activities in the region. It mentioned that several central and state government schemes could not be effectively implemented due to poor connectivity. The DDCM claimed that lives had been lost in the past because of the absence of road links and medical facilities, and that “the area remains at a very low human development index.”
According to the DDCM, Mangkolemba Sub-Division currently comprises 45 recognized villages, including nine villages of other Naga tribes, four administrative blocks, and 42 functioning government offices. “Besides the abundant unexplored natural resources, the area under Mangkolemba Sub-Division is ideally blessed with rich potential for agri-horticultural production and mineral resources,” it added.
The Committee described Mangkolemba as a major centre for Agarwood plantations, rubber cultivation, and organic farming of fruits and vegetables. It also cited the region’s suitability for fisheries, aquatic farming, and tea cultivation, noting that “there is an urgent need for a more comprehensive administrative mechanism to safeguard the interests of farmers and promote sustainable economic activities.”
After 61 years of Nagaland’s statehood, the DDCM expressed concern that Mangkolemba Sub-Division “is left in a very deplorable condition,” pointing to poor roads, inadequate communication, and limited government intervention. “The area remains totally neglected in all aspects of progress and development due to its remote location from Mokokchung headquarters,” the Committee stated.
“The above stated are some of the few factors to substantiate our demand for the upgradation of Mangkolemba Sub-Division into a fully-fledged district. It is the wish of the entire people of the area under Mangkolemba Sub-Division,” the memorandum read. The Committee urged the Chief Minister to take “considerate action and establish Mangkolemba into a separate district at the earliest.”
Copies of the representation were also submitted to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Minister for Home, Chief Secretary, Commissioner, Home Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, ADC Mangkolemba, and the elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from Alongtaki and Jangpetkong Assembly Constituencies.
Enclosures included with the memorandum comprised a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Office of the Ao Senden, Mokokchung; a study on the feasibility of Mangkolemba as a district (January 2022); NOCs from the three ranges under Mangkolemba Sub-Division; an index map of Mokokchung District; and letters of affirmation signed by village councils and chairmen from the Sub-Division.
Signatories to the memorandum included Convenor C. Onen Walling, President of Japukong Senso Senden Imdong Ngoba, President of Jangpetkong Senso Mungdang C. Imkong, and President of Tsurangkong Senso Senden M. Moa Aoki.
