Mokokchung Times

02/06/2026

(MTNews Desk | 2 June): DENSU has flagged possible procedural lapses in the handling of accused Watimeren Jamir, citing concerns over a mug shot that recently surfaced online.

The union also sought a probe into alleged attempts to defame the victim, called for an investigation into the matter, and further claimed that a third accused may be involved in the case.

Video Courtesy: (used with permission)

02/06/2026

(MTNews | 2 June): Following the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence-cum-Sericulture Resource Centre at Chungtia village, Mokokchung Times spoke with officials from CMER&TI, Lahdoigarh, on the achievements, challenges and future of the Eri Silk Development for Women Empowerment (ESDWE) project.

Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity

02/06/2026

(MTNews | June 2): The Centre of Excellence-cum-Sericulture Resource Centre at Chungtia village was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, nearly three years after the facility was completed in 2023.

The centre, established under the Eri Silk Development for Women Empowerment (ESDWE) project, was inaugurated by Dr Kartik Neog, Director of the Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute (CMER&TI), Lahdoigarh, Jorhat, Assam.

Organisers told Mokokchung Times that although the building was completed in 2023, its formal inauguration was delayed as the village had hoped to have a senior Union government representative officiate the event, resulting in the ceremony being postponed several times.

The ESDWE project was launched during the 2019-20 financial year with Chungtia Village Council serving as the executing agency. The project was later extended till 2021-22.

The project, as narrated by villagers, traces its origins to a 2019 visit by former Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani to Chungtia village. During the visit, she reportedly acknowledged the contributions of Imkongla IAS, a native of Chungtia and former Private Secretary to the minister, following which the project was sanctioned for the village.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Neog said India produced nearly 800 metric tonnes of eri silk during 2024-25, while Nagaland's contribution stood at 408 metric tonnes.

He observed that the state's production remained low compared to neighbouring Assam and Meghalaya despite possessing significant potential for sericulture development.
Dr Neog said CMER&TI remains committed to providing technical support and guidance to eri farmers in Nagaland and urged the village to focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. (Subscribe to our newspaper for full detailed report)

02/06/2026

Pfutsero in Phek district is set to host India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for kiwifruit through collaboration with New Zealand.

The development was discussed during a high-level meeting held on May 31 at Kisama between Nagaland’s Minister for Water Resources and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, and an 11-member delegation from New Zealand and New Delhi.

Pfutsero in Phek district is set to host India’s first Centre of Excellence (CoE) for kiwifruit through collaboration with New Zealand. The development was discussed during a high-level meeting held on May 31 at Kisama between Nagaland’s Minister for Water Resources and Horticulture, Salhoutuonu...

02/06/2026

A representation has been submitted seeking the creation of a separate Directorate of Food Processing Industries in Nagaland, citing the state’s agricultural potential and the need for focused institutional support to develop value addition and agro-based industries. The appeal was submitted by S Richard Humtsoe, National Secretary of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

In a separate note addressed to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio by Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, similar concerns were raised, stating that India’s food diversity offers significant scope for value addition and export-oriented growth, but requires stronger institutional mechanisms at the state level.

The note suggested that a dedicated ministry or directorate would help streamline policy implementation, develop infrastructure, and improve coordination between central and state agencies, thereby strengthening the food processing ecosystem in Nagaland.

A representation has been submitted seeking the creation of a separate Directorate of Food Processing Industries in Nagaland, citing the state’s agricultural potential and the need for focused institutional support to develop value addition and agro-based industries. The submission, addressed to t...

02/06/2026

The Chief Minister of Nagaland has appointed six Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as Advisors to the Chief Minister and assigned them specific departments with immediate effect.

According to an official notification, the appointments have been made to “utilize the vast and practical experience” of the MLAs for the benefit of the public.

The following MLAs have been appointed as Advisors along with their assigned departments:

Kuzholuzo Nienu – Science & Technology
Puthai Longon – Taxes
Picto Shohe – New & Renewable Energy
Achumbemo Kikon – SCERT & Food Processing
Nyusietho Nyuthe – NSDMA & Inland Waterways
Daochier I Imchen – Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation

As per the notification, the Advisors will provide suggestions and views on matters referred to them by concerned departments before final decisions are taken by the Minister-in-charge.

It clarified that the Advisors will not be entitled to any salary, remuneration, perks or additional benefits apart from those admissible to them as MLAs through the Assembly Secretariat.

The Chief Minister of Nagaland has appointed six Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as Advisors to the Chief Minister and assigned them specific departments with immediate effect. According to an official notification, the appointments have been made to “utilize the vast and pract...

01/06/2026

( MTNews | June 1): The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) has begun work on a new cemetery site adjacent to the existing Marepkong graveyard, bringing an end to a years-long search for additional burial space in the town.

The new site will be developed on two acres of ‘government-compensated’ land allocated by the district administration. Alongside the expansion, the council plans to introduce an epitaph-based burial system that will change how burials are managed in the future.

Speaking to Mokokchung Times, MMC Councillor in-charge of Graveyard and Art & Music Wabang Kichu and Deputy Chairperson Lanuakum Lemtur said the issue first emerged as a major concern in 2023.

"The story of Mokokchung town cemetery getting saturated began in 2023," Lemtur said. "It was concerning for all civil society organizations and therefore All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT), district administration, churches, ABAM and all came together and set up a committee under the then ADC Chumlamo Humtsoe."

According to the officials, the committee was tasked with identifying land for a new cemetery. Villages including Ungma, Khensa, Mokokchung Village and Chuchuyimlang were approached, but none were willing to sell the land despite the government's willingness to purchase it.

The issue remained unresolved until the election of the present municipal council, which prioritized the cemetery saturation and dumping site issue.

The breakthrough came when the district administration allocated two acres of government-compensated land adjoining the existing cemetery in Marepkong Ward.

"Fortunately, attached to the graveyard, there was a government compensated land. Earlier it was allocated to the Bharat Scouts for training but we were fortunate enough that they did not like the idea of being too close to the graveyard and hence the vacant site was available," the officials said...(Read the full report at mokokchungtimes.com)

01/06/2026

(MTNews Desk | June 1): The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) has strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault and repeated r**e of a 14-year-old minor girl in Dimapur and has called for strict action against the accused.
The case, registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against accused O Watimeren Jamir, has triggered concern from the organization, which reiterated its opposition to all forms of violence against women and children.
ENWO said it expects the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a “fair, impartial and thorough investigation without interference” and urged that the accused be dealt with strictly under the law.
It also stated that it will closely monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure that justice is delivered and due process is followed at every stage.
Beyond the immediate case, ENWO issued a reminder to parents in Eastern Nagaland that children must not be sent away for domestic work under any circumstances. It said children may reside outside their homes only for educational purposes and in line with its child protection guidelines.
The organisation also cautioned homeowners and guardians against employing or accommodating Eastern Naga children as domestic helpers.
ENWO said it has observed a recurring concern where children sent away for schooling are instead engaged in domestic work, resulting in them being deprived of their right to education.
Reaffirming its stand on child protection, ENWO urged parents, guardians and employers to strictly follow its guidelines and resolutions aimed at safeguarding the rights, welfare and dignity of women and children.

01/06/2026

(MT Exclusive | 1 June): Longkhum village produced an estimated 301 metric tonnes of tomatoes last year and supplies markets across Nagaland, but farmers say they remain at the mercy of outside buyers who largely determine prices, raising questions about market access and policy support for one of Mokokchung district’s most successful farming communities.

Farmers interviewed by Mokokchung Times said tomato cultivation has transformed the village economy over the past two decades, with nearly 200 families now engaged in commercial production. However, despite growing output and access to markets in Mokokchung, Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha, Tuensang and Zunheboto, cultivators say fluctuating prices and weak bargaining power continue to affect earnings.

“The money is decided by the non-local buyers who have wholesale shops,” said Jongpong, a farmer who, along with his wife Ayangla, cultivates three acres of tomatoes. “If we do not sell to them, we do not have buyers.”

According to the farmers, tomato prices last season dropped from around Rs 20 per kilogram to as low as Rs 10 during periods of oversupply. Some produce could not be sold at all.

“We are not satisfied with the pricing,” the farmer said. “When there is oversupply, the price becomes very low. When there is flood in Assam, our pricing is good. In a way, Assam is the deciding factor.”

The farmers said Longkhum’s tomato economy began taking shape in the early 2000s after local efforts to promote commercial cultivation. Today, tomato farming has become a major source of livelihood in the village.

Ayangla and Jongpong said they earned around Rs 1.5 lakh from tomato cultivation last year. They harvested about 2,400 kilograms and expect production to rise to nearly 4,000 kilograms this season. However, labour, transportation and logistics account for a substantial share of expenses.

“Yes, our livelihood is dependent on farming,” they said, adding that many families supplement tomato cultivation with beans, cabbage, chilli and other crops after the tomato season ends.

Despite the production success, farmers say a major challenge is that Longkhum can supply markets for only a limited period each year.

“The MMC once tried to stop tomato imports during Longkhum season from Assam, but it did not work out. We can only supply for about two months and cannot supply throughout the year,” the farmer said...(Read the full report at mokokchungtimes.com)

31/05/2026

(MTNews Desk | 31 May): Police have arrested a second accused in connection with the alleged sexual assault case of a minor in Dimapur on May 30, Global Window reported. According to the report, the accused has been identified as Tsuktimongba, 37, who is married. Further details regarding his alleged involvement are part of the ongoing probe.
The development comes amid mounting public outrage, with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) relieving the first accused O Watimeren Jamir from his post as general secretary (Central) and suspending him from active and primary membership with immediate effect on moral grounds.
In a press release issued by its Press Bureau, the party stated that the suspension will remain in force until further orders, pending the outcome of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, several civil society organisations have issued strong condemnations of the alleged incident, calling for a time-bound, impartial and thorough investigation while urging protection of the victim’s dignity and privacy.
The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) described the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, noting that violence against minors raises serious concerns over the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals. It urged that the legal process be allowed to proceed without speculation and appreciated the swift action of law enforcement so far, while calling for a transparent and time-bound investigation.
The Ao Lanur Telongjem expressed deep shock and anguish over the alleged abuse of a minor by a person entrusted with her care as a guardian. Terming the act “heinous and inhuman,” it extended solidarity with civil society organisations and sympathies to the victim and her family. It also called for rehabilitation, psychological support and timely justice.
The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) said it was “distraught and appalled” by the alleged offence, describing sexual violence against children as among the gravest crimes under law. It demanded strict accountability through due process and called for completion of trial within a stipulated timeframe under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The federation also stressed that justice must be neither delayed nor denied, and urged strict protection of the victim’s identity under Section 23 of the POCSO Act.
The Angami Women Organisation (AWO) termed the incident deeply disturbing, stating that crimes against children leave long-lasting psychological scars and destroy a child’s sense of safety and trust. It called for a swift and impartial investigation and urged full support for the victim, including medical care, counselling and rehabilitation.
The Dimapur Sumi Council (DSC) expressed profound outrage over what it described as prolonged abuse of a minor student allegedly by her guardian, calling it a serious breach of trust and human rights violation. It demanded a thorough investigation and maximum punishment if the allegations are proven in court.
All organisations reiterated their call for speedy justice, protection of the survivor’s dignity, and strict accountability, urging authorities to ensure a fair and interference-free investigation.