The recent police recruitment exercise in Mokokchung has revealed a deeply troubling trend. Only 86 candidates managed to qualify for the written examination to fill 118 male vacancies after clearing the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). This is not just a statistical anomaly but a glaring sign of a much larger problem. The PET focused on basic fitness with requirements including a three-kilometre run within 12 minutes, a minimum of eight pull-ups, a four-foot high jump, and a 12-foot long jump. These are not extraordinary requirements. They are fundamental physical fitness requirements that any aspiring police constable, or any healthy young man for that matter, should possess.
So what explains this underperformance? The obvious answer is that many young men in Mokokchung are simply not physically fit enough. This points to a lifestyle issue that is spreading rapidly in modern society: sedentary habits, overuse of mobile phones, lack of regular exercise, poor diet, and perhaps even declining testosterone levels. With nearly 2,000 male applicants competing for 118 vacancies and only 86 qualifying for the written test after the PET, this low success rate raises serious questions about the health and vitality of our youth.
This is not just about police recruitment. These young men are future members of society. If they are already physically weak, it impacts not only their personal well-being but the collective strength of the community. A society filled with physically frail individuals faces challenges in strength, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Mokokchung must take this wake-up call very seriously. Schools, families, and local leaders need to promote physical activity, sports, and healthier lifestyles. It is not enough to lament the outcome of recruitment tests. The root causes must be addressed. Our future depends on the strength of our youth, and right now, Mokokchung’s young men are sending a warning signal that cannot be ignored. History shows that weak men too often lead to weak societies. When physical strength decline, social structures suffer, discipline fades, and communities become vulnerable to decay. Mokokchung must act now to prevent such a future.