In a first for Salangtem ward, Lanuakum, former chairman, has confirmed his candidacy for the upcoming Mokokchung Municipal Council election.
Lanuakum, who previously held influential roles within the ward, including serving as a Salangtem Ward Yimden Executive Member from 2012-2013, Secretary from 2013 to 2021, and subsequently chairing the Salangtem Ward Yimden until his recent relief on May 14, 2024, aims to implement the Nagaland Municipal Act 2023 earnestly for the benefit of the ward and town.
Lanuakum, who has collaborated closely with municipal authorities since 2012, expressed that his experience has been invaluable in understanding the inherent limitations of a non-elected municipal setup. He believes that transitioning to an ‘elected membership’ status within the municipal council could effectively address many of these limitations and challenges.
Discussing the upliftment of downtrodden people in the urban area, he emphasized the importance of sustainable livelihood opportunities. Lanuakum suggested initiatives such as vermicomposting and kitchen waste composting, which were successfully piloted during his chairmanship in the ward.
Additionally, Lanuakum highlighted the potential of mushroom cultivation and diversified livestock rearing to uplift marginalized communities. “When discussing livestock, our focus often gravitates towards pigs, but there’s a wealth of options beyond that, including poultry. Success in this field hinges greatly on the quality of our rearing practices,” he remarked.
He stressed the need for skill-based training programs, such as those for electricians. He attributed much of the unemployment among educated individuals to a deficiency in relevant skills.
“Currently, the market for GST services is outsourced from Jorhat and elsewhere. However, by equipping our youth with tally training, we can potentially cease this outsourcing,” he suggested.
Lanuakum, 48, holds an MSc in Anthropology from Delhi University and has a long history of involvement in various leadership and community service roles. His leadership extends beyond politics into sports, where he held prominent positions in table tennis associations at the district and state levels.
Lanuakum’s community involvement also includes serving as Vice President of the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town from 2021 to 2024 and as Assistant General Secretary for the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry since 2019. He is a Founding Member of the Mokokchung Entrepreneur Consortium and an active member of the NDPP (Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party).
Discussing his preferred party affiliation for the upcoming contest, he expressed his inclination towards the NDPP, considering its current popularity. He expressed optimism, stating, “I would be grateful if the party recognizes my potential contributions and entrust me with their ticket.”
