The Ao homeland that once led Nagaland in education, faith, and progress must now rediscover its spirit of unity and development.
Mokokchung often referred to as the Land of the Pioneers holds a unique and historic place in Nagaland. Home to the Ao community, it carries the proud legacy of being the first among the Nagas to embrace Christianity and Western education. This acceptance opened the door to progress in many fields such as education, politics, literature, music, sports and leadership making the Aos torchbearers in more ways than one.
I was born in Mokokchung in the early 1980s to a Malayali father and an Ao mother. My father being a government officer was frequently transferred to different districts, which meant our family had to relocate often. Yet, no matter where we were Mokokchung remained a constant anchor in our lives. Every Christmas and New Year we would return to my maternal grandparents’ home in Mokokchung. The town carried a distinct aura during those times alive with warmth, unity and celebration that set it apart from anywhere else.
Years later, I was fortunate to return to Mokokchung as an adult and work there for more than six years. But what I found was a sobering contrast to the memories of my childhood. The town that once brimmed with charm, glory and togetherness seemed to have lost much of that spirit. The sense of unity that defined Mokokchung’s strength had weakened leaving behind visible divisions and a fading sense of collective identity.
Blessed with fertile soil, scenic beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Mokokchung also stands at a strategic location. Historically, it has been a center of learning and leadership with the potential to influence not only its own people but neighboring districts as well. Yet, when we look closely at the present one uncomfortable question arises: Are we content to remain prisoneers of our past glory or are we ready to learn, unlearn and build a brighter future?
Despite our pioneering history the reality today is disappointing. Basic necessities like healthcare remains a glaring gap. Mokokchung does not have a good hospital, forcing people to travel outside the district for critical treatments. Similarly, we lack technical institutes and a medical college/institutions that could have transformed not only Mokokchung but the entire region. These opportunities could have been realized had our leaders been sincere visionaries and committed to the people.
Economically too, the district has fallen short of its potential. Mokokchung with its advantageous location, could have developed into a commercial hub similar to Dimapur serving as a center of trade and commerce for neighboring districts such as Tuensang, Longleng, Noklak, and Zunheboto. Unfortunately, poor planning and lack of political will have left this vision unrealized. Even the long-discussed railway line to Tuli once seen as a lifeline for passengers and goods transport remains an unfulfilled promise.
Another major challenge is road connectivity. The district’s roads both within the town and leading to other regions are in poor condition despite some improvements in recent years. Poor infrastructure has hampered trade, mobility and even access to basic services like healthcare and education. A district known as the gateway to progress cannot afford to remain disconnected, yet this remains one of Mokokchung’s most pressing problems. Politically Mokokchung sends ten MLAs to the State Assembly the highest number from any district in Nagaland. This representation should have translated into greater development, infrastructure and opportunities for the people. Sadly, this strength has not been fully utilized. Instead of acting as pioneers once again, our representatives have too often fallen into division, contentment and short-sighted politics.
Adding to these challenges the population of Mokokchung town is steadily diminishing. Many families move to Dimapur, Kohima or other towns where better medical facilities, educational institutions and job opportunities are available. Most retired government servants also prefer to settle outside Mokokchung especially in Kohima and Dimapur because of the comfort and facilities found there. If this trend continues, the town may lose its vibrancy, weakening its role as a cultural and intellectual hub.
The Choice Before Us
What are we leaving for our future generation, only the past glory or a district truly developed? If we fail to act now the proud stories of Mokokchung will remain nothing more than museum tales, admired but irrelevant. But if we rise to the challenges, we can leave behind not just memories of who we once were but a living legacy of progress, opportunity and unity that the next generation can build upon with pride.
For that to happen urgent attention must be given to improving road connectivity, establishing proper healthcare facilities and pushing for technical and medical colleges in the district. Reviving the railway project to Tuli would also open doors to commerce and connectivity with the rest of the state and beyond. At the same time deliberate efforts must be made to create jobs for the youth whether through entrepreneurship, small industries or skill-development programs. If the younger generation finds meaningful opportunities within the district they will not be forced to migrate in search of work and Mokokchung will retain its brightest minds and most energetic workforce. Most importantly, these steps will ensure that people no longer feel the need to migrate to Dimapur, Kohima or other towns in search of better opportunities. Instead, Mokokchung can once again become a center where people choose to live, work and contribute to building a stronger community.
These are not impossible dreams but achievable goals if only leaders act with sincerity and the people remain united in purpose. The choice is ours and it must be made today.
Moajungshi Menon
