Reminiscing the Old, Envisioning the New
Inauguration of Clock Tower, Mokokchung
August 14, 2025
It is an immense privilege and honour for me to stand before you today on this historic occasion, to witness and be part of the inauguration of the new Clock Tower in our beloved town of Mokokchung. I am equally humbled to share a few words, reminiscing the old and envisioning the new.
Reminiscing the Old
As we all know, there were only three districts in Nagaland at the time of Statehood – Kohima, Mokokchung, and Tuensang. A few years after Statehood, in 1970, the Government of Nagaland approved and sanctioned a sum of Rs 40,000 each for the construction of a Clock Tower in all three district headquarters.
As fate would have it, when I took over the Vice Chairmanship of the then Mokokchung Town Committee (MTC) in 1973, my immediate predecessor, Mr Imtisungit Jamir, had already undertaken all the preliminary work for the tower’s construction.
By 1974, I remember Mr. Mapuzenba Longchar (of Sungratsu village and resident of Dilong Ward, Mokokchung), a noted businessman and contractor of his time, undertaking the task of laying the foundation and carrying out related civil works at the demarcated site provided by the Mokokchung Town Baptist Arogo (MTBA).
However, the sanctioned fund was insufficient to complete the project. As such, I approached Late Sashimeren Aier, then the Development Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, and secured additional funding for the Clock Tower.
We procured four clocks from Eastern Watch, Mumbai – one for each side of the tower. It was a memorable venture because, in those days, transporting the clocks all the way from Mumbai to Mokokchung was no small feat.
Finally, after everything was set and done, the Clock Tower was inaugurated on December 17, 1976, by S.C. Dev, the then Commissioner of the Government of Nagaland. It is nostalgic to recall that the Clock Tower will be 50 years old by next year.
Over time, the clocks began to malfunction. Despite various restoration attempts, including by the Church, they eventually stopped working altogether. I deeply appreciate all those who made the effort. After 49 years, I believe the clocks have served their purpose.
I am glad that the people of Mokokchung have been blessed by this humble Clock Tower, and I appreciate everyone who ensured its standing for 49 long years. Almost everyone who grew up in Mokokchung carries a fond memory of its image imprinted in their hearts.
In 2023, during the Golden Jubilee edition of the famous Mokokchung Christmas Cake Race, our Hon’ble Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, who was the special guest – and is also present here today – graciously announced his willingness to rebuild a new Clock Tower.
Preliminary work began soon after, and the first official meeting between the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) and the Hon’ble Speaker was held on January 10, 2024. After considering all factors, including technical feasibility, it was decided that a new location would be more viable. The MMC was entrusted with finding a suitable site, and I am grateful to the MMC leadership and the Mokokchung Village Kichu Clan for generously donating this plot of land for the new Clock Tower.
The most respected lady wife of our Hon’ble Speaker, Mrs. Sentirenla Jamir, who was also born and raised in Mokokchung, surely shares her own fond memories of the old Clock Tower. Today, we are honoured to have her unveil the inaugural plaque of the new Clock Tower.
Looking to the future, I hope and pray that the new Clock Tower will serve its purpose just as the old one did. For almost 50 years, the old tower stood witness to Mokokchung’s transformation from a small town to a bustling urban hub. It is my prayer that the new Clock Tower will watch over an even greater transformation in the next 50 years.
As the clock ticks away every minute of every day, let us pray for God’s wisdom to give us a vision for a new and greater Mokokchung.
Envisioning the New
We are fortunate that Mokokchung is located in a strategic geographical position by God’s providence. We must have the vision to capitalize on this God-given opportunity. Mokokchung was once the business centre for the northern part of Nagaland. With proper planning and determination, we can reclaim that position and become the commercial hub of northern Nagaland once again.
I also wish to see the Imkongmeren Sports Complex transformed with state-of-the-art facility, not only a source of pride for our people but also a place where games and sports promote community integration. I envision Mokokchung hosting major tournaments in the future, such as the 25th Dr. T. Ao Trophy. Such events would not only build our town’s brand image but also promote tourism, entrepreneurship, and a healthy sports culture.
I want Mokokchung to advance in education and healthcare, where our people no longer have to travel outside for quality treatment and education; instead, others will come to us. This will serve our needs and boost our economy. As a start, let us aim for a reputed high school offering quality education here before we dream of higher institutions.
We must address the issue of water scarcity, especially in winter. No society can progress without adequate water supply. Likewise, as the town grows, proper sanitation and waste management must become priorities. We must also plan beyond the current 18 wards, encouraging neighbouring villages and suburban areas to embrace a shared vision for collective growth and well-being.
I support the proposal for a ring road around Mokokchung, along with top-class national highways connecting us to the rest of the state and country. But development must not come at the cost of our environment. We must ensure that the air we breathe and the water we drink remain clean, and we should lead the way in conservation efforts.
Mokokchung town cannot progress in isolation; the entire district must move forward together. We must broaden our minds, think district-wide, and focus on projects such as the stalled Dikhu Hydro Project, the Tuli railway line, and the rich Tzürang valley.
Above all, we must work together in unity, stand for truth and empathy, and seek God’s guidance. If we embrace a broader outlook, Mokokchung will not only draw government attention but also attract private investment.
With these words, I urge all who love Mokokchung to envision the new. May the new Clock Tower stand tall to witness Mokokchung prosper, and may God bless our beloved town.
Thank you.
