Mokokchung has set its sights on becoming “the commercial hub of the eastern flank of the state” by the time India achieves its Vikshit Bharat vision, the Municipal Council announced on August 14, citing monthly market transactions of around Rs 35.80 crore as proof of the district’s growing economic weight.
Deputy Chairman of the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) Lanuakum said daily transactions in the 18 wards are estimated at Rs 50–60 lakh — Rs 17.5 lakh from petroleum products, Rs 13 lakh from meat and fish, Rs 1.5 lakh from vegetables and fruits, and the rest from textiles, motor parts, garments, and other goods.
The remarks came during the inauguration of three projects — the Mapang Tongshi clock tower, a 3 metric ton cold storage facility, and a natural banana fibre production unit — which he described as “stepping stones to that vision.” Calling it a “proud day” for the district, he added, “Timeless spirit of Mokokchung renews.”
All three projects were initiated by NLA Speaker and Mokokchung DPDB Chairman Sharingain Longkumer under the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) 2024–25. The inaugural plaque of the Rs 50-lakh clock tower, built as an LADP Iconic Project, was unveiled by Sentirenla Jamir, wife of the Speaker, while the cold storage and banana fibre production units, funded under the LADP common pool, were inaugurated by Advisor Imkongmar and Minister Metsübo Jamir, respectively.
Talking to MT, Lanuakum said fruits and vegetables dealers can rent cold storage space from the MMC, noting it will not operate exactly like a private-run facility. On the fibre unit, he admitted the municipal council lacks technical staff but said the Department of Industries and Commerce has provided training. The fibre extraction machine scrapes the banana stem, separating strong natural fibres that can be used for weaving and rope-making, he explained, adding that management plans are still being finalised.
Leaders outline next steps
Minister Metsübo Jamir announced that a paper shredding and recycling unit is also in the pipeline for Mokokchung. Addressing criticism of elected representatives, he said, “You don’t give us the opportunity to work in Mokokchung. We need land — even if we want to bring in projects, where do we set up? We’re talking about Rs 30–40 crore projects. Criticising that we are not doing is not fair… help us help Mokokchung town.”
Advisor Imkongmar praised the cold storage facility for strengthening the agricultural market chain, while Speaker Longkumer linked Mokokchung’s growth to the state government’s Made in Nagaland initiative, saying its success depends on each district’s performance. “Where do we go from here?” he asked, urging residents to preserve the town’s ethos and resilience.
Heritage revived
The new clock tower replaces Mokokchung’s original, built in 1976 after a two-year community-led effort. Over time, the clocks on the old tower malfunctioned despite multiple repairs. During the Golden Jubilee edition of Mokokchung Christmas Cake Race in 2023, Speaker Longkumer pledged to rebuild it. A new site was chosen for technical feasibility, with land donated by the Mokokchung Village Kichu Clan.
Standing 62 feet tall with a G+4 structure and 1,250 sq. ft. plinth area, the tower named “Mapang Tongshi” houses a coffee shop on the ground floor, an art gallery and souvenir shop on the first and second floors, and a view point on the third. Four GPS-synchronised electric clocks, each 90 inches in diameter, mark the hours with a bell chime for 15 hours daily. It features night illumination, a lightning-resistant rooftop finial, security fencing, and modern access facilities.
Vision for Mokokchung’s future
MMC Councillor MB Longkumer said, “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.”
He envisioned transforming the Imkongmeren Sports Complex into a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting major tournaments such as the Dr T Ao Trophy, boosting tourism, entrepreneurship, and sports culture. He called for quality education and healthcare to reduce dependence on services outside the district, addressed water scarcity, and urged proper sanitation and waste management.
Supporting a ring road and better highways, he stressed environmental conservation and pointed to stalled projects like the Dikhu Hydro Project and Tuli railway line.