Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Mangkolemba and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) have appealed for establishment of a Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) station in Mangkolemba sub-division, Mokokchung district.
In a letter to S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, advisor for Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guard & Civil Defence, CSOs Mangkolemba chairman Tiakumzuk and secretary Wapongtoshi stated that the appeal stems from the urgent need to safeguard lives and property their area, which has long suffered from neglect in this critical aspect. They highlighted several reasons and justifications to support their request.
Geographical and logistical challenges: Mangkolemba, one of the oldest sub-divisions in Mokokchung district, is located 65 kilometers from the district headquarters. Poor road conditions have made timely responses to emergencies nearly impossible, the CSOs noted.
Distance from existing F&ES station: The CSOs pointed out that the nearest Fire station is located in Mokokchung. They emphasized that the response time for fire brigades to reach Mangkolemba, especially via poorly maintained roads, was alarmingly long.
By the time assistance arrives, the damage is often already extensive, turning the response into mere documentation of the aftermath rather than preventing it. They stressed that without a local fire station, it was impossible to address fire emergencies efficiently.
Significance of Mangkolemba sub-division: The CSOs highlighted that Mangkolemba sub-division encompasses three major ranges—Tzurangkong, Japukong, and Jangpetkong—out of the six ranges in Mokokchung district.
Despite its significant size and population, they said the sub-division has been overlooked in terms of infrastructure and emergency services. They asserted that the absence of a fire station in such an important area underscores neglect and leaves the residents vulnerable during emergencies.
Frequent fire incidents: The CSOs said that over the years, Mangkolemba witnessed numerous fire incidents, including two major fires this year that destroyed homes and properties. While no lives have been lost so far, the community lives in constant fear of future tragedies, it said.
Appeal for justice: The CSOs emphasized that the residents of the sub-division have demonstrated remarkable patience despite the neglect. They pointed out that ensuring safety of the community was a fundamental right that must be upheld, and that establishing a fire station is not a privilege but a necessity.
The CSOs urged immediate intervention, stating that the establishment of F&ES station would greatly enhance the safety and security of the local population and their property. They also noted that such an action would demonstrate the government’s commitment to equitable development and the welfare of all regions in Nagaland.
CSOs concluded by expressing their hope for a positive and swift response to this long-overdue demand, stressing that this appeal represents the collective voice of the Mangkolemba community.
AKM: Taking note of the recent devastating fire incident in Mangkolemba town, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba emphasized the urgent need to establish fire stations in all sub-divisions in Nagaland to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
AKM highlighted that the absence of proper firefighting infrastructure contributed significantly to the losses and urged the government to prioritize the allocation of funds for the construction of fire stations in all sub-divisions under Mokokchung district on top priority.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, AKM urged upon all to support the affected families. “In times of adversity, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our diverse community,” AKM said.
AKM also extended support to the demands made by advisor for Transport & Technical Education, Temjenmenba. It pointed out that Mangkolemba sub-division, being one of the oldest sub-divisions covering Jangpetkong, Japukong, and Tzürangkong ranges, has been one of the most neglected areas with poor road connectivity.
AKM reiterated that proactive measures, including the establishment of fire stations, are essential for timely response during such emergencies. “Investing in necessary infrastructure such as fire stations, can effectively prevent and mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future,” they stated.