In response to a letter from Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung dated 11th September 2024 regarding cabinet meeting minutes, the All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) stated that the ward committee (Authority) is the institution formed and mandated by the general public for the welfare and security of the settlers/community in their respective wards.

The AWUMT stated that the committee is a purely voluntary and independent organization constituted according to the traditional and customary practices of the Nagas and therefore, no authority has the power to disband/phase out the ward committees. It also informed that in this regard, the authorities of the 18 wards in Mokokchung held emergency general meetings in each ward where they resolved and reaffirmed to maintain these local bodies perpetually.

Further, the AWUMT Chairman Lemasashi and Secretary Lanuwapang stated that if the government is of the view that the ward authorities duplicate the functioning of the Municipal/Town Councilors, the competent authority should specifically clarify the areas of duplication in order to avoid friction and confusion between the two entities.

In the press release, the Union expressed solidarity with the Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Council (AKMWC) and supported the resolutions passed during the AKMWC meeting with ward and colony chairman/representatives, held on 30 October 2024 in Kohima.