The Home Guards, Civil Defence & State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Kohima conducted the opening programme of the Civil Defence Volunteers training today at the Conference Hall, Agriland Building, AG Colony, Kohima.
Speaking at the event, Alemyapang Longchar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chiephobozou, highlighted the significance of involving youth in disaster response preparedness and capacity building. Sharing past experiences from rescue and training activities, he emphasised the value of readiness, timely response and community-based support, particularly during incidents such as landslides and earthquakes. He encouraged the participants to not only learn for themselves but to later pass on the knowledge and train others.
In his welcome address, the District Commandant, Wopenthung Kikon, thanked the trainers for committing their time and expertise towards the programme. He noted that Civil Defence volunteers serve as the first responders during emergencies and stressed the importance of gaining practical skills to support disaster management efforts. He urged the trainees to take the training seriously and make full use of the opportunity.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Sinlo Khing, Company Commander. The invocation was offered by T Myinthungo from SDRF, after which the chairperson briefly introduced the team of trainers.
The seven-day programme is being attended by 200 volunteers representing various wards across Kohima.
Kiphire:

DC Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer with other officials and participants during the inaugural programme of Civil Defence Wardens & Volunteers Training held at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire
The opening program for the Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers training in Kiphire was held on November 18 at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall, Kiphire and will continue till November 24, organised by the Department of Home Guards, Civil Defence and Disaster Response Force Nagaland and funded by the Directorate General of Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards, Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India
Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, Temsuwati Longkumer in his speech, emphasized on the importance of Civil Defence Wardens & Volunteers during the training to equip with lifesaving skills for disaster response to train individuals with skills for disaster response, first aid and community support whenever disaster occurs. This training focuses on equipping volunteers with skills to act as first responders and strengthen community resilience during disasters.
DC especially emphasized on the vital role of Civil Defence Wardens in acting as the bridge between the District Administration and the Community of Civil Defence Volunteers. The master trainers were exhorted to inspire confidence and instil a sense of responsibility in the days to come.
He also remind that next year in the month of January 2026, mock drill will be conducted where air raid warming system, collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) reconnaissance and damaged assessment with components on Emergency Methods of Rescue (EMR) Medical First Responders (MFR) as well as Chemical, Biological, and Radiological first responders will be held.
He also encouraged and auded the Kiphire Town Youths from all the wards and volunteers for actively participating in the training and conveyed his best wishes to attend the week long training sincerely.
Inaho, Sub – Inspector moderated the program and assured the participants for Dearness Allowance (DA) with Certificate, and urged the participants to be disciplined and be regular in the training. The opening prayer was proposed by Thrikyuse Sangtam followed by a welcome address and opening remarks by the District Commandant, Tokashe Sema. The program culminated with closing remarks from the chair.
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Dimapur:

Officials and trainees during the inaugural program of Civil Defence Wardens & Volunteers Training held on November 18 2025 at Council Hall. (DIPR)
The inaugural training program of the Civil Defence Wardens and Volunteers, organized by the department of Home Guards, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland was held on November 18 at the Council Hall, Zeliangrong Ram Colony, Dimapur. The programme was chaired by Viboto H Sumi, SI.
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang in his speech, emphasised the crucial role of trained volunteers in disaster management. Chang said that the trainees should consider the training as a privilege and urged all volunteers to take it seriously. He emphasized that the training was not only important for the individual but also for the larger public.
He noted that Nagas as a community are very willing and forthcoming, always ready to help one another. Having knowledge of safety measures and first aid, he said, it is crucial to equips individuals to prevent injuries and assist the injured when the need arises. He encouraged all participants to complete the course sincerely.
Chang reminded the trainees that Nagaland is an incident-prone area where disasters can strike unexpectedly. Therefore, it is essential to know how to act and what steps to take during such situations. He added that people should not rely solely on the government during emergencies, as the first line of defence is always the public itself.
“Our family and neighbours are our first priority,” he said, stressing that Civil Defence knowledge is vital both in pre-disaster preparedness and post-disaster response.
He further called upon the volunteers to support the government with manpower whenever required and expressed hope that the training would equip and empower the public to respond more effectively during emergencies. He urged the participants to utilise the training as an opportunity to build resilience within their communities and support government initiatives during emergencies and natural calamities.
In his opening remarks, M Yingnyei Konyak, District Commandant, HG, CD & SDRF, Dimapur underscored the importance of strengthening community-based disaster response mechanisms and urged the trainees to take the programme seriously in order to enhance local preparedness.
The training scheduled from 18th to 24th November 2025, has drawn more than 50 youths and will cover key areas such as disaster management and mitigation, rescue techniques and the use of rescue equipment, basic fire science and fire fighting, search and rescue operations, first aid, and related emergency response skills.
The programme concluded with closing remarks from the Chairperson, a detailed training briefing for the participants.
Phek:

DC Phek, Rhosietho Nguori with other officials and trainees during the inaugural programme of Defence Wardens & Volunteers Training held at Town Hall Phek. (DIPR)
Seven days Defence Wardens & Volunteers Training programs Organised by the Department of Home Guard, Civil Defence & SDRF, Phek in collaboration with District Administration begins at Town Hall, Phek on November 18.
Addressing the keynote address of the program, Deputy Commissioner, Phek, Rhosietho Nguori extended his appreciation towards the Home Department, Government of Nagaland for organising the training program. He also spoke on the importance of intensive training for Home Guard/Civil Defence and SDRF personnel.
The DC stated that the Civil Defence personnel- Wardens and Volunteers are expected to be well equipped with vast knowledge to perform rescue operations competently during the actual occurrence of disasters and any eventualities.
Therefore, the DC encouraged the Wardens, Volunteers and SDRF personnel to take advantages of the training programs and for management of equipments so as to be enabled to face any disaster or any kind of eventualities for the safety of the public.
The training program was conducted by Sub Inspector, Inener, Platoon Commander, Home Guard, Civil Defence and SDRF, Phek.
One hundred sixty Civil Defence wardens & SDRF personnel and trainees attended the training programs. Pisamo Kotha, Company Commander, Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF, Phek delivered the vote of thanks.
Mokokchung:

DC Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma with other officials, trainees and participants during the inaugural programme of civil defence wardens and volunteers training held at Town Hall, Mokokchung. (DIPR)
The inaugural programme for training of Civil Defence wardens/volunteers was held on November 18 at Town Hall, Mokokchung. The training was organized by the Department of Home Guards, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force, Nagaland and funded by the Directorate General of FS, CD & HG, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, DC Mokokchung who is also the District Civil Defence (CD) Controller Mokokchung stressed on the importance of civil defence and volunteers during emergency situations. He calls for proper training and skilling of CD wardens and volunteers who are the first responders in time of crisis.
The DC also put a note of caution by saying that “If the public is not trained well, enormous damage could take place as Special Forces (NDRF, SDRF) take time to reach the spot. Therefore, he reiterated the importance of training society to reduce/mitigate damage.
Calling it as a wonderful opportunity for developing skills for Civil Defence wardens and volunteers for the safety of the individuals and society, the DC urged the village councils to spread awareness to mobilize more volunteers to strengthen the Civil Defence.
The DC cited Japan as a shining example for their patriotism & social service and asked the participants to draw inspiration from Japan towards the social responsibilities. The DC appealed for their support in emergency services like disaster management, rescue first aid and public awareness.
Lanutemjen, Coy. Commander, Home Guard, Civil Defence & SDRF and Deputy Controller, Mokokchung presented the introduction of training.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Abovi K. Awomi, Instructor Havildar HG, CD & SDRF Mokokchung. Invocation was proposed by Narola, Watsu President.
In the 2nd session, Abovi K. Awomi gave a PowerPoint presentation on the aim, objective, role and responsibilities of Civil Defence followed by a mock drill demonstration as part of his efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness.

