Chairman of the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Hukheto Yepthomi, on Saturday called for unity, inclusiveness and collective responsibility and urged civil society organizations and urban councils to work together to rebuild the sense of community in Dimapur, stating that the city’s strength lies in its people and their ability to stand united beyond tribal and regional lines.
Addressing the 5th General Conference of the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) at Town Hall, Yepthomi congratulated the Federation’s office bearers and members and commended their dedication and service to the people of Dimapur. He acknowledged that in the absence of an active municipal council in the past, civil society bodies like DUCCF had shouldered the responsibility of managing the city and safeguarding public interests.
“Over the years, DUCCF has done well. The initiatives and agendas you have stood for remind all of us of the need for unity and progress in Dimapur,” he said, while also appealing to DUCCF and other organizations to extend their support and cooperation to the newly functioning DMC.
Describing DUCCF as an important pressure group representing various urban councils, Yepthomi said its constructive advice had been valuable and reiterated that all representatives, whether elected or nominated, carried a shared obligation to work for the welfare of the people.
“In a vibrant city like Dimapur, full of people and activities, the sense of community is fast disappearing,” he observed.
He noted that while Naga society has traditionally been rooted in clan, village, region and tribe, this identity has sometimes resulted in tribalism. Dimapur, he said, is the perfect place to broaden the definition and understanding of community and look beyond tribes, villages and so on.
Lamenting that many residents today do not even know their neighbours, he urged to build an inclusive community and society, adding, community is the backbone of culture and society, which builds trust, support and proportion.
“Man is a social animal. Without a community, we will be isolated beings. Perhaps this is why nowadays, we see many mental issues and absence of purpose especially in our youth,” he added.
As the conference marked its fifth milestone, Yepthomi called upon all leaders to come together to build a better Dimapur and envision the city as a model for all Nagas and communities. He assured that the Dimapur Municipal Council remains open to collaboration and suggestions, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development.
Nagamese unites Nagas beyond tribes, says NCD President
Emphasizing unity beyond tribal and linguistic divisions, President of the Naga Council Dimapur, G K Rengma said that Nagamese remains the strongest unifying force among the Naga people, enabling communication and understanding across the diverse tribes of Nagaland.
Rengma said that while Nagas belong to many tribes and speak numerous dialects, sometimes differing even from village to village, there is one language that binds them all without cost or effort: Nagamese.
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He pointed out that families spend lakhs of rupees to teach their children English and Hindi, yet Nagamese, which everyone understands, is a God-gifted language that requires no formal learning.
“That is why I am speaking in Nagamese today,” he said, noting that despite Nagaland being a Christian state where English is widely spoken, it is Nagamese that truly connects people across districts and tribes.
Rengma described Dimapur as the “Gateway of Nagaland” and the “City of Nagaland,” where unity among civil society organizations is essential. He said the Naga Council, established in 1949, has been serving as the apex civil society body in Dimapur for 76 years with the motto “All in One,” embracing all tribes of Nagaland, including Southern Nagas.
He highlighted that not every Naga is part of organizations such as the Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers’ Association or the Naga Students’ Federation individually, but in Dimapur, the Naga Council brings everyone together under one umbrella. He said key bodies such as DUCCF, GB Sadar, Dimapur Naga Students Union, Naga Women Hoho and various other civil societies function under the Naga Council.
Praising the DUCCF leadership, Rengma said the Federation represents 36 tribes across 97 colonies in Dimapur and plays a crucial role in maintaining grassroots governance. He lauded DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato and his team for their dynamic leadership and understanding of the realities at the colony level, saying they know what is working and what needs improvement.
Calling for stronger unity among civil society groups, Rengma warned that the time had come for people to “wake up” and respond to the challenges facing Dimapur. He urged leaders to remain vigilant and united for the greater good of the city and its people.
In a light-hearted but earnest appeal, he requested the newly elected DUCCF chairman to work towards recognizing more colonies, suggesting that the number be expanded from 97 to 101. Recalling his tenure as a member of the Dimapur Town Committee from 1994 to 2001, Rengma said several colonies were recognized during that period and expressed hope that more would now receive official status.
DUCCF president calls for unity, integrity and moral responsibility
In his presidential address, DUCCF President, Zasivikho Zakiesato called upon urban leaders to rise above personal interests and work together with unity, integrity and moral responsibility to guide Dimapur through its rapid growth and mounting challenges.
“This conference reflects our shared commitment to unity, responsibility and progress,” he said, adding that the DUCCF continues to serve as a bridge between citizens and the district administration, between tradition and modern governance, and among the diverse voices of Dimapur’s expanding urban landscape.
Reflecting on the period from 2023 to 2025, Zakietaso said the Federation had emerged as a united voice for urban councils, working to protect public interest, strengthen grassroots governance and uphold democratic values. Despite numerous challenges, he said, the DUCCF has remained steadfast in pursuing peace, dialogue and orderly urban governance.
He acknowledged the guidance and support of the Naga Council Dimapur, under whose leadership the DUCCF was formed, and thanked all civil society organizations for standing with the federation over the years. Reiterating the purpose of the DUCCF, he said it was created to act as a collective voice of Dimapur’s urban councils and to work in partnership with all stakeholders for the welfare of the people.
Introducing the new office bearers, he urged them to carry their responsibilities with integrity, humility and courage, reminding them that leadership is about service and not position. He also expressed appreciation to the outgoing office bearers for their dedication and courage in keeping the federation strong and respected.
Zakietaso further appealed to all DUCCF members to remain united and vigilant, and to work tirelessly for the welfare of the people and the progress of Dimapur.
Others who spoke on the occasion include Thejao Sekhose, President, AKWMC & NUCF and Limasashi Ao, President, AWUMT.
