The proposal to create Jalukie district, carved from the existing Peren district, has gained significant momentum, with strong backing from the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Jalukie, T.L. Kiusumong Tikhir.
In an official recommendation dated October 3, which has been widely circulated on social media, ADC Tikhir expressed his support for the Jalukie District Demand Committee (JDDC) and its proposal. He emphasized that the plan aligns with the government’s push for decentralized governance and inclusive development. “The proposal by the Jalukie District Demand Committee aligns with the Government’s vision for decentralized governance, improving public services, and fostering inclusive all-round development,” stated Tikhir in his recommendation.
The recommendation underscores that the formation of a new district will enhance governance, streamline public services, and improve the quality of life for residents. “The creation of Jalukie district will significantly improve governance, public services, and provide better quality of life and opportunities for its citizens,” Tikhir noted.
Citing the region’s vast geographical area and dispersed population, Tikhir highlighted the feasibility of the new district, asserting that the move would bring public services closer to the people.
EastMojo reached out to ADC Tikhir for further comments.
When contacted, Tikhir explained that his recommendation was a response to persistent public demand. “The public of the sub-division had multiple consultations and formed the Jalukie District Demand Committee (JDDC),” he said.
He added that the JDDC is expected to submit a formal memorandum to the state government. “I believe they will be submitting a memorandum to the state government. They requested a recommendation from my office, and since it is a public demand, I provided the same,” he explained.
For more details, Tikhir referred further inquiries to the committee leading the charge. “For additional information, the convener of the JDDC would be the right person to contact,” the ADC advised.
Speaking to EastMojo, the convener of JDDC, Mr. Masang, confirmed that the proposal is ready. “All the initial stages are complete. The committee has finalized everything, and we are now waiting to submit the memorandum to the government of Nagaland,” he said.
Masang emphasized that the demand reflects widespread public sentiment, with considerable support from the local population. “Our demand is a public demand. Due to administrative inconveniences, we are requesting it,” he explained.
When asked about the extent of local support, Masang confirmed widespread backing and highlighted the region’s eligibility for district status. “Yes, we have over 80,000 people from the proposed district area behind us. The proposed district stretches from the Jalukie sub-division, including the Punglwa plain sector, up to the Khelma border. We have support from all the villages and residents in the area, and we are fully prepared to present our demand to the government,” he stated.
Masang further asserted that the region meets the necessary criteria for district creation. “In terms of population and area, we surpass many existing districts. Inside Peren, we have the population size and geographical scope of three or four districts. We hope the government will understand our concerns and grant us district status,” he remarked.
When asked if the JDDC had approached the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Peren district, Masang clarified the committee’s approach. “No, we didn’t reach out to the DC. Since the ADC headquarters is in Jalukie, the ADC is fully aware of the ground realities. He knows whether a district is feasible, and that’s why we approached him for a recommendation. He willingly agreed and acknowledged our concerns as valid,” Masang explained.
“We are asking for a district, carving parts from Peren and Tening,” the JDDC convenor added.
Masang concluded by stating that the committee plans to engage with the media after submitting its demand to the state government. “Once we submit our demand, we will speak to the media more openly. For now, we are focused on presenting our case to the state government,” he said.
The JDDC is expected to submit its formal request to the state government soon, after which the committee will engage more openly with the press. It remains to be seen how the state cabinet will respond to the concerns raised by the JDDC, particularly now that the proposal has received the backing of the ADC.
If approved, Jalukie would join the list of newly created districts in Nagaland. In January 2021, Noklak district was carved from Tuensang. Later that year, Chumoukedima and Niuland were separated from Dimapur, while Tseminyu was formed from parts of Kohima. In January 2022, Shamator district was also carved out from Tuensang.
The JDDC’s proposal comes amid a growing call for decentralized governance across the state.
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