A ground reality check conducted by Nagaland News Network (NNN) on August 31 found that a number of shops were still functioning beneath the flyover near the railway station and Station Road. While portions of the area have been cleared and are being developed for parking, several other temporary structures remain in operation.

The issue is not new. In November 2023, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio, along with the Deputy Commissioner, DMC Administrator, police and other officials, had inspected several parts of Dimapur, including the area below the new railway flyover. At the time, it was stated that the structures were unauthorised and that steps would be taken for their removal.

A report published in December 2023 also highlighted that shops continued to operate beneath the railway flyover despite directives for the removal of temporary structures. Shopkeepers at the time reportedly claimed that DMC was collecting monthly payments from them. The Naga Council Dimapur had also urged the administration to remove the temporary structures and develop the area into a systematic vehicle parking lot.

More recently, the Dimapur Municipal Council launched a phase-wise demolition and clearance drive in November 2025, including the space beneath the new flyover. DMC Chairman Hukheto Yepthomi stated that the cleared spaces would be converted into designated parking zones and that the drive would continue in phases.

However, NNN’s ground report on Monday found that the clearance remains incomplete.

₹20 daily collection raises questions

During interactions with shopkeepers operating beneath the flyover, some claimed that they are paying ₹20 every day to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC). They also stated that they had not received any notice or information directing them to vacate the area.

The claim raises a key question: if the structures have already been identified as unauthorised, on what basis are payments being collected from vendors occupying the same public space?

The ground report also found an alcohol outlet operating beneath the flyover. During NNN’s visit, the outlet reportedly shut its shutter after the news team arrived, raising questions over its operation and regulatory status.

Nagaland continues to have the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, which prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, consumption and manufacture of liquor, subject to the exemptions provided under the law. The State Government continues to list the Act among its operative laws, while the Excise & Prohibition Department remains responsible for its enforcement.
The issue therefore raises another question for the Excise & Prohibition Department and district administration: how is an alleged liquor outlet able to operate from a location that has already been identified for clearance?

What was originally described as temporary vending structures now appears, in several sections, to have evolved into more established commercial spaces, according to the ground observation.

This is particularly significant because the administration’s earlier stated plan was not merely to remove the structures but to restore the space for public use, including parking.

In November 2023, Zhaleo Rio had stated that the shops below the railway flyover were illegal, noting that there were no records with the DMC showing that the council had allotted such spaces to individuals. He had also called for immediate action and a clear timeline for removing illegal structures.

There has since been visible progress in some portions of the flyover area, with cleared sections being used for parking. However, the continued presence of other shops indicates that the process remains incomplete.

The post Illegal Shops, Daily Collections and a Liquor Outlet: What’s Happening Under Dimapur Flyover? first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

Speaking at the two-day national seminar on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at Town Hall, Dimapur, Rio said resource extraction has remained stalled amid unresolved Naga political issues. He said the state has already signed an MoU with the Union Petroleum Ministry for exploration and development, but operations have faced resistance. Referring to petroleum operations along the Assam-Nagaland border, he said extraction continued on the Assam side while operations in Nagaland were halted, recalling oil leakage at Champang after operations stopped in the 1990s.

“We are rich, but we remain poor,” Rio said, stressing the need to look beyond political issues and focus on economic development. He also called for dialogue among all stakeholders, greater attention to Article 371A safeguards and proper implementation of the BEFR.

Senior Supreme Court advocate Eno Prashant Bhushan questioned the need for ILP and other restrictions on the movement of Indian citizens, arguing that such systems could deepen divisions. Referring to constitutional rights to freedom of movement and protection of culture, he questioned whether cultural safeguards should require restrictions such as ILP. He also advocated greater decentralisation of power and shared his view that advanced artificial intelligence could eventually reduce national and internal boundaries and promote greater cooperation.

Meanwhile, NSF President Eno Mteisuding said the seminar was “one of its kind” and could bring change to Naga society. Clarifying that the NSF’s ILP demand is not against non-Nagas, he said it is aimed at protecting Naga identity, culture and rights. He urged the government to ensure a smooth and friendly ILP process and, in the presence of the Chief Minister, called for ILP enforcement across the entire state of Nagaland.

The NSF also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday, reiterating its concerns and demands regarding ILP implementation.

The post RIO CALLS FOR OPEN-MINDED APPROACH TO RESOURCES; NSF SEEKS STATEWIDE ILP ENFORCEMENT first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

Speaking to Nagaland News Network (NNN) on August 28, NMDA Grievances Cell member Tovika Sumi said the association welcomed the police action and strongly condemned the illegal sale and distribution of restricted medicines.

Sumi clarified that the accused, 29-year-old Monthan Mura, is not a member of the NMDA and that the godown from where the seizure was reportedly made is also not listed with the association.

He said codeine-based cough syrup is a restricted medicine and can be sold only under a doctor’s prescription, with proper documentation and records maintained by licensed dealers.

The Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department’s notification dated February 3, 2023, restricts the sale, distribution and stocking of codeine and other specified medicines in the state, while prescribing quantity limits and record-keeping requirements for licensed wholesalers and retailers.

Meanwhile, the Drugs Control Officer, Dimapur, told NNN on August 28 that the department had no comment on the matter at this stage but would fully cooperate with the police and provide necessary assistance in the ongoing investigation.

The post CODEINE SYRUP HAUL: NMDA CLARIFIES ARRESTED ACCUSED AND GODOWN NOT LINKED TO ASSOCIATION first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 29: Dimapur Police arrested two persons and recovered five .303 rifles along with 90 rounds of live ammunition during an interception at Aoyimti village on August 27.

According to police officials at East Police Station, the operation was carried out based on intelligence inputs regarding the movement of arms and ammunition. The police team intercepted an auto-rickshaw bearing registration number NL07F-6939 near the Aoyimti village cemetery at around 5:30 p.m. on August 27.

During a search of the vehicle, police recovered five .303 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition. Two mobile phones and the auto-rickshaw were also seized in connection with the case.

The two arrested persons have been identified by Dimapur Police as Ghotovi Yeptho, 50, described as a self-styled Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN-Kitovi, and Akhehoto Yeptho, 33. Police said Ghotovi Yeptho claimed affiliation with the NSCN-Kitovi, while the affiliation, if any, of the younger man is yet to be ascertained.

The two are reportedly brothers and hail from Zunheboto district.

A case has been registered at East Police Station, and both accused are currently in police custody as the investigation continues.

The seizure has raised questions over the source and intended destination of the firearms and ammunition. Investigators are also expected to establish the ownership of the auto-rickshaw and determine whether Akhehoto Yeptho has any affiliation with an armed group.

Police are probing where the five rifles and 90 rounds of ammunition were being taken from and where they were allegedly headed. The motive behind the transportation of the arms is also yet to be established.

The recovery comes amid heightened police action against the illegal movement of contraband and other unlawful activities in and around Dimapur.

Meanwhile, clarification from the NSCN-Kitovi is awaited regarding the alleged affiliation of Ghotovi Yeptho and his identification by police as a self-styled Deputy Kilonser of the group.

Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.

The post DMP POLICE RECOVER FIVE .303 RIFLES, 90 LIVE AMO FROM AUTORICKSHAW; 2 BROTHERS ARRESTED first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

Speaking to Nagaland News Network (NNN) on August 28, NMDA Grievances Cell member Tovika Sumi said the association welcomed the police action and strongly condemned the illegal sale and distribution of restricted medicines.

Sumi clarified that the accused, 29-year-old Monthan Mura, is not a member of the NMDA and that the godown from where the seizure was reportedly made is also not listed with the association.

He said codeine-based cough syrup is a restricted medicine and can be sold only under a doctor’s prescription, with proper documentation and records maintained by licensed dealers.

The Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department’s notification dated February 3, 2023, restricts the sale, distribution and stocking of codeine and other specified medicines in the state, while prescribing quantity limits and record-keeping requirements for licensed wholesalers and retailers.

Meanwhile, the Drugs Control Officer, Dimapur, told NNN on August 28 that the department had no comment on the matter at this stage but would fully cooperate with the police and provide necessary assistance in the ongoing investigation.

The post CODEINE SYRUP HAUL: NMDA CLARIFIES ARRESTED ACCUSED AND GODOWN NOT LINKED TO ASSOCIATION first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

Speaking to the media, Nilesh Kumar Jha, District Secretary, AIBEA, UCO Bank and Northeast President, said bank unions are urging the Department of Financial Services to honour the commitment on five-day banking made under the 12th Bipartite Settlement signed in March 2024.
The unions have also opposed the revised PLI scheme for officers in Scale IV and above, terming it discriminatory, and called for the matter to be resolved through bilateral discussions.

Other demands include pension updation, a uniform DA formula for pensioners and an option for NPS-covered employees to switch to OPS.
UFBU has announced an all-India strike on September 11, followed by strikes on September 28, 29 and 30. An indefinite strike from October 26, 2026 has also been announced if the demands remain unresolved.

The post UFBU ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE STRIKE OVER 5-DAY BANKING, DISCRIMINATORY PLI SCHEME first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

According to information received, one person died on the spot, while five others sustained injuries in the accident. The injured were admitted to Lenjem Hospital, Mokokchung, where they are undergoing treatment.

Following the incident, officials of the Sangtam Union, Mokokchung, visited the injured students. The President of the Sangtam Union, Mokokchung, also confirmed the incident over the phone.

The post ACCIDENT ON CHARE-MKG ROAD WHILE ENROUTE FOR STUDY TRIP; INJURED ADMITTED AT MKG HOSPITAL first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

Dimapur, August 26: Dimapur Police from the East Police Station conducted a raid at a godown located at Marwari Patti, Jain Bhavan Road, OM Shanti Building, on Tuesday night following information regarding suspected narcotics-related activities.

According to information gathered by Nagaland News Network (NNN), police seized around 126 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup, which is reportedly a banned/illegal narcotic substance, from the godown.

Sources said that when the police reached the location, no one was present at the site and the godown was found locked. Police subsequently broke open the lock and carried out a search of the premises, during which the suspected narcotic cough syrup was recovered.

Following the raid, NNN visited the site and found the door of the godown broken, with the premises largely empty. Some medicines and rubbish were seen inside, apparently left behind following the police operation.

Speaking on the police department’s zero-tolerance approach towards narcotic drugs, the ADCP said the police are making efforts to curb the illegal trade and use of narcotics by conducting raids whenever they receive information regarding such activities. He said the department is also focusing on public awareness programmes to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse.

The ADCP further stated that whenever information regarding the presence or movement of drugs is received, police immediately take necessary action and attempt to identify and arrest those involved, with offenders to be dealt with according to the law. He also appealed to members of the public to share information with the police and contribute towards the collective “War Against Drugs.”

Meanwhile, police said that the investigation is still underway to establish who owns the godown, how the consignment reached the location and how many people may be involved in the alleged illegal activity.

No arrests have been made so far, and police are continuing their investigation. Further details are expected as the case develops.

The post DMP: 126 CARTONS OF CODEINE BASED COUGH SYRUP SEIZED FROM TUESDAY NIGHT’S POLICE RAID AT MARWARI PATTI first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

The meeting was organised by Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti under the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland Police and Nagaland State Legal Services Authority.Highlighting the gap between policy and implementation, Sharma said that while numerous laws, schemes and institutional mechanisms exist, their impact on the ground remains limited unless they are supported by effective coordination, capable personnel and committed implementation.He said the public often approaches the police for a wide range of problems, including domestic violence, child abuse, family disputes, fraud and other social issues.

While the police cannot intervene in every civil dispute, he stressed that the force must have the necessary legal and institutional capacity to respond effectively wherever public safety or criminality is involved.Sharma also highlighted social issues such as illegal money lending and alcohol abuse, noting their damaging impact on families and communities. He pointed out that public expectations of the police can sometimes exceed the powers provided under existing laws, underlining the need to strengthen systems within the framework of law.

On child protection, the DGP said social norms and legal understanding continue to evolve, with certain practices previously regarded as acceptable increasingly being recognised as child abuse, domestic violence or other forms of wrongdoing.He emphasised the importance of creating accessible institutions where victims can report abuse and seek assistance. Women, children and other victims, he said, must be encouraged to speak up, as early reporting can help authorities understand the scale of problems, allocate resources and identify patterns that could prevent more serious offences.

A key announcement at the meeting was the proposed launch of a single online police complaint and reporting portal, expected within the next 10 to 12 days. The system is intended to allow citizens to submit complaints electronically and receive a tracking number to monitor the progress of their cases.Clarifying the proposed system, Sharma said a complaint would not automatically constitute an FIR. Police would examine whether the matter involves a cognisable offence, a non-cognisable offence or is purely civil in nature. Where a cognisable offence is disclosed, an FIR would have to be registered, while purely civil matters would be directed to the appropriate forum.The system is also expected to strengthen supervisory monitoring, enabling senior police officers to track the progress of complaints and preliminary enquiries from the police station level up to the DGP’s office. Complainants would also be able to know what action has been taken and, where applicable, why an FIR was not registered.Sharma said early reporting of incidents such as stalking, harassment and child abuse could help police identify recurring patterns and potentially prevent escalation into more serious crimes.He further cautioned village councils, customary institutions, associations and individuals against taking the law into their own hands, particularly in cases involving serious cognisable offences that fall under the formal criminal justice system.The DGP also stressed the importance of public servants fulfilling the responsibilities attached to their positions, saying that institutions can only earn public trust when officials actively perform the duties for which they are entrusted with public resources.

He called for NGOs, civil society organisations and the public to play a constructive role in addressing social problems while ensuring that their interventions remain within the law.The meeting ultimately underscored the need for greater institutional coordination, accessible reporting mechanisms and stronger public confidence in government and justice institutions to improve protection and response mechanisms for women and children in Nagaland.

The post NAGALAND POLICE TO INTRODUCE ONLINE COMPLAINT TRACKING SYSTEM first appeared on Nagaland News Network.

Dimapur, August 25: A HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme was held in Dimapur on August 25 under the theme “Awareness Today, Protection for Tomorrow.” The programme was organised by Dimapur 24/7 Foundation in collaboration with the District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA), Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, with the aim of promoting awareness on HIV prevention, treatment and reducing stigma and discrimination.Orenthung Ngullie, District Programme Officer (DPO), DISHA resources person for today, emphasised the need to address misconceptions and fear surrounding HIV and AIDS.Ngullie said that the way HIV and AIDS have sometimes been portrayed through disturbing images in projectors, pamphlets and booklets may have contributed to stigma and discrimination. He clarified that such perceptions do not reflect the reality of HIV and urged people not to fear or discriminate against those living with the virus.

Explaining the difference between HIV and AIDS, Ngullie said HIV is a virus, while AIDS is the clinical stage or syndrome that can develop when HIV remains untreated. He stressed that treatment plays a crucial role in prevention, explaining that when a person living with HIV is not on treatment, the virus can multiply and increase the risk of transmission.He identified four major routes of HIV transmission: from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding; through infected blood; through contaminated needles and syringes; and through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, which he identified as the highest concern.

Ngullie further stated that Nagaland records an average of 80 to 90 new HIV infections every month, and questioned how an HIV-free generation can be achieved without immediate and collective action.He stressed that HIV prevention is not solely the responsibility of the medical department or NGOs, but requires equal responsibility from the wider community.He also urged people to follow the ABC approach—A: Abstain from sex before marriage; B: Be faithful to your partner; and C: Correct and consistent use of condoms.

Addressing common misconceptions, Ngullie clarified that HIV does not spread through hugging, sleeping together, sharing utensils or mosquito bites. He called for greater awareness, responsible behaviour and compassion towards people living with HIV, while stressing the importance of testing, treatment and prevention.The programme also included a welcome address, felicitation, question-and-answer session, a short speech and a vote of thanks, with participation from members of Dimapur 24/7, DISHA and the local community.

The post 80-90 NEW HIV INFECTIONS REPORTED MONTHLY IN DIMAPUR, NIULAND & CHUMOÜKEDIMA first appeared on Nagaland News Network.