It was initially known as Kohima Town Committee (KTC) and had eight wards and four Government nominees.

[2] Yusuf Ali was the first Ex-Officio Chairman and Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire was the first Vice-Chairman (1957–1967).

In 1982, John Bosco Jasokie was elected as its first chairman.

[2] It became a Municipal Council in 2005 with 19 elected councillors.

As of 2021[update] it is still in a transitional stage without full powers transferred.