Longsa Village is celebrating Tsüngremmung Festival from August 1 to 3, organised by Longsa Village Council with support from the Nagaland Tourism Department.
Mokokchung, August 2 (MExN): Longsa Village is celebrating the Tsüngremmung Festival from August 1 to 3, organised by the Longsa Village Council and supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.
On the second day of the celebration, Aug 2, known as Yatimung, the festival featured G Kaito Aye, Minister for PWD (R&B), Nagaland, as the Chief Guest; Imkong L Imchen, MLA and Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, as the Guest of Honour; and Imkongmar, MLA and Advisor for Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Nagaland, as the Honoured Guest, stated a press release.
In his address, G Kaito Aye noted that the festival is celebrated with sacred reverence in Longsa and appreciated the presence of people from diverse tribes, including the Sumi and Sangtam communities, and acknowledged the uniqueness of the festival.
“On behalf of the Government of Nagaland, I want to assure you that we are actively pursuing solutions for the Nagas in the capacity of the state government. Speaking broadly, Naga issues require unity and collective effort—because only then can lasting solutions be achieved,” Aye stated. “Nagas often remain disunited on several important issues, and we do not know how to put out the spark once it is lit,” Aye said.
He stressed that unity can still be achieved through the sharing and exchange of cultures and traditions. “We are not strangers to one another—we are one,” he said, underlining that such unity is essential for building a stronger and more cohesive Nagaland.
Funding hurdles delay road development
In response to the Longsa Village Council’s memorandum, the minister acknowledged that the current road—an intermediate project funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC)—faced funding shortfalls. While he has raised the issue again this financial year, the state government cannot commit additional funds due to budgetary constraints. However, he assured that the government would prioritize the stretch from Dikhu River to Longsa. In the interim, he said some maintenance will be done within his own resources.
He acknowledged the demand for improvement of the Longsa–Surohuto–Aghunato road and informed that the state government had already submitted a proposal under NEC, with a projected estimate of RS 200–300 crores. While recognizing the significant funding required, he assured attendees that the project remains active, with ongoing efforts to advance it.
The minister noted that the road project was originally conceived by Alemtemshi Jamir, Nagaland’s former Chief Secretary. However, he clarified that due to limited state resources, such a project cannot be undertaken by the state government alone. Emphasizing the critical need for a Detailed Project Report (DPR), he explained this documentation is mandatory for central government approval and funding. While routine maintenance continues, he admitted that large-scale development projects often face funding challenges, resulting in delays.
The Longsa Village Council had submitted a memorandum to the Minister of Public Works Department (R&B), Nagaland during the Tsüngremmung Festival. In their letter, the Council urgently appealed for the construction of a permanent RCC bridge over the Dikhu River and the blacktopping of the Longsa–Surohuto–Aghunato Road, describing both as critical lifelines for the region.
The Council stated that the existing Bailey bridge over the Dikhu River—constructed in the 1960s—has now reached a dangerously dilapidated state, well beyond the scope of human repairs. They cautioned that the bridge, which serves as a vital communication link between Tuensang district and the Surohuto–Aghunato ranges of Zunheboto district, could collapse at any time, posing a major threat to commuters and regional connectivity.
The Council highlighted that the Longsa–Surohuto–Aghunato Road, which passes through their village, has been maintained over the years through the collective efforts and sacrifices of the villagers, in close coordination with the concerned department. However, they emphasized that the road is now in dire need of blacktopping and requires immediate government intervention to prevent further deterioration.
The Village Council urged him to treat the matter as one of the highest priority and to sanction the necessary funds within the current financial year. They expressed hope that the visit of the Minister would not only strengthen cultural ties but also translate into tangible development outcomes for the people of the region.
Speeches were delivered by Imkong L Imchen, MLA and Advisor, and Imkongmar, MLA and Advisor. Short speeches were also delivered by Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, and Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Nagaland.
Earlier, Rongsenmongba Tatar, convenor of the Tourism Committee, delivered the welcome address, followed by Significance of Tsüngremmung by Noklenrenba Tatar. The event also included a cultural presentation by the winners of the cultural competition.
Cultural showcases were presented by Sangpu Mepu, Longsadi Mepu, Imnasanger, Longsa Watsü Telen, MTLST, and cultural troupes from Tichipami Village (Sumi) and Chari Village (Sangtam). The event concluded with a word of acknowledgement by Limaakum Tatar.
