CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurates Mongsenyimti amphitheatre, announces road upgrades to boost culture, connectivity, and rural development.
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Road upgrades announced ahead of major student and centenary events in 2026
MONGSENYIMTI — In a significant step towards promoting cultural heritage and youth development, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio virtually inaugurated the T Sentichuba Amphitheatre in Mongsenyimti village, Mokokchung district, on Tuesday.
In his address, Chief Minister Rio underscored the government’s commitment to fostering the talents of Nagaland’s youth, particularly in sports and the arts.
“My government is dedicated to working relentlessly to promote and invest in our talented youth. To this end, we have recently inaugurated 13 futsal grounds and two multipurpose halls to provide opportunities for youngsters across the state,” he said.
He highlighted the global interest in Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, noting the success of recent cultural shows in Japan and Russia.
“It has become evidently clear that the world is eager to experience the richness of our traditions and the beauty of our land and its people. This amphitheatre is poised to become a vibrant centre for such cultural exchanges,” he added.
The chief minister urged the people of Mongsenyimti and the broader 24 Angetyongpang Assembly Constituency to continue supporting the current leadership and government to drive development in the constituency.
He also announced infrastructure upgrades, including the improvement of Yongyimti Old and Yongyimti new roads in preparation for the 61st Chang Students Conference in 2026 to host by Yongyimti Old.
Additionally, the Longmisa village road will be upgraded ahead of the centenary celebration of Christianity in December 2026. “These are important steps taken towards strengthening connectivity and uplift rural infrastructure in the constituency,” he said.
The T Sentichuba Amphitheatre, a long-cherished dream of the Mongsenyimti community, was conceptualised during the Tsungremmung celebration in 2018. The village council, through Advisor Tongpang Ozukum, conveyed its aspiration for a cultural hub to the chief minister.
Though no public announcement was made at the time, Rio assured his support, which materialised through funding under the Special Assistance for State Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The project received INR 2 crore in 2023-24, followed by an additional INR 95 lakh in 2024-25, enabling the completion of this landmark facility.
With a seating capacity of 800, the amphitheatre features a central arena, green rooms, modern sanitation facilities, ample parking, and a roof for all-weather programmes.
Designed to blend modern infrastructure with cultural purpose, it serves as a platform for community interaction, artistic expression, and the celebration of Nagaland’s heritage.
“This is not just the unveiling of a new structure but the realization of a shared vision,” Rio remarked, congratulating the community for their collective efforts.
The amphitheatre is a fitting tribute to the late T Sentichuba, a dynamic leader known for his contributions to sports, student activism, and public service, he said.
Late T Sentichuba contested the state assembly election ten times, securing victory in seven.
“This infrastructure bears his name as a reflection of the people’s love and respect for a resilient and visionary leader,” Rio stated.
‘The T Sentichuba Amphitheatre is expected to boost local economic development by attracting visitors and fostering creative industries. It stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through community collaboration and visionary leadership, promising to nurture artistic expression and preserve Nagaland’s priceless cultural treasures for generations to come,’ Rio stated.
The chief minister also expressed gratitude to the people of the 24 Angetyongpang constituency for electing Tongpang Ozukum, a young and dynamic leader from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
“Ozukum is actively bringing development to the constituency, and I hope the people will continue to support the government and the party,” he said, acknowledging Ozukum’s role in advocating for the amphitheatre and infrastructure projects.
A technical report by the Engineering Wing of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports detailed the project’s execution. The work, awarded to M/s Alemthy Jr. (Regd. No. NPW/CL-I/1387), commenced in November 2023 and was completed within the stipulated time frame.
The scope included the amphitheatre, seating galleries, a central arena, green rooms, toilets, and traditional stone carvings. The department commended the contractor for maintaining high-quality standards while adhering to the timeline. Funding was allocated in two phases: INR 200 lakh under SASCI 2023-24 and INR 95 lakh under State Funds 2024-25.