Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang calls for political and cultural unity

Published on May 3, 2025

Inaugurates Dr. Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex at Süngratsü
Deputy CM TR Zeliang addressing Süngratsü Green Moatsümong coinciding with the grand inauguration of the Dr. Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex at Sungratsu village on March 3.
Süngratsü — Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Planning & Transformation and National Highways, TR Zeliang, urged the Ao community to foster political and cultural bonding during the Süngratsü Green Moatsümong 2025, a unique celebration blending the Moatsu festival with environmental consciousness, held on Saturday at Süngratsü village in Mokokchung district.
The event, coinciding with the inauguration of the Dr. Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex, drew a large crowd.
In his address, Zeliang extended Moatsu greetings and lauded the Süngratsü Village Council (SVC), Süngratsü Senso Mungdang (SSM), and Süngratsü Mejensanger Putu Menden (SMPM) for their sacrifices in organising the event.

Deputy CM TR Zeliang along with Advisors and MLA after inaugurating the Dr. Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex at Sungratsu village on March 3.

“This celebration, uniting the Moatsu festival with the sports complex inauguration, speaks volumes about Süngratsü’s efforts to strengthen not just their community but the broader Ao community,” he said.
He lauded the decision to honour the late Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, a former Parliamentary Secretary and Speaker of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, by naming the complex after him. “This is a fitting tribute to an illustrious statesman whose loss is irreparable,” Zeliang remarked, expressing gratitude on behalf of Aier’s family, including his wife, four daughters, and son.
Zeliang highlighted Moatsu as a festival of community bonding, traditionally marked by gift exchanges, feasting, and bonfires. He urged attendees to leverage the event to forge new friendships and political relationships at the district and state levels.

Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang calls for political and cultural unity

Warrior dance (Nokinketer Tsungsang) performed by Sungratsu youth during the Süngratsü Green Moatsümong at Sungratsu village on March 3.

Junior peers perform cultural dance during the Süngratsü Green Moatsümong at Sungratsu village on March 3.

Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue TN Manen echoed Zeliang’s sentiments, noting Dr. Aier’s legacy of driving physical development and human resource growth at the village level. He described the sports complex, strategically located near Mokokchung town, as a visionary project with potential for future expansion into a stadium, crediting the landowners’ generous donation.
Legislator Dr. Ato T Rhutso reassured Süngratsü people of continued support despite the absence of a local MLA, affirming that Advisor Manen would diligently serve the village’s welfare.
T. Imlitoshi Walling, general secretary of SSM, spoke to the media, emphasising the Green Moatsümong’s focus on sustainable practices.
Lamenting that “we’ve shifted from eco-friendly materials like bamboo to harmful single-use plastics in festivities,” he outlined the village’s initiative to reduce plastic use through recycling and sustainable alternatives, aiming to inspire district-wide environmental consciousness.
Cultural performances by Ango Kazu, Süngratsü Watsu Telen, and Nokinketer Tsungsang added fervour to the occasion, which culminated in a traditional Moatsu feast.
Notable attendees included MLAs Achumbemo Kikon and Dr. Neisatuo Mero, Sentiyanger Imchen, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner, and several top state bureaucrats.