In a remarkable blend of cultural celebration and tribute, the village of Süngratsü marked this year’s Moatsü Festival with the inauguration of the Dr Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex – honouring a late leader while uniting the community in tradition, remembrance, and hope for stronger bonds, which was graced by Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang, as chief guest.
Extending Moatsü greetings to all, Zeliang congratulated the Süngratsü Village Council, Süngratsü Senso Mungdang, Süngratsü Mejensanger Putu Menden, and all the people of Süngratsü on the occasion.
He said the idea of organizing the Moatsü festival to coincide with the inauguration of the Dr Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex speaks volumes of the efforts made by the people of Süngratsü in uniting not only their own community but the Ao community in general. He lauded the villagers for their traits of willpower and determination.
Zeliang noted that while each Naga community celebrates its own respective festival every year, the organisers had chosen to celebrate Süngratsü Green Moatsümung differently by aligning it with the inauguration of the Dr Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex. “This wise decision in celebrating Moatsü while paying respect to the departed soul of Late Dr Imtiwapang Aier is a commendable initiative,” he observed.
Zeliang said that his late brother-in-law, Dr Imtiwapang Aier, served as a Parliamentary Secretary (Geology & Mining) and as Speaker of the 12th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, and one son. On behalf of the family, the Deputy Chief Minister thanked all for honoring Aier by coinciding the complex’s inauguration with the Moatsü celebration. He described Dr Aier as an illustrious man and promising leader, whose untimely demise was an irreparable loss, but whose identity as a remarkable statesman has been rightfully honoured through the naming of the complex.
“As I understand, Moatsü is a festival of community bonding, celebrated to express friendship by exchanging gifts, making new friends, feasting, bonfires, etc. Therefore, in this spirit, I hope and pray that this Süngratsü Green Moatsümung Festival will also be a time to build new friendships, including political relationships,” Zeliang said.
He expressed hope that the event would build relationships not only within the Süngratsü community but also in terms of political association at the district and state levels. He further expressed hope that the rich culture and tradition of the Ao community would be promoted through the festival.
“May today’s gathering sow seeds that will bear positive results in the days to come,” he said, wishing everyone a blessed and memorable Süngratsü Green Moatsümung Festival.
The sports complex was initially envisioned through a resolution passed by the Süngratsü Senso Mungdang in 2000. Preliminary construction was completed in 2010 at a total cost of Rs 21 lakh, entirely funded by the villagers and well-wishers.
It was inaugurated in May 2011 by former MLA Nungsangyapang. Further additions and infrastructure developments were initiated by Dr Imtiwapang Aier.
The Dr Imtiwapang Aier Sports Complex is located about 15 km from Mokokchung district headquarters at the Impur–Süngratsü–Yimchalu road tri-junction.
Temsunaro Aier, Development Commissioner of Nagaland and a native of the village, said Süngratsü is blessed with gentle topography and adequate water resources, making it ideal for agricultural prosperity. She cited the popular agri-product ‘anishi’, for which the village is known. She also described the late Dr Aier as a dynamic leader, academician, and politician – a true son of the soil “snatched away from us too soon” – and expressed hope that his legacy would endure.
MLA and Chairman of DPDB Kohima, Dr Ato T Rhutso, and Temjenyabang, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Nagaland – both in-laws of Süngratsü – along with local MLA and Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, TN Manen, also spoke at the event.
Cultural and folk performances by villagers, including children and women, music, and a traditional Moatsü feast were among the highlights.
Late Dr Aier’s wife, Keihungle, and their children also attended, along with a host of dignitaries including MLA Achumbemo Kikon, MLA Dr Neisatuo Mero, Additional Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner Sentiyanger Imchen, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Thsuvisie Phoji, and Superintendent of Police Vesupro Kezo.