An air rifle shooting range was inaugurated on Monday at Government High School, Süngratsü by TN Mannen, IAS (Retd), Advisor and MLA for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, marking what he described as a model example of judicious utilization of Local Area Development Programme (LADP) funds.
The project, titled ‘Air Rifle Shooting Range, Süngratsü’, was constructed at a cost of Rs 8.8 lakh through LADP funding, with an additional personal contribution of Rs 3.5 lakh from the Advisor. This is the first in the Asetkong Range.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mannen said this was the first time LADP funds in the area were utilized “judiciously” for a project with long-term public benefit. “This is how the LADP should be used,” he said.
“Earlier, LADP ended up as a controversial fund because after giving to certain groups for certain works, the results came out nil. While some sections would be unhappy that the LADP fund was not provided to them. Therefore, the idea was to use LADP judiciously and optimally and I believe this is how it should be used.”
The Advisor also urged the people of Asetkong to prioritize unity, noting that the “offshoot of the electioneering process” had left the three major villages in constant competition and conflict.
Addressing the state’s employment challenges, Mannen criticized the prevailing dependence on government jobs among youth. Calling it “absolutely wrong,” he said, “That era has gone. Talents need to be developed, opportunities must be given and facilities must be provided,” adding that he has not facilitated even a single government job, including a peon job, till date.
Sharing the genesis of the shooting range, Moatsungba Aier said the initiative stemmed from a desire to contribute to youth development in the constituency by Advisor Mannen. He informed that Rs 40,000 in remaining funds was handed over to a committee constituted by the Süngratsü Village Council to manage the facility.
Süngratsü Village Council Chairman S Bendang Aier hailed the project as “one of his (Mannen’s) legacy for Asetkong.” Describing the Advisor as a leader focused on youth, he thanked Mannen for initiating Think Tank Asetkong and Economic Resurgence, terming them collaborative platforms for youth empowerment.
“LADP earlier were believed to be meant only for those in close knits politically but today it is not the same,” the chairman said, praising the Advisor’s approach.
Vitolu Chishi, NCS, EAC Kobulong while congratulating the village also urged the managing committee to ensure optimal utilization of the new facility.
Delivering a short address on the discipline and prospects of shooting as a sport, Er Chubatoshi, EE PWD (R&B) Mangkolemba, noted that shooting has no age bar and carries significant potential for local athletes. He highlighted that the first air rifle shooting range in the district was established at Lady Bird School, and until now, remained the only one in the area.
He further noted that the Nagaland Rifles Association became affiliated with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in 2015, enabling Nagaland shooters to participate in national-level competitions. Calling shooting a discipline-intensive sport, he said, “Without discipline, it is dangerous.” He added that the Government of India is prioritizing shooting sports and allocating significant funding, and that Nagaland is also increasingly emphasizing its development.