What began as the inauguration of the Arok Salang Meeting Hall in Kichutip Ward evolved into an early 2028 election pitch anchored on development claims.
The meeting hall, located in one of the five wards under 27 Mokokchung Town Assembly Constituency, was inaugurated in the presence of Minister Metsübo Jamir, the elected representative of the constituency, who described the project as part of a broader “iconic projects” vision implemented under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
MMC Councillor of Kichutip Ward, Imkumniba, traced the phased construction of Arok Salang across successive political tenures. He recalled that the ground floor was built during the time when Nungshizenba was the MLA, the first floor during the tenure of C Apok Jamir, and the second floor completed under Metsübo Jamir.
According to the technical report presented by Sashi Imchen at the event, the project was executed under the 2023-24 financial year in installments amounting to Rs 12 lakh, Rs 24 lakh, and Rs 20 lakh. The funds were used for structural completion, installation of a water tank, procurement of chairs and benches, and repainting of the building.
Jamir said this was the third “iconic project” in the constituency, with one underway in Kumlong and another planned for Aongza. He stated that five such projects have been undertaken across the five wards in five years, implemented on a rotational basis.
“This is a vision where each constituency in Nagaland should have iconic projects,” he said, crediting the broader initiative to the Chief Minister’s leadership.
However, the event also carried unmistakable political undertones.
Thanking the constituency for helping him win the last election “without worries,” Jamir announced that he and his family would finance repairs of footpaths across the wards using personal funds. A committee comprising party unit presidents and constituency representatives will be formed to oversee execution, he said.
He also announced that the road from Power House to Aongza Ward would be repaired, noting that he had made the call publicly during the launch of the NPF party in the 27 Mokokchung Town Assembly Constituency a day earlier.
In his address, he urged voters to extend similar support in the 2028 election.
The political tone was echoed by local leaders. MMC Councillor Imkumniba described Kichutip Ward as the Minister’s political foundation and called him a “practical validation leader.” Sashi Imchen remarked that the ward had received multiple infrastructure and development projects under Jamir’s tenure and appealed to constituents to support him in 2028.
While the inauguration marked completion of a ward-level infrastructure project, the larger message centred on development credentials, constituency outreach, and early electoral positioning – nearly two years before voters return to the polls in 2028.