Mon: Konyak Heritage Complex inaugurated at Leangha Village

CM Rio, Union Minister Majumdar attend grand celebration

Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio graced the inauguration of the Konyak Heritage Complex-cum-Konyak Aoleang Monyu 2025 as the Special Guest at Leangha village, Mon district, on April 5.

Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of India, Dr Sukanta Majumdar, attended the event as the Honored Guest, while Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Village Guards, CL John, served as the Chief Host.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio thanked the civil societies, the administration led by Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, and Leangha village for their cooperation in the successful completion of the heritage complex. He announced that the complex would be handed over to the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) as the managing government agency and urged the community to take responsibility for its proper upkeep.

The Chief Minister encouraged the people to protect, preserve, and promote their heritage and traditions. He also called upon the gathering to learn more about their customary laws and to remember their ancestors while celebrating the festival with peace and unity. Further, he pledged to construct a women’s working hostel and a Konyak Union office at the Konyak Heritage Complex site.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Dr. Sukanta Mazumdar, today inaugurated the Konyak Heritage Complex at Mon and unveiled a monolith coinciding with Aoleang Monyu festival of the Konyak community. Addressing the gathering, Mr Rio said, the Konyak Heritage Complex is a development initiative by the Nagaland Government, aimed at empowering community growth, which features traditional morungs, modern sports facilities, and vibrant spaces where art, creativity, and talents can be nurtured and celebrated. He said though DUDA department will be looking after the Heritage complex, Mr Rio urged the Konyak community to maintain the complex. Mr Rio urged the Konyak community to lead as an example to other Naga tribe through their cultural promotion and preservation. Later, the Chief Minister and the Union Minister of State also inspected the Morungs and Museum.

Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Dr. Sukanta Mazumdar, today lauded the Konyak Heritage Complex and Konyak Heritage Site as a significant initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural legacy of the Konyak tribe. Speaking at the inauguration of the Konyak Heritage Complex cum Konyak Aoleang-Monyu 2025 in Mon town, Dr. Mazumdar noted that the multidisciplinary site has been designed to enhance tourism, support local livelihoods, and ensure that future generations stay connected to their cultural roots. While maintaining that festivals play a vital role in preserving culture, he said, the festival is a beautiful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation in our rapidly changing world.

Dr Sukanta Majumdar expressed happiness at being part of the celebrations and witnessing the vibrant tradition and culture of the Konyak tribe. He reiterated that Nagaland is truly the “Land of Festivals,” with celebrations taking place throughout the year. Describing the Konyaks as one of the largest and most prominent tribes in Nagaland, he highlighted their rich cultural heritage.
Dr Majumdar emphasised that agriculture plays a vital role in festival celebrations and remains the backbone of society. He added that the festival is not only about celebrating traditions but also about recognising the significant contribution of indigenous cultures to the nation’s diversity and promoting the rich legacy of the Konyak tribe.

Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Dr. Sukanta Mazumdar emphasized the pivotal role of the Ministry of DoNER in advancing the vision of balanced, sustainable, and inclusive growth for the North Eastern region. Speaking at the inauguration of the Konyak Heritage Complex cum Konyak Aoleang-Monyu 2025 in Mon town today, Dr. Mazumdar noted that the establishment of the Ministry marked a significant step in the Government of India’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by North Eastern States. He that a total of 420 projects, amounting to 5,081 crore rupees, have been sanctioned for Nagaland under various schemes of the Ministry of DoNER, including NESIDS (Roads), NESIDS (Other than road infrastructure), NEC schemes, and PM-DEVINE, with a focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment generation.

A report on the Konyak Heritage Complex was presented by W Chingang Konyak, Advisor for Geology & Mining, DUDA. Loungai Wangnao, Convenor of the Konyak Heritage Complex Management Board, also spoke on the history and significance of the complex.

MT