Nagaland: Scindia Joins Traditional Stone-Pulling Ceremony, Unveils ₹645-Crore Development Package

Union Minister of Communications and DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia marked a landmark day in Nagaland on Thursday as he participated in the traditional Naga stone-pulling ceremony at Tuophema Village during the Hornbill Festival and announced a major development package for the state. The visit saw the inauguration of completed projects worth over ₹202 crore and the laying of foundation stones for new initiatives totalling ₹443 crore, taking overall investments to more than ₹645 crore.

Participates in Culturally Significant Stone-Pulling Ceremony

Wearing traditional Angami attire, Scindia joined community members in the revered practice of stone pulling, a symbol of unity and collective strength among the Angami people.

“This tradition is not merely a display of physical strength but a living reminder of how heritage binds communities together. Standing here among the people of Tuophema, I felt the deep wisdom of a society that safeguards its roots while embracing progress,” he said.

Key Projects Inaugurated: Over ₹202 Crore Completed

As part of the Centre’s push to strengthen strategic connectivity and boost infrastructure in the Northeast, the Minister inaugurated five major projects:

• 132 kV Sub-Station Upgrade, Nagarjan, Dimapur – ₹24.46 crore

• Teachers Training & Exam Centre with Residential Facilities – ₹20 crore

• ICT Infrastructure in 190 Schools – ₹18.95 crore

• Chendang Saddle–Kohima Road (Phase-II, 12.57 km) – ₹45.59 crore

• AT Road Upgrade, Tssurang to Impur (26.335 km with 3 bridges) – ₹93.98 crore

Foundation Stones Laid for 10 New Projects Worth ₹443 Crore

Scindia also launched new development initiatives across health, sports, innovation, energy, and road connectivity. Key projects include:

• Multispeciality Hospital, Chümoukedima (PM-DevINE) – ₹58.7 crore

• 50-Bed Hospital, Peren HQ (PM-DevINE) – ₹44.6 crore

• Kohima Sports Centre, IG Stadium (PM-DevINE) – ₹72.6 crore

• Nagaland Innovation Hub – ₹19.6 crore

• 11.5 MW Dzuza Small Hydro – ₹22.8 crore

• New DLC Complex, Peren Township – ₹21.9 crore

• Old Peren–Chalkot Road (16.50 km) – ₹46.3 crore

• Phomching–Longding Road (20.9 km) – ₹58 crore

• Thizama–Chiethu Airport Road (18.24 km) – ₹42.6 crore

• Khonomo–NH-29 Road via Dzudza River (9.15 km) – ₹26.5 crore

• Emloi–Ghukey Junction Road (13.70 km) – ₹29.8 crore

Push for Connectivity, Youth Development Under Act East Policy

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on the Act East Policy, Scindia said the Northeast is witnessing accelerated development in connectivity, healthcare, innovation, and youth empowerment.

He stressed that Nagaland’s energetic and aspirational youth are capable of driving the state’s growth and contributing significantly to India’s development story. Several more projects are in the pipeline, he added, to be advanced in coordination with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

Scindia is scheduled to visit the Hornbill Festival venue later in the evening to interact with performers, cultural groups, and local entrepreneurs.