At Hornbill Festival, Scindia Participates in Stone-Pulling, Announces ₹645-Crore Act East Push

Union Minister Scindia Joins Naga Stone-Pulling Ritual, Announces ₹645-Crore Development Push for Nagaland

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

Takes Part in Culturally Significant Stone-Pulling Ritual

Dressed in traditional Angami attire, Scindia joined community members in the revered Naga stone-pulling practice, 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.

₹202 Crore Worth of Projects Inaugurated

As part of the Centre’s focus on boosting strategic connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast, the Minister inaugurated five key 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 a series of new initiatives across health, sports, innovation, energy, and road connectivity. Major 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 Project – ₹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

Boost to Connectivity and Youth Development Under Act East Policy

Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East vision, Scindia said the Northeast is witnessing rapid development in connectivity, healthcare, innovation, and youth empowerment. He highlighted Nagaland’s “energetic and aspirational youth,” expressing confidence in their role in shaping the state’s growth story.

He added that several more projects are in the pipeline and will be taken forward in close coordination with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

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