In a first-of-its-kind initiative under the Local Area Development Programme (LADP), an Air Rifle Shooting Range was inaugurated on November 25 at Government High School, Süngratsü Village in the Asetkong range of Mokokchung.
The initiative was inaugurated by TN Mannen, Advisor for Law and Justice, and Land Revenue.
Mannen describing the initiative as a constructive use of the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) fund, noted that this is the first time the fund has been utilised for such a purpose. He encouraged if other areas can adopt similar practices by channeling LADP funds into projects that support youth development and create opportunities for future leaders.
Speaking on past practices, Mannen expressed concern that LADP funds were earlier distributed in small portions without visible development outcomes, often leading to dissatisfaction and complaints among the public. Mannen said the challenge is not the size of the fund but how it is spent; the shooting-range idea, he added, brought forward by Moatsungba and others as a constructive alternative as commendable.
He also reflected on the recurring conflicts within the Asetkong range during election cycles. Describing himself as “an off-shot of the electioneering process in Nagaland,” Mannen said the Asetkong experience has shown that the three major villages of the range face constant conflicts every five years when elections approach, after which the community spends the next five years recovering only for the cycle to repeat. He stressed that this pattern has held the range back and that unity must remain a top priority.
He emphasised that, as one of the smaller ranges in the Ao region, internal divisions only create further setbacks, and urged the community to embrace a more forward-looking approach in the 21st century.
He warned that truth is increasingly scarce in the world today “truth and lies are mixed up that it cannot be differentiated” but added that truth will prevail in the long run. He said that earlier leaders has helped tampered with the system and brought it to the present state, but simply blaming the politicians is not all. He stressed that the public is also responsible and urged people to focus on what can be done now.
On sustainability, Mannen acknowledged that shooting is an expensive sport and that the range will not thrive on the inauguration alone. He urged the committee to build a strong team and secure resources without hope to rely on government grants or charity, asking how the institution would raise funds and sustain operations. He expressed hope that the facility becomes a “learning institution” that benefits not just Süngratsü village and the Asetkong range but the wider Naga community, and shine at the Nationals and international provided those with social responsibility step forward to help.
Mannen called for practical, honest projects that genuinely serve the community rather than proposals meant to pocket funds. He urged youths to use their time and talents well, to be vocal when things are wrong, and to adopt positive change using the shooting range as an example of how modest LADP funding, used wisely, can produce useful outcomes for future leaders.
Mannen said the range is meant to empower youth supporting personality development and addressing unemployment and expressed his aim to help create opportunities rather than encourage dependence on government jobs. Noting the recent state government job advertisements and the large number of degree-holders applying for low post, he warned against relying solely on government employment and urged young people to pursue self-reliance and skill development.
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Speaking on the genesis of the Shooting Range, Moatsungba Aier explained that the initiative grew out of discussions with Advisor Mannen on how to support the Asetkong youth. He said the Advisor had expressed a strong desire to create something meaningful for young people in the range, which encouraged him to take the idea forward as a “homework” assignment.
Moatsungba shared that several individuals contributed guidance during the early stages. He received advice and insights from Engineer Chubatoshi and from Ladybird School in Mokokchung, where a 10-meter indoor air rifle and pistol shooting range, established in 2017, and later upgraded to a Khelo India Centre in 2022. He continued to study how such a project could be developed, learning about the processes involved, both the positive aspects and the challenges.
The shooting range was allotted space within the school premises, part of the former GHS, Süngratsü, which was originally a primary school built by the village council and later merged with the high school but had remained unused. The proprietor granted the space, and the Süngratsü Village Council extended its support after learning about the initiative. A committee formed by the village council will manage the shooting range and oversee the project’s development.
Regarding the financial foundation of the project, Moatsungba stated that ₹8.30 lakh was provided through the LADP fund, while Advisor Mannen personally contributed an’additional ₹3.50 lakh. He added that the remaining amount will be handed over to the committee to help the initiative gain further momentum.
He also acknowledged the involvement of several individuals who contributed to the project. Moatsungba noted that some tasks are still pending and added that the school building itself was constructed by the village council, which made it possible for the shooting range to be accommodated within the campus.
Engineer Chubatoshi, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Mangkolemba, spoke on “Shooting: Its Vision and Prospects”, sharing his long association with the sport. He explained that shooting comprises rifle, pistol and shotgun categories, with events such as 10m, 25m and 50m in both rifle and pistol, and trap shooting under shotgun sports. Highlighting that shooting has no age bar, he said children can begin bench-rest at 12 years while even senior citizens of 60 to 70 years of age can also continue participating. Chubatoshi noted that the sport follows strict international rules and is not merely for enjoyment but a discipline that demands commitment. He added that some Indian-made rifles cost around ₹30,000–40,000 for beginners while foreign models start from ₹1.6 lakh. Acknowledging the efforts of the Government of India, NRAI, and the Nagaland government in promoting the sport, he encouraged youths to adopt shooting seriously, remarking that Nagas naturally possess good marksmanship. He concluded by saying that although a local shooting range may seem small, it connects the community to a much larger world of national and international opportunities.
Short speeches were delivered by S. Bendang Aier, Chairman of the Sungratsü Village Council, and Vitolu Chishi, NCS, EAC Kubolong.
Imchalemba Walling chaired the program, Invocation was offered by C. Amongla Jamir, APCE, SBA, followed by a dedicatory prayer from Rev. L. Yapang Mollier, Church & Mission Secretary, ABAM. The programme concluded with a benediction from S. Anok, Pastor, YBF.
