MLA and advisor for Information and Public Relations, Soil and Water Conservation Imkong L Imchen inaugurated the newly constructed golden jubilee building of the Mangmetong Village Women Union (MVWU) on June 16 at Sangtemla Ward, Mokokchung.

Speaking on the occasion, the legislator lauded the MVWU for their commitment in completing the building for the welfare of the community. He expressed hope that the building will serve a productive purpose and benefit the society at large.

While appreciating the scale and simplicity of the project, Imchen noted that the building was

completed with a modest budget of approximately ₹2 crore. He gently contrasted this with some larger infrastructure expenditures, citing examples such as ₹19 crore spent on renovation works and ₹161 crore for 16 kilometers of road upgradation.

“Though this may seem like a small project, it was completed with care and purpose, especially when compared to some projects with significantly higher costs,” he remarked.

Imchen emphasized the significance of equitable development across regions, stating, “To be the capital city of a state naturally comes with certain advantages. He explained that Kohima, as the capital, receives at least ₹200 to ₹300 crores every year, as certain expenditures become necessary regardless of whether the government chooses to spend or not for maintenance and development. He further contrasted the three major urban centres of Nagaland by saying, “Kohima is developed by the government, Dimapur by individuals, and Mokokchung by the community.”

Highlighting the strong community-driven spirit of the Aos, he said, “Our Ao community is a self-help community. It is our civic sense and dedication that has brought us this far.” Reflecting on his own journey, Imchen said, “I am a simple person, but it is through God’s mighty work and the unity of the Mangmetong citizens that I have been elected again and again. It is beyond words how blessed this village is.”

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He praised the unity of the Mangmetong women and encouraged them to continue their efforts. “The union made this happen with the exact amount needed, and whatever debt remains will surely be cleared when we work in unity and truth. Your purpose is important; you have a vision. Debts can be cleared when unity is strong,” he added.

Imchen urged that the building be used meaningfully for the betterment of the community, stating, “This building must serve productive purposes. The decisions taken within should ensure community welfare. May it be used in the best possible manner. Your unity holds the strength to go even further.”

Rongsenlemla, Convenor of the Construction cum Fund Raising Committee, shared the journey behind the building’s construction. She informed that a total of ₹1,52,57,000 was spent on the building, which was envisioned as a souvenir for the Golden Jubilee celebrated in 2019. Although the initial plan was to raise funds for five years before beginning construction, the committee decided to start earlier and began construction in May 2022, completing it in time for today’s inauguration.

She expressed gratitude to all contributors and said that ₹70 lakhs has already been cleared, with ₹82.57 lakhs remaining as outstanding dues. Notably, no architect was hired for the project—only a contractor was engaged, whom she thanked for delivering quality work.

Acknowledging the efforts of the women union members, she said they raised and managed funds with compassion and unity. She also thanked the Mangmetong citizens for their overwhelming support, both financially and morally, in completing the building.

The building includes an office for Mangmetonglar on the top floor, a conference hall available for hire at just ₹2,000 per day, and four family apartments with parking facilities. The expected monthly income from the building is projected at ₹43,500.

Rev. R. Teka, Kapayong said the Dedicatory Prayer. Greetings were delivered by Watitemjen, VCC, Dr. I. Lolen Imchen, Pastor, MBA and Longriwati Imchen President, MSTM respectively, Tekatsüngla, President, MTM delivered the welcome address while Sütsüngkala Pongen presented a song.