A 7.20-km bamboo cement concrete road providing a shorter route to the RENPO LU Astroturf Ground, Ungma, the venue for the 25th Dr T Ao Trophy later this year, was inaugurated on July 9 names as  Lenyong Lenmang Ungma Bamboo cement concrete road. The road project was undertaken by Yimpang  Kosasanger Puso Menden (Ungma Village Upper Khel Customary governance) without any government scheme or external financial assistance as of now.

The road provides a direct approach route from the heart of Ungma Village to the RENPO LU Astroturf Ground. While the venue is accessible from the National Highway, the newly completed road offers a direct village link to the astroturf facility.

The council members stated that the initiative was entirely community driven, with members of the Yimpang Khel coming together to improve road connectivity through collective effort and voluntary contributions.

They informed that 7.20 kilometres of the road have been completed, while an additional 1.7 kilometres remains under construction. The project used 7-inch thick first class cement concrete (CC) pavement, the standard for durable village roads, together with high-quality sand to ensure strength and longevity. To reduce costs, locally available bamboo was used as reinforcement in place of iron rods. The project also includes the construction of drainage systems, speed breakers and other road safety features.

The members said the project was undertaken without waiting for government intervention, with the community deciding to construct the road through collective effort instead of delaying development. They maintained that the initiative was entirely community driven and shared the collective commitment of the khel members towards improving road connectivity.

They pointed out that the road is not solely for the benefit of Ungma Village but also it serves as an important inter village and inter-district link, connecting Ungma with Longsa and Sapotimi villages and also provides a vital route towards Tuensang and Noklak districts.

Expressing optimism, they said that once the remaining stretch is completed, they hope the road will be recognised for its significance.

Speaking after inaugurating the monolith stone, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer said the monument would serve as a lasting reminder of the history, heritage and wise decisions of their forefathers. He acknowledged the efforts of the village council on behalf of the younger generation, stating that the initiative would help preserve the community’s historical narratives and traditions for future generations.

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Longkumer said the road holds immense historical significance, having been in use since time immemorial. He noted that the route was traditionally used by the people of Upper Khel before every harvest season to reach their agricultural fields and originally existed as a footpath.

He recalled that around 35 to 40 years ago, during the customary governance of earlier generations, the road was developed and metalled. Continuing that legacy, he said the present customary leadership of Kosasanger Puso, under the Aola of had undertaken the significant initiative of constructing the road in its present form.

He pointed out that the road serves not only the people of Ungma village but also neighbouring villages such as Sapotimi, Longsa and Chare, making it an important inter-village route. He described the project as an act of goodwill and benevolence by the Tatars of Upper Khel for the benefit of all who depend on the road.

Expressing gratitude, Longkumer thanked the village authorities for giving him the opportunity and honour to be part of what he described as a historic occasion.

He further explained that the Ao ancestors were deeply connected to nature and customary practices. Before every harvest, he said, the customary Tatars would formally announce the commencement of agricultural activities, after which the people would use this route to proceed to their fields. These practices, he added, were closely associated with the observance of the Moatsü and Tsüngremmong festivals and stared how significant the road is for the village.

The inaugural programme was chaired by Lipokzulu LKR Tatar, while Rev. Takowati LKR, Pastor of Ungma Baptist Arogo, pronounced the invocation. Imtidongba Jamir Tatar spoke on the significance of the road, and Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer addressed the gathering.