Shillong, Mar 2: The traditional Rongkusi Festival was celebrated with great fervour at Amkoi in Amlarem sub-division, bringing together community leaders, youth and villagers.
Rongkusi is a traditional indigenous festival of the Hynñiewtrep community symbolising thanksgiving, unity and the preservation of ancestral customs. The festival showcases traditional dance, music and community rituals that reflect the cultural identity and collective spirit of the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Cabinet Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, former Amlarem MLA Stephanson Mukhim, Sub-Divisional Officer Vevotolu Kezo, headmen of neighbouring villages and other dignitaries witnessed the festival.
During the programme, memorandums were submitted by the village dorbar, SHGs and local stakeholders outlining pressing developmental needs, including construction of the Amkoi–Shnongpdeng road to improve connectivity and reduce travel distance towards Dawki and tourism corridors.
Tynsong announced that the road has been approved in principle, subject to cooperation from landowners in providing land for development. “Community participation is essential for infrastructure projects to move forward,” he emphasised.
Education Minister and local MLA Lahkmen Rymbui called for unity and land cooperation to ensure successful implementation of school and development projects.
The programme concluded with the unveiling of memorial stones for the Madan Bol Amkoi and the Amkoi–Nongbareh Lyntiar road (2013–2014).
