With plans afoot to turn the heritage complex at Kisama near the Nagaland capital into a commercial hub with the aim of recreating a "Mini Nagaland", Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has proposed setting up of morungs (traditional men's dormitories) symbolising each Naga community, so that tourists can get a glimpse of them all at one place.
Kisama is at present Kohima's most prominent display of community culture and hosts an annual fair that draws thousands of visitors.
Entrusting the hohos, the apex community bodies in the state, with the charge of the setting up the huts where local artisans representing each community would reside at the site, the Rio said that the artisans would receive money from various departments in Nagaland including Art and Culture, Tourism, Horticulture, with the department of tourism to be the in charge overall of the operations. A Rs 40-lakh amphitheatre was on the cards along with a handloom complex that would be set up for Rs 25 lakh, Rio said.
A master plan was also being created to plant 5,000 rhododendron plants at the site, Rio said. A permanent shopping arcade to sell and promote indigenous produce with an adjacent food court, complete with all traditional delicacies was also in the offing, he said adding that the restaurants would also be thrown open to private individuals.