Shillong, June 17: Eight years after its inauguration, the Mihmyntdu Amphitheatre at Salini Colony remains locked and in ruins, prompting the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) to demand urgent revival from the state government.
In a memorandum to Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai on Wednesday, JSU Jowai Circle called the facility’s prolonged disuse a waste of public funds and a threat to youth.
The union said its repeated inspections show the amphitheatre has become a hotspot for smoking, drinking and drug use instead of the cultural hub it was meant to be.
During the Minister’s recent site visit with JSU members and the Mihmyntdu headman, the structure was found in decay — broken windows, damaged doors, faulty wiring and general neglect.
JSU argued this reflects poor maintenance of public infrastructure and has denied Jowai’s students and residents a space for arts, heritage and community programs.
The union has asked the department to fix accountability for the delay, start restoration work immediately, and put stricter monitoring in place for future projects.
The memorandum stated that “the people of Jowai deserve access to cultural spaces that reflect their heritage and aspirations” and urged swift action to restore public trust.
JSU also submitted photographs showing the amphitheatre’s current condition.
