3 Konyak bodies oppose NH-702 realignment, warn of public unrest

• DIMAPUR — Three units of Konyak Union (KU)—Tobu, Longchang, and Moka—have objected to any attempts at realigning the approved National Highway 702 (NH-702).
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• In a press statement issued on Friday, the unions warned of potential public unrest if the original plan is not adhered to.
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• They expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways and the government of Nagaland for their vision in connecting the underdeveloped Konyak region, encompassing five administrative headquarters: Tobu, Monyakshu, Mopong, Angjangyang, and Longching.
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• However, the unions raised concerns about alleged attempts by certain “individuals, groups, and organisations” to push for a realignment of NH-702, diverting from the originally approved Alignment Option-1.

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• They pointed out that this alignment was officially sanctioned by the Ministry of Road and National Highways in March 2014.
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• “It is to be seriously noted that the partial diversion of NH-702 in Sowa-Longching sector will automatically disrupt and delink the connectivity of 34 villages and 5 administrative HQs,” the statement read.
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• Accordingly, the three unions convened an emergency meeting recently and unanimously resolved to uphold the original Alignment Option-1 and opposed any modifications influenced by external pressures.
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• They urged the authorities concerned to maintain the initial route: Longleng-Longching-Aboi-Mon-Tizit-Namtola.
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• Also, the unions highlighted the existing state of disrepair of the PWD road from Sowa to Longching and the border road from Longching to Aboi—both of which were handed over to the NHIDCL but have suffered from neglect “due to confusion created by certain quarters”.
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• “The house also reiterated that the Sowa Village council had previously given its NOC to the first/original alignment of NH-702 via Longleng-Longching-Aboi-Mon-Tizit-Namtola, considering it to be in the best interest for the general public.
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• “However, with the introduction of the new alignment, Sowa Village Council vehemently opposed this change and will be compelled to refrain from issuing NOC,” they warned.
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• Furthermore, the unions criticised a letter issued by the additional deputy commissioner of Aboi regarding the finalisation of Alignment Option-3, arguing that seven villages under ADC Aboi were not properly informed about the proposed survey and meeting, violating their right to information.
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• “Therefore, the three KU units of Longchang-Mopong-Tobu unanimously resolved that any attempt to realign the original 2-lane NH-702 would invite public unrest, for which the unions would not be held responsible, but individuals or groups insisting on diversion will be held solely responsible,” they stated.