The Ao Students' Conference back the Ao Senden's stand on the realignment of National Highway 702D.
MOKOKCHUNG — The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) has extended its full endorsement and solidarity with the Ao Senden over the proposed realignment of National Highway 702D (NH-702D).
In a statement issued on Monday, AKM President Lanulemba Longchar and General Secretary Aomayang Longchar acknowledged and appreciated the Ao Senden’s firm stand in favour of an alignment that is shorter, more efficient, economically viable, technically sound and beneficial to the people in the long run.
In this connection, the AKM has urged the Government of Nagaland and all concerned authorities to give serious and favourable consideration to the proposed Option-IV should the No Objection Certificate (NOC) not be granted by the concerned stakeholder for Option-III (British Road/Chungliyimsen).
NH-702D is more than a road project; it is a strategic lifeline for the people of Mokokchung and neighbouring districts, AKM stated.
The highway plays a crucial role in connecting communities, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and supporting trade, education, healthcare and economic activity. Government records identify NH-702D as an approximately 85-km stretch linking Mokokchung with Mariani, it stated.
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AKM maintained that the final decision on the realignment must be guided by long-term public interest, technical feasibility, road safety, economic efficiency and future connectivity rather than short-term considerations.
At the same time, it stressed that proper feeder roads connecting villages and rural communities to the national highway must receive equal priority so that the benefits of the project reach the grassroots.
The AKM also appreciated the Ao Senden for consistently pursuing the matter and placing the larger interests of the people before the authorities.
AKM reaffirmed its firm solidarity with the Ao Senden and appealed for transparency, technical objectivity and timely action to prevent further delay in the long-pending project, which, it said, would come at the cost of the people and the region’s development.
The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang reiterated its commitment to uphold the larger interest of the people and to secure the future of Nagaland.