Nagaland
AWUMT endorses Ao Senden’s position on the proposed realignment of NH 702(D)
MOKOKCHUNG — The All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) has endorsed Ao Senden’s position to opt for option-4 (Watiyim-Longjemdang-Mangkolemba-Khar-Longjongkong) to the proposed realignment of NH 702(D) as per the survey report recommended by PWD (NH) to the government of Nagaland on August 12.
The PWD (National Highways), government of Nagaland, prepared five options for the proposed realignment of NH 702(D) at 66 km from Chungtiayimsen to Longjongkong (New Camp) on a chainage of 30 km, measuring a distance of 36 km. This information is now in the public domain.
In an open letter to the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highway, AWUMT stated that NH 702(D) is the busiest highway in Nagaland after NH 26, which connects Kohima and Dimapur, and added that NH 702(D) is as important to this part of Nagaland as NH 26 is to Kohima as it is the artery that pumps lifeblood into its economy, society, and security.
As such, AWUMT reasoned that the apex Ao Senden, has been communicating with the government of Nagaland since the proposed realignment of Mariani-Mokokchung Road was brought to public notice, and rightly so.
In this regard, AWUMT reaffirmed its endorsement of the stand and position of the Ao Senden that the proposed realignment should be undertaken as per option-4.
AWUMT added that, apart from cutting the distance by 10 km, the benefits of which are astronomical, option-4 also connects four of the six ranges under Mokokchung district.
It may be mentioned here that all the apex bodies of the six ranges have endorsed Ao Senden’s position.
AWUMT further stated that the apex bodies of the neighbouring districts have also endorsed Ao Senden’s position, namely Sumi Hoho, Chang Khulie Setshang, United Sangtam Lihum Bumji, Yimkhiung Tribal Council, and Khiamniungan Tribal Council, as NH 702(D) is equally important for the districts of Tuensang, Zunheboto, Noklak, Kiphire, and Shamator.
The position taken by Ao Senden in favour of option-4 as prepared by PWD (NH) is based on extensive ground ‘truthing’ and lived reality, it stated and demanded that the government of Nagaland honour the opinion of the people of the region for whom the road is being built.
The AWUMT requested the government of Nagaland to implement the realignment of NH 702(D) as per option-4 as soon as possible. AWUMT stated that doing so would help take this part of Nagaland to a state of excellence, highlighting the paramount significance of NH 702(D) .