7 villages oppose decision on NH-702 realignment

The affected landowners of seven villages under Mon district have expressed dissatisfaction with the August 28, 2025 high-level meeting resolution for finalization of the alignment of the National Highway 702 (NH-702), connecting Longleng, Longching, Mon, Tizit.
The affected villages include Mohung village council (MVC), Sowa Village Council (SVC), Sowa Changle Village Council (SCVC), Mohung Changai village Council (MCVC), Longchang village council (LVC), Longching Town union (LTU) and Longchang Hongnyu village council (LHVC). In a joint statement, MVC chairman P Enyei Konyak, SVC chairman Kamwang, SCVC chairman S Manpong, MCVC chairman Changkum, LVC chairman S Taiwang, LTU president Hamshen and LHVC chairman Leakpa stated that the high-level meeting decision was “unjustified” and failed to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
They claimed that KU unit Longchang, where the stretch of the road lies, was not invited to the meeting, adding their concerns were “completely ignored.”
Further, they claimed that no meaningful discussions were held with the affected landowners by the apex Konyak Union, concerned MLA of the 47 Aboi assembly constituency, and the administration despite repeated representations and press releases. On the deputy CM TR Zeliang’s assertion that the decision was a “win-win” for progress and inclusivity, the signatories said it was a “win-lose” or “one cited decision”. The affected villages have urged the responsible authorities to reconsider the decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
Further, the seven villages also appealed to the NHIDCL that the stretch from Longchang to Tenyak Bridge should not to be de-notified after proper taking over from BRO letter dated August 4, 2023. “No compromise with border roads should be made under any political pressure,” they asserted. On approval of re-alignment to option-3, the signatories said that no individual or CSO had the right to influence the decision on the affected landowners as “land free of cost.”
They reaffirmed that no NOC would be issued for the realigned option-3 in their jurisdiction. The signatories maintained that NH-702 original alignment (option-1) was the only highway that connects 40% of Mon district.
The villages, however, expressed hope that their concerns would be addressed, and fair solution would be found. “If our voice is ignored and unheard, we will be forced to adopt a democratic means of protest in our jurisdiction until justice is delivered,” the seven villages cautioned.