3 KU units oppose move to realign original 2-lane NH-702

The Tobu, Longchang and Moka units of Konyak Union (KU) have warned that any attempt to realign the original two-lane NH-702 would invite public unrest, for which they would not be held responsible but individual or groups insisting for the diversion.
Appreciating the Ministry of Road, Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and state government for envisioning to connect the most backward Konyak region covering five administrative headquarters of Tobu, Monyakshu, Mopong, Angjangyang, and Longching, KU convener N Chaohong and secretary E Wangka in a press release said they had learnt from reliable source that some individuals, groups and organisations had appealed for realigning option-3 or divert NH-702 alignment option-1, which was approved by MoRTH in March 2014.
They argued that partial diversion of NH-702 in Sowa-Longching sector would automatically disrupt and delink the connectivity of 34 villages and five administrative headquarters.
They said an emergency meeting of the three KU units of Tobu, Mopong and Longchang at Longchang headquarters discussed the matter and expressed dismay over appeals for diverting the proposed highway NH-702 against the original alignment option-1.
The meeting resolved that the original alignment option-1 be respected and implemented without any modification under pressure from any quarters, strongly opposing deviation from the original alignment and requesting the authority concerned to adhere to first alignment, i.e., Longleng-Longching-Aboi-Mon-Tizit-Namtola.
The three KU units cautioned that any alteration driven by personal interest or political pressure would be vehemently oppose by the people, and that they would be compelled to exercise their right to protest in a democratic way.
The duo stated that though the existing PWD road from Sowa to Longching and Border Road from Longching to Aboi had already been handed over to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL), the stretch was without any maintenance or repair by any firm due to confusion created by certain quarters.
Strongly opposing the introduction of new alignment and noting that the Sowa Village Council had previously given no objection certificate (NOC) to the first/original alignment of NH-702 via Longleng-Longching-Aboi-Mon-Tizit-Namtola considering it to be the best interest for the general public, the meeting warned that the village council would be compelled to refrain from issuing NOC.
Referring to Aboi additional deputy commissioner’s letter (no. ABOI/DEV/NH/2025-26/309/ dated Aboi the 26th May 2025) to Mon deputy commissioner for finalisation of alignment option -3 of NH-702 from Mon to Longleng via Aboi, the three KU units opposed the proposed alignment option -3.
They alleged that the seven villages under Aboi ADC, viz., Longchang, Sowa, Sowa Changle, Mohong, Mohong Changai, Longching Town, and L/Hongnyu, were not intimated about the proposed survey and meeting at the Aboi ADC office, which they contended was against their right to be informed.