Mangkolemba Civil Society Organisations back realignment of NH-702D

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Mangkolemba subdivision have affirmed their support to Ao Senden’s proposal to the state chief minister for realignment and construction of Mariani-Mokokchung road via Mangkolemba (NH-702D).
A brief profile of the and its population may be mentioned as under:
Mangkolemba is a semi-urban administrative subdivision under the Mokokchung district of the State of Nagaland, 60+ kms aloof from the district HQs;
In a press release, CSO president I Tia Jamir and secretary Wapongtoshi stated that people of Mangkolemba subdivision, which is the administrative HQs of three ranges (out of six in Mokokchung district) namely Jangpetkong, Japukong, and Tsurangkong, were lagging far behind in
CSOs also stated that Mangkolemba subdivision, home to more than 60,000 Ao-Naga tribals, who were predominantly farmers or engaged in other agricultural activities. They said that accessibility was limited by the pitiable conditions of the roads in the entire subdivision exhibiting and exposing the decades of neglect by the successive state governments.
Therefore, they said that one of the most urgent needs was to have good, well maintained and well-connected road connectivity.
In such a circumstance, CSOs said a road of national importance transiting through the subdivision would give a sense of justice and belongingness to “this deprived subdivision and its people.”
Further, citing a RTI reply from PWD (NH), CSOs said there were five alternative routes under consideration for the realignment.
However, they said that as compared to the rest of the other alternatives, the fourth option—realignment from Watiyim on chainage 66.0 Km to Longjenkong (New Camp) on 30.0 Km via Mangkolemba” should be given preference for a variety of reasons.
They said that the fourth option was not only the shortest road (reduced from present 36.00 Km to approximately 25.00 Km), but also would have proper gradient and enough width of the road.
CSOs said that Ao Senden’s position stand justified because this realignment would be beneficial not only for the people of Mangkolemba subdivision, but also for the rest of the districts connected by NH-702D.
In the light of the above, the CSOs have urged the responsible authority to take into consideration the appeals and representation.