Nagaland NH-702: TobuMoka KU calls fair highway alignment

TobuMoka Konyak Union has called for fair highway alignment amid conflicting demands concerning the alignment of National Highway-702.
In a press release, TobuMoka Konyak Union said TobuMoka under Mon district comprising five administrative headquarters—ADC Tobu, SDO Civil Monyakshu, EAC Mopong, SDO Civil Angchangyeang, and EAC Longching—has long endured challenges of connectivity and accessibility. The union stated that the region, situated approximately 120 km from Mon district headquarters, has suffered due to poor road conditions, severely affecting mobility and development.
However, it said the recent provision of National Highway-702 (Changtongya–Sapekhati, Assam) by the Centre was regarded as “a blessing” by the people of TobuMoka.
KU unit said highway offers a vital halfway route to Mon HQ, with Alignment-1 passing through Longleng via Sowa–Changlu–Longching–Aboi, and finally connecting to Mon.
The union said alignment-1 was strongly supported by TobuMoka, as it ensured equitable connectivity and addresses long-standing infrastructural challenges.
While Longching has consistently supported alignment-1, the union said Konyak Union (KU) Aboi unit has pressed for alignment-3, which would bypass and cut off the 19 km stretch between Longching and Aboi. It said that such a proposal would directly disadvantage TobuMoka, raising serious questions about the rationale and motives behind the demand.
Further, the union said statements by “certain Aboi leaders” suggesting that TobuMoka and its elected representatives should refrain from involvement in “family issues” between Aboi and Longching have deeply hurt the sentiments of their people.
Pointing out that NH-702 was a national project of strategic importance, the union said it was not a matter of family or local disputes, but of regional development and equitable access. It said that attempt to create shortcuts by excluding critical stretches of the highway raised legitimate concerns about whose interests were being served.
TobuMoka KU expressed belief that nine MLAs of the Konyak community, the Konyak Union apex body, and the Aboi KU would act with wisdom, fairness, and faith to safeguard the welfare of the entire Konyak people.
The union affirmed to protect the interests of the region and ensure that connectivity projects such as NH-702 served the collective welfare of all communities across Mon district.