Mokokchung Times News
Mokokchung | March 31
The Civil Societies Organization (CSO) of the Mangkolemba sub division have expressed “unrestrained support to the expressed open letter of the Ao Senden to the Chief Minister of Nagaland” with regard to the proposed realignment and construction of Mariani-Mokokchung Road (NH-702D).
CSO Mangkolemba noted that, according to a RTI reply from the PWD NH, there are five alternative routes under consideration for the realignment.
“However, as compared to the rest of the other alternatives, the fourth option, i.e. “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, that, this realignment is not only the shortest road (reduced from present 36.00 Km to approx 25.00 Km) but also it would have proper gradient and enough width of the road, which again adds to the economic feasibility of travelling distance and time,” CSO Mangkolemba explained.
“Likewise, the Ao Senden’s expressed opinion and position stand justified because this realignment would be beneficial not only for the people of this subdivision but also for the rest of the districts connected by the NH-702D,” it said.
I. Tia Jamir, President, CSOs, Mangkolemba, said Mangkolemba subdivision is faced with myriad problems, “but one of the most urgent needs is to have good, well maintained and well connected road connectivity” and added that, it would only be “apt and logical” that a road of national importance and interconnectivity transits through this subdivision. “That, in itself, would be paramount in giving a sense of justice and belongingness to this deprived subdivision and its people,” he added.
“It would not only be economically sustainable, efficient and beneficial to the masses but also it would give a boost to the tourism industry in the area, given the fact that the subdivision is home to a variety of species of flora and fauna as well as rich in Naga heritage and places of historical importance,” the CSO Mangkolemba president reasoned.
The organization has written a representation to the state’s Chief Secretary, J Alam IAS and the Engineer-in-Chief (PWD-NH) and copies of the same have been forwarded to various stakeholders, including the two legislators from the subdivision.
On 28th of March 2022, some representatives of the CSO, led by the President I. Tia Jamir, went and submitted a representation regarding the same to the Chief Secretary, GoN, the Engineer-in-Chief PWD, GoN, and the Chief Engineer NH, in Kohima. They have urged the concerned authority to give preference to “Option IV of NH702D realignment” and obtain the required No Objection Certificates.
A brief profile of the Mangkolemba Subdivision and its population as highlighted by CSOs Mangkolemba:
1) Mangkolemba is a semi-urban administrative subdivision under the Mokokchung district of the State of Nagaland, 60+ kms aloof from the district HQs and bordering Mariani (Jorhat) Assam;
2) It is the administrative HQs of three ranges (out of six in Mokokchung district), namely, Jangpetkong, Japukong, and Tsurangkong, covering more than 50 villages and three other administrative blocks, viz. Alongkima EAC HQs, Longchem EAC HQs and Merangmen Border Magistrate. Thus, it is home to more than 60,000 Ao-Naga tribals;
3) The population is predominantly farmers or engaged in other agricultural activities;
4) As compared to the rest of the Ao-Naga tribals in particular and the Naga tribals in general, the people of this subdivision are lacking far behind in all development indicators, whether it be education, health or any other basic infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, etc. required for the wellbeing and harmonious development of a normal human being;
5) Accessibility is limited by the pitiable conditions of the roads in the entire subdivision, connecting the different villages as well as the district HQs., which only exhibit and expose the decades of neglect by the successive governments of the state.