Mangkolemba | How decades of poor road connectivity halted development in Nagaland’s oldest subdivision

Mangkolemba, one of the oldest and largest sub-divisions in Nagaland’s Mokokchung District, has long struggled with underdevelopment. Despite its historic significance and geographical importance as the convergence point of three major ranges of Mokokchung District—Jangpetkong, Japukong, and Tzürangkong—the town continues to feel like an outskirt, primarily due to poor road connectivity.

At the heart of the issue lies an 11-kilometer stretch of road that separates Mangkolemba from National Highway 702D. This road, which serves as the town’s lifeline, did not see repairs in over 30 years until the Mangkolemba public and the Civil Society Organizations initiated a protest and the government has now finally started repairing the road. The lack of maintenance of this 11 km stretch has severely impacted transportation, with vehicles unable to ply during the monsoon season. For locals, the alternate route through Longtho-Japu road offers little relief, further contributing to the town’s isolation.

According to Tiakumzuk, Convenor of the Mangkolemba Civil Society Organization (CSO), and Toshiyanger, President of Mangkolemba Ao Lanur Telongjem (MALT), the town’s poor infrastructure is holding back development across various sectors, including education and healthcare. “Mangkolemba, despite being one of the oldest sub-divisions, still feels like an outskirt. The lack of proper road connectivity has stifled its growth,” says Tiakumzuk.

Efforts to address the issue have been slow. While the state government has finally begun repairing the road following public protests and pressure from civil society, progress remains sluggish. Locals acknowledge the work completed so far but are urging for faster progress, especially as the town faces additional challenges during the rainy season. ”We are grateful for the government’s efforts as well as the contractors, but we have been urging them to complete the work at the earliest. The monsoon season makes it nearly impossible to travel,” said Toshiyanger.

The lack of connectivity has also had a broader impact on the region. As a hub for the three ranges, Mangkolemba is central to administrative, educational, and social activities, not only for the town itself but for about 50 villages it supports. However, the poor state of its roads limits access to these services, preventing the town from realizing its full potential.

Civil society has been active in advocating for improvements. In 2023, the Mangkolemba CSO, along with the Ao Senden, endorsed the new alignment of the NH-702D two-lane road under Option IV, (Watiyim-Longjemdang-Mangkolemba-Khar-Longjongkong), an alignment that would connect the town more effectively to surrounding areas. The organization also submitted an open letter to Nagaland’s Chief Minister, stressing the importance of the NH 702D for the six districts that rely on it for trade.

“Option IV, selected by the Ao Senden for NH 702D, is the option supported by all three ranges. We have heard that surveys are being conducted, and therefore, we urge the authorities to address this matter at the earliest,” they said.

The road problem, however, is not the only challenge facing Mangkolemba. As a sub-division that borders Assam, the area frequently experiences border issues, with local residents calling for an increased police presence to ensure security. The Mangkolemba CSO has been advocating for a “police district” since 2015, citing the need for better law enforcement to manage cross-border conflicts.

Despite its challenges, Mangkolemba’s future hinges on solving its most pressing issue: road connectivity. Locals and civil society leaders agree that without better transportation infrastructure, the town will continue to lag behind in development, missing out on opportunities that could transform it into a thriving regional hub. For now, the 11-kilometer stretch and the new alignment for NH 702D remains a symbol of both the town’s potential and the obstacles it must overcome.

MT