In a region long neglected in terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the inauguration of a new Hindustan Petroleum (HP) petrol pump at Longjongkong, New Camp, Mokokchung on April 21 marks a rare but significant development. The retail outlet, licensed by the Nagaland State Co-operative Marketing & Consumers’ Federation Ltd. (commonly known as MARCOFED), is owned by Acheer Kichu, who serves as the authorized signatory.
For many in the area, including neighboring Chungtia village, the pump represents more than just access to fuel — it is seen as a hopeful spark for local development. “It’s a blessing,” said Chungtia Village Council Chairman Assamwati Longchar. “This is something we never anticipated.”
His sentiment was echoed by Longjongkong Vice Chairman Imnayanglu, who thanked the Chungtia Village Council for providing the land, describing it as an “unexpected place” for such a facility. The location — tucked along the largely forgotten NH-702D — was once part of a major trade route that connected Mokokchung with Assam. Today, the road lies in neglect, reducing traffic and drying up economic activity in villages like Chungtia, Aliba, Kinunger, Satier, and New Camp.
Locals hailed the petrol pump as a “bold initiative,” with hopes that it could reignite movement along NH-702D. Acheer Kichu, the young entrepreneur behind the project, said he learned in 2020 that HP was looking to expand in the area. With financial support from his family, he took up the opportunity, despite the risks involved.
“There’s no business without risk,” Kichu said, placing his hopes on the much-delayed two-lane project of NH-702D, which runs adjacent to the pump.
“It is said that a limited amount of oil has to be sold every day to keep the petrol pump running,” Imnayanglu added, underscoring the urgent need for better connectivity. “It means the two-lane road is the only hope.”
The NH-702D, once dubbed the lifeline of Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Tuensang, has over the years become impassable due to poor maintenance and bureaucratic delays. A realignment proposal is currently under consideration to address the route’s treacherous gradient and soil instability.
As per reports, the PWD (National Highways) has conducted surveys and proposed five realignment options for the stretch between Chungtiayimsen (chainage 66.00 km) and Longjongkong (chainage 30.00 km) — a 36 km segment. Among the options, Option-IV — realigning from Watiyim-Longjemdang-Mangkolemba-Khar-Longjongkong — has been deemed the most feasible in terms of gradient, topography, and shorter distance (26.5 km).
However, the path to implementation remains uncertain. The Ao Senden, the apex body of the Ao Naga community, has publicly demanded that the state government approve Option-IV, citing it as the most viable based on the PWD’s own comparative statement. Soil instability along the existing route has rendered widening efforts along the old alignment unviable.
While the road awaits realignment, Kichu’s petrol pump stands as both a logistical necessity and a symbol of local aspiration. For now, it offers hope in a place where development has often come late — if at all.