MON, AUGUST 30 (MExN): Landowners from seven villages in Mon district namely Sowa, Sowa Changle, Longchang, Longchang Hongnyu, Longchang Town, Mohung, and Mohung Changai have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the decision to re-align National Highway-702 (NH-702) to option-3, announced at a high-level meeting on August 28.
A joint press statement issued by the village council chairmen of the seven villages termed the decision as “unjustified” and fails to address the concerns of all stakeholders. They claimed that the KU unit of Longchang, through which the stretch passes, was not invited to the meeting and that their concerns were completely ignored. They also alleged that the apex Konyak Union, the MLA of the 47th Aboi constituency, and administrative authorities did not hold meaningful discussions despite repeated representations and press releases.
While the Deputy Chief Minister described the decision as a “win-win,” the landowners termed it a “win-lose” outcome, or a “one-sided decision.” They urged authorities to reconsider the alignment and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
The landowners also called on NHIDCL not to de-notify the stretch from Longchang to Tenyak Bridge following BRO letter dated August 4, 2023, stressing that no compromise should be made under political pressure. They reaffirmed that no individual or CSOs has the right to influence the decision on land offered free of cost and reiterated that no NOC will be issued for option-3 within their jurisdiction.
While emphasizing that NH-702 in its original alignment (option-1) remains the only highway connecting 40% of Mon district, the affected landowners has warned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, they may be forced to adopt democratic forms of protest until justice is delivered.
