A high-level meeting to discuss the alignment of the proposed NH-702 (Longleng–Longching–Mon–Tizit) two-lane road project was held in Kohima on Thursday, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who also serves as Minister in charge of National Highways and Planning and Transformation. The meeting was convened following a representation submitted by the Tobu–Mopong–Longchang Joint Committee for NH-702, highlighting local concerns regarding the alignment of the highway. Addressing the media after the meeting, Zeliang said that three alignment options had been proposed for the NH-702 stretch between Longleng, Longching, Aboi, Mon, and Tizit. However, landowners from 45 villages have raised objections and insisted that only Option 1 be considered. According to Zeliang, landowners made it clear that they wanted a national highway, not a border road, and thus preferred the alignment that best supports connectivity and regional development. While the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had indicated that Option 3 was shorter and technically superior, Zeliang clarified that the final decision would be taken only after a detailed technical verification. A joint verification team—comprising the Chief Engineer of PWD (NH), Executive Director of NHIDCL, Commissioner and Secretary, Deputy Commissioner, and representatives of the affected public—had already been constituted. This team, along with consultants, will now conduct an on-site inspection and submit its findings before a final decision is made. The meeting was attended by MLAs Nyamnyei Konyak, Naiba Konyak, and C Manpon Konyak; Chief Engineers of PWD (NH) and PWD (R&B); Executive Director (Projects) of NHIDCL; Regional Officer, NHIDCL Kohima; and representatives from the Konyak Union (Mopong unit) and Konyak Union (Longchang unit). Landowners from seven affected villages—Sowa Changle, Sowa, L/Hongnyu, Longchang, Longchang Town, Mohung, and Mohung Changai—also participated in the deliberations. Zeliang emphasised that the project would only move forward after ensuring all technical and public concerns are properly addressed to maintain transparency and local confidence in the development process.