New Delhi: Longwa, a remote village in north-eastern part of Nagaland falls both in India and Myanmar, and its residents enjoy a special relationship with both countries.
Located in Mon district of the state, the house of Angh, as the hereditary chief of this largest village in district is known, is worth visiting as the international border of the two countries runs through his kitchen. You eat in one country and sleep in another!
What is interesting is that unlike other borders where there is strict control on movement, residents of this village are allowed to move freely in both the countries.
There are two rivers flowing in the Indian side, Tegi and Tapi, while two are in Myanmar, Tejak and Shumnyu.
The Angh village is one of seven in the district and controls many other villages, some of which are in India and others in the neighbouring country. What makes this place unique is the fact that the residents across the border share customs and traditions and have strong cultural ties.
In all there are 500 families and 7,000 residents in this village.
Last of the head hunters
People in the region belong to the Konyak Naga tribe, who are heavily tattooed and look majestic sporting head gears and traditional war dresses. They are known for excellent wood carving, blacksmith and handicraft.
Significantly they enjoy the singular distinction of being India’s last of the head hunters.
This practice was common and important for the tribe and when battles were fought with rival groups and tribes, the winner would return with the heads of the enemies as a symbol of prosperity, strength and power.
This custom came to an end in the 1960s. People still have brass skull necklaces at home that symbolise that they had taken these heads during the battle.
The village boasts of several scenic spots to visit. These include the Doyang river, Nagaland Science Centre, Hong Kong Market, Shilloi lake, the pillar indicating the international border and many more tourist attractions.
