Longwa: Straddling village on border, where you have one foot in India and other in Myanmar, without VISA!

Highlights:  The 16th-century origin village of Longwa in Nagaland enjoys a unique status of dual citizenship under the Free Movement Regime (FMR)  A Brief History and Unique Features of Longwa  What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR)?  The Konyak tribe inhabits the village, which is the largest ethnic group among the Nagas. Village’s culture, festivals, and top attractions (upcoming Aoleang festival in April) The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to reconsider FMR as infiltration, drug trafficking, and smuggling perpetrates on the borders 

Ever known a village that straddles between two nations, that is split across borders? Well, there exists a place like that, an uncharted territory that you might not know about, which is not divided by any kind of borders or boundaries. The one-of-a-kind village named Longwa is situated in the Mon district of Nagaland on one side and extends to the Naga self-administered zone in the Sagaing region of Myanmar on the other side. It is surrounded by Arunachal Pradesh in the North, Myanmar in the east, and Assam in the west [1].

A Brief History of Longwa 

Longwa village’s origin dates back to the 16th century. The Britishers had defined the boundary between India and Myanmar after the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1924-26 with the Treaty of Yandaboo. The boundary was until 1967, when both countries had officially ratified the 1643 km border. A border pillar was erected along the border line to mark the separation between the two nations in 1971. The pillar has inscriptions in Hindi on the Indian side and in Burmese on the other side of Myanmar [2].

Unique features of the village of Longwa

A twin identity enjoyed by the citizens of Longwa, geographically and culturally. They are provided with a unique status of dual citizenship under the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which is still now, maintained and acknowledged by both India and Myanmar [2]. Under FMR, they can travel across an area of 16 km in either of the countries and are permitted to stay there for as many as 14 days. For more than two weeks, they would require a one-year border pass.  The head of the village is a hereditary chief, referred to as the Angh. The Angh’s residence also lies on the border, with its one-half in India and the other in Myanmar, which reflects upon the shared identity of the village. Angh casts his vote in elections held in India as well as Myanmar. Despite the village belonging to two countries, it is entirely ruled by the Angh [3]. There are seven traditional morungs, with the Angh assisted by a team of seven deputy Anghs under him. The present Angh of Longwa, Tonyei Phawang (left), who is the 10th generation of the lineage, with Temjen Imna Along of BJP (Image source: X)  Longwa is inhabited by 6703 people. The village has 750 households, out of which 170 lie on the international boundary. The Angh’s residence, an Assam rifles post, a church, and a government primary school lie on the borders. There are two forest reserves and eight farmlands in Longwa, four of which come under the control of Myanmar [2]. What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR)

FMR allows people across the India-Myanmar border to freely move to the other territory (Image source: AFP)   

The Free Movement Regime (FMR) was established in 2018 under India’s Act East policy, aimed to facilitate cross-border movement up to 16 km without a visa. The border separated ethnic communities, like the Nagas in Nagaland and Manipur, and the Kun-Chin-Mizo after the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826.  Due to the FMR, the international border between the two nations not only affects the citizens of both India and Myanmar, but such an arrangement also promotes trade, cultural exchange, and social connections across borders, ensuring the participation of all the residents. It strengthens the diplomatic ties, further providing access to education and healthcare for the residents [4] [5].  

The Konyak tribe

Longwa is the land of the Konyak Naga tribe, which is the largest ethnic group among the Nagas. Notably, they were India’s last headhunters. For the young boys of the tribe, headhunting was considered to be a ‘rite of passage’ where they used to severely chop off an enemy’s face, for which they were awarded a facial tattoo for their success. The practice was outlawed, the last raids of which were carried out in the early 1960s. The Konyaks are now trying to preserve their culture and traditions through crafting, storytelling, and performing arts. Every Konyak house, even now, has skulls of deer, boar, and hornbills that are kept as a symbol of their past achievements. The former warriors also have animal-horn ear piercings and special headdresses made of wild pig horns, hornbill feathers, and more [2]. 

Village’s culture, major festivals, and top attractions The Aoleang Festival in Longwa  Celebrating culture, vibrance, and community bonding at the Aoleang festival of Nagaland 

The Konyak tribe in Longwa hosts the Aoleang festival every year during the month of April. It is the traditional harvest festival that marks new beginnings. Dancing, singing, feasting, and praying are some of the festivities observed during this period. The beginning of the festival is marked by the ceremonial beating of the log drum known as the Kham. A hollowed log of wood is chosen especially for this purpose. The ritual is meant to connect the community with protective spirits that bring a good harvest in the coming season. The villagers also pay homage to their ancestors during the festival by performing skits and plays, enacting battle scenes and courageous acts that glorify their forefathers. For this, the residents wear traditional attire, carry weaponry, and display battle formations and other tactics. The traditional dances include Thangang and Aoleang Monyu [2].

 

When in Longwa, you must definitely visit the Church and the Angh’s house, opt for a homestay to get to know about the tribe, their art through antiques, a view of the mountains, and the scenery. Do not miss the chance to meet headhunters and learn about their stories. It is at present the best time of the year to visit the village till March, when Nagaland tourism is at its peak with all kinds of fairs and festivals awaiting you.

Reconsidering FMR

The Indian Government plans to reconsider FMR. Until December 2024, it was announced that the Home Ministry is planning to scrap FMR, however, no formal orders have been issued yet by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and neither has the agreement been suspended [6].  Under the Revised Free Movement Regime by the Ministry of Home Affairs (in 2024), 22 crossing points among 43 at the India-Myanmar border became operational. This includes 10 in Manipur, five each in Mizoram and Nagaland, and two in Arunachal Pradesh. Reasons for the decision to reconsider FMR include [4]:

Increased infiltration of immigrants on the border, threatening internal security and cultural identity

Drug trafficking and arms smuggling causing crimes

Widespread insurgency

China’s growing influence in Myanmar

Longwa is a depiction of the harmonious coexistence among the people across borders who live proudly without any reported instances of border tensions. It reflects upon the political and cultural cooperation between people and nations, the communities adapting and being resilient with the arrangement for years. With some problems arising, they must be sorted out by both governments, focusing on their shared interests and developing a comprehensive border arrangement.