Myanmar border plan raises concerns in Nagaland village of 'headhunters'

PTC News Desk: India's recent decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime and erect fencing along the 1,643-kilometer-long border with Myanmar has sparked apprehension among the inhabitants of Longwa, a village in Nagaland famously known for its tattooed headhunters. This unease extends beyond Longwa, raising questions about the delicate balance between border security and traditional practices of free movement.

The tattooed visage of Honngo Wangshu serves as a living relic of a bygone era when Konyak warriors would embark on daring expeditions into what is now Myanmar, returning with trophies of rival heads. Wangshu's blue-black tattoos stand in stark contrast against the lush green backdrop of Longwa, situated on the India-Myanmar border.

In Longwa, there are no visible signs of border fencing or military outposts; a solitary cement road delineates the boundary, where stepping off the path leads one into Myanmar territory. For generations, free movement has been intrinsic to the way of life for the Nagas inhabiting the borderlands, who maintain familial ties and cultivate fields on both sides of the border.

Longwa village, nestled in Nagaland's Mon district, is home to the fearless Konyak tribe, renowned for their warrior ethos. Honngo Wangshu, a seasoned veteran of head-hunting expeditions, now embraces Christianity and refrains from reminiscing about the violent past.

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However, Wangshu and his fellow villagers express deep-seated concerns regarding India's decision to revoke the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar and the proposed construction of border fencing. The Free Movement Regime, established in 2018 as part of the Act East Policy, granted tribals residing along the border unrestricted access up to 16 kilometers into both countries, aligning with longstanding customs.

The government's plan to fence the entire 1,643-kilometer border raises apprehensions among the villagers, given the region's rugged terrain and dense jungles. Currently, only a small portion of the border in Manipur's Moreh region is fenced.

Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed the government's commitment to fortifying the border, emphasising the construction of an impenetrable barrier along the Indo-Myanmar border. However, the impending changes evoke concerns among the residents of Longwa, who grapple with the potential impact on their traditional way of life and cross-border interactions.

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(Inputs from agencies)