Upcoming Documentary
The Konyak's Struggle
Between Two Nations
Longwa is a unique village geographically divided between India and Myanmar, with the international border running right through its center. This village is home to the ancient Konyak Tribe, and its residents hold citizenship in both countries. The village is governed by the Angh, or King, who rules over 30 villages in Myanmar and six in India.
Remarkably, there are no fences or army posts in Longwa, thanks to the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime. This agreement allows citizens from both sides to move freely within 16 kilometers of the border without the need for a visa or passport. However, this year, the Indian government announced plans to fence the 1,600-kilometer-long border with Myanmar, ending the free movement regime due to concerns about illegal immigration, smuggling, and other issues.
This decision threatens to disrupt the lives of the Konyaks, who have lived without boundaries and have families spread across both nations. The people of Longwa, including the Angh, are deeply disappointed by this move. The fence will not only divide their community but also sever the Angh’s rule over the 30 Konyak villages in Myanmar. Many houses in Longwa, including the Angh’s own, straddle the border, and the residents do not want a fence cutting through their homes.
This upcoming documentary, my major project for my MA in Documentary Film, will explore how this fence will impact the lives of the Konyaks. Through personal stories and intimate portrayals, the film will highlight the challenges and emotional toll of living in a village divided by an international border.
Contributors
Tonyei Phawang
Chief Angh (King) of Longwa
He is the 10th King of the ancient Konyak Tribe, a revered leader who governs 30 villages on the Myanmar side and 6 villages on the India side. As the guardian of his people's heritage, he handles major territorial and village disputes with wisdom and authority, ensuring harmony and justice across this unique, cross-border community.
The International border line passes from the middle of Angh's house
The British India government drew this unusual border that cuts right through the heart of the village, making its inhabitants citizens of both India and Myanmar. With no fence or wall dividing them, this village stands out as a geographically unique location, blending the cultures and traditions of two nations seamlessly.
Longwa Village
Left side is Myanmar 🇲🇲 and
Right side is India 🇮🇳
Longwa Village, nestled on the international border between Nagaland state in India and Sagaing state in Myanmar, is a small Konyak settlement where borders are inconsequential. The village is characterized by its humble huts made from Naga Patta, a quaint market, a few cozy food spots, and a large church that serves as the heart of the community. Here, people live their lives peacefully, embracing a unique blend of cultures and traditions without concern for the dividing lines.
The Headhunters
The Konyak people, once renowned for their fierce practice of headhunting, engaged in this ritual as a means of serving their tribe and village. Warriors who brought back the heads of their enemies were held in high esteem and given great respect within their community. Each successful headhunter was awarded a facial tattoo by the queen, symbolizing their bravery and achievements. This tradition, however, came to an end in the 1960s following the tribe's exposure to Christianity, which led to a significant cultural transformation and the cessation of headhunting practices.
The Gunmaker
In the village, there is a skilled gunsmith who crafts firearms by hand, continuing a family tradition that has been passed down through generations. Remarkably, it is legal to purchase a gun here without a license, making this practice both unique and deeply rooted in the local culture.
Coming soon!
Seizure
This Indian Artist had open brain surgery at a very young age, He uses his art as an expression of his thoughts to cope and heal