Rich Heritage of Nagas are intact in newly inaugurated Longwa Chief Angh's residence

By Vangamla Salle K S Dimapur (Nagaland) [India] Nov. 2 (ANI): The remote village of Longwa, with Myanmar's dense forests on one side and India's rich agricultural lands on the other, is home to the fierce Konyak Naga tribe, one of the largest of 16 tribes living in Nagaland. As such, Konyak villages are situated on ridge tops, so they can easily monitor and pre-empt an enemy attack. But with time, things have changed. A newly constructed Longwa Angh's house was recently inaugurated by Nagaland Governor PB Acharya. Former Nagaland chief minister and parliamentarian from Nagaland Neiphiu Rio who adopted Longwa village on the lines of MP model as per the guidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present on the occasion. Longwa village is also one of the international trade centres set up by the Indian government. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a guideline. And, he says India belongs to the villages. Every MP must visit at least one village in a year and make it a MP model. I congratulate Rio for implementing the guidelines and shown it to the rest of the nation," said PB Acharya, Governor of Nagaland. Chief Angh's house signifies a tri-junction of Arunachal, Nagaland and Myanmar. "I feel proud more because the Naga masons, carpenters, they did the work day and night. And you have seen the people how happy they are in the inauguration today. Representatives from Myanmar, MLA and the Anghs' and the cultural troupes from Arunachal and host of Angh and leaders have come here to celebrate," added Neiphiu Rio, Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland. Representatives from Arunachal, Myanmar and other Naga inhabited regions witnessed the inaugural of Longwa Angh house and the guest house. Dance troupes from Arunachal, Longwa and Myanmar left the audience enthralled. Their presence signified unity among the Naga, though they are separated by boundaries. "It is a symbol of unity and the significance of this Angh house is the tri-junction of Arunachal, Nagaland and Myanmar. So, I hope, this will send a positive message that Nagas known as tribals living in villages are now recognized as the people," Rio added. Various skulls of the ancient battles are beautifully intact in each of the wooden pillar highlighting the rich heritage of ancient Konyak tribe. Bones of buffaloes, deer, boars, hornbills and mithun-a bovine species found in northeast India and kongs and elephant tusk decorate the walls of Angh house showcasing the prizes from generations of hunting. The Angh house consists of a huge kitchen with a firewood place in the centre signifying that the family used to gather around the fire place during council and administrative meetings. The pillars of Angh house also showcase the characteristic of strength and unity of the people. However, the most stand alone piece is a wooden log with a lion head shape on it that signifies the region's bravery. Visitors are awestruck by the nature made look alike wild boar at the main entrance. "Fifty percent of my village is in Burma and another 50% is in India so also, half of my house is in India and another half in Burma. However, both sides are under my control. Earlier, my people from both sides used to build my house bringing every material that is needed and cultivate my fields. I am happy that MP Saab has built an RCC house. Now my people don't have to build my house every year and therefore everybody is happy too," said Tonyei Phawang, Chief Angh of Longwa Village. Such projects will not only help promote the rich culture and heritage of the region but will also boost development. (ANI)