India’s most unique village which lies in two countries! |

Longwa village, nestled in the Mon District of Nagaland, India, is a place where the concept of national borders takes on a unique meaning. Here, the residents enjoy the rare privilege of dual citizenship, a result of the village’s geographical location straddling the international boundary between India and Myanmar.
The village is home to the Konyak Naga tribe, known for their rich cultural heritage and history as headhunters, a practice that ceased in the 1960s.The international border runs right through the village, even bisecting the house of the village chief, known as the Angh. This has led to a fascinating situation where the Angh governs over lands in both countries, and the villagers navigate a life intertwined with two nations.

Under the Free Movement Regime (FMR), the residents of Longwa are allowed to travel up to 16 kilometers across the border without the need for a visa or passport. This agreement acknowledges the traditional ties and movements of the local tribes, who have lived in these hills long before the modern states of India and Myanmar were established.
The dual citizenship of Longwa’s residents is more than just a political anomaly; it’s a way of life. Villagers participate in social and cultural activities, trade, and even familial relationships that span across the border1. The arrangement also reflects the complexities of administering regions where historical tribal territories were divided by national boundaries drawn by colonial powers.
Longwa’s unique status has made it a point of interest for travelers and researchers alike, who are drawn to its picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to experience the confluence of two distinct cultures in one setting1. The village, with its traditional Morung (communal houses), vibrant festivals, and the famed hospitality of the Konyak people, offers a glimpse into a way of life that defies conventional notions of borders and nationality.
However, this unique arrangement also comes with its challenges. Issues of governance, law enforcement, and development are complicated by the jurisdictional overlap. Despite these challenges, the people of Longwa have managed to maintain a peaceful coexistence and a shared identity that transcends the demarcated line on the map.
Longwa village is a beautiful anomaly, one that must be treasured and protected at all costs. It demonstrates the deep rooted bonds of the Naga tribes and their ability to adapt to the modern geopolitical landscape while preserving their traditions and social structures. The dual citizenship of its residents symbolizes the fluidity of human societies and the artificial nature of borders. It is a reminder that cultural and familial bonds often hold more significance than the lines drawn by treaties and maps.