Arunachal's Kaimoi village in Longding emerges as hidden tourism gem amid insurgent-era challenges

Nestled amidst the lush green hills of eastern Arunachal Pradesh, Kaimoi village in Longding district is gradually transforming from an obscure settlement into a rising tourist destination. 

Longding, part of the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) corridor and historically affected by insurgent activity, has long been under the purview of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). 

Yet, Kaimoi’s serene natural beauty and vibrant local culture are now bringing it into the limelight.

On September 27, coinciding with World Tourism Day, the village was awarded the prestigious Best Tourism Village-2025 Award by the state tourism department. The accolade has energized local residents and leadership, led by the young and dynamic Zila Parishad Member Rajiv Wangsa, who envision taking Kaimoi to national and international prominence as a model of eco-cultural tourism.

A Gram Sabha convened under the chairmanship of Gangpan Pansa, GPC of Kaimoi village, discussed actionable plans for preparing the village to welcome tourists. Key topics included the formation of village-level tourism development committees, women’s cultural groups, construction of a welcome gate, installation of signages at Kanubari Checkpoint, Dibrugarh Airport, and Longding Town, development of homestays, trekking routes for bird-watching, and promotion of eco-friendly materials like bamboo cups and mugs.

Tanyup Kopak, District Tourism Officer of Longding, highlighted the importance of preserving the Wancho tribe’s heritage and ensuring cultural sustainability alongside tourism development.

The Gram Sabha saw participation from several stakeholders, including Rajiv Wangsa, ZPM Longchan Anchal Block; Chonai Wangpan, District Consultant PHED; Wangrey Lowang, JE Wakka Section PHED; village chief; Gram Panchayat members; Village Water & Sanitation Committee; Kaimoi Tourism Society; Village Development Committee; Kaimoi Women Society; Kaimoi Student Union; and the village youth committee.

A landmark resolution was adopted during the meeting declaring the protection of the village’s drinking water catchment area under the Arunachal Pradesh Protection of Drinking Water Catchment Areas Act, 2023 (Act No. 5 of 2023).

To encourage active participation and maintain cleanliness in the village, five women’s groups were formed. During the celebration, the top three performing groups—Chingbanza Colony, Chingkau Colony, and Chingke Colony—were recognized and awarded prizes, further inspiring community involvement in preserving the village’s appeal.

The award and the subsequent initiatives mark a turning point for Kaimoi, showcasing how even areas with historical insurgent challenges can emerge as promising destinations for sustainable tourism, blending nature, culture, and community-led development.