Historic Longtong Sema Naga village in Assam seeks govt support for development

Residents of the historic Longtong Sema Naga Village in Assam’s Tinsukia district have appealed for financial assistance from both the Union and State governments, citing years of neglect despite the village’s historical and cultural significance.

Located under Khumchai Gaon Panchayat in the 83rd Margherita Legislative Assembly Constituency, Longtong Sema Naga Village is regarded as one of Assam’s prominent tribal heritage villages. Established in 1904 during British rule, the village traces its origins to when Sema Naga people were brought to the region as part of the political labour corps and engaged in coal mining in the Namdang coalfields, oil exploration in Digboi, and construction of the historic Ledo Road, popularly known as the Stilwell Road.

With a population of over 4,000, most residents of the village depend on agriculture and cultivation for their livelihood. However, locals allege that despite its heritage value and contribution to the region’s history, the village has remained largely ignored in terms of development.

Kahoto Sema, chairman of the All Assam Sema Naga Council, said the community’s ancestors made immense sacrifices for the region, yet the people continue to face neglect and discrimination.

He highlighted several pressing issues, including poor road connectivity, lack of safe drinking water facilities, absence of healthcare infrastructure, and limited access to higher education for Sema Naga students.

Kahoto Sema also raised concern over the neglected condition of the Longtong Chinese Cemetery, a memorial built in honour of soldiers who lost their lives during World War II. He alleged that the site has been left unattended by authorities and has now turned into an abandoned place.

He further recalled that in 2003, former President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam visited the village and unveiled a commemorative stone. Over the years, several chief ministers, ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, film personalities, and nature enthusiasts have also visited the village, but residents claim meaningful development has yet to reach the area.

With the Assam Assembly election results scheduled to be declared on May 4, village leaders expressed hope that the next government would prioritise infrastructure development and heritage conservation in Longtong Sema Naga Village.