Dibrugarh, June 21: Pongchau village, situated along the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh and once known for insurgency-related issues, is now in the news for a positive reason — its youth are scripting a new future for the village.
Located 60 km from Longding district headquarters, Pongchau is a remote village of Arunachal Pradesh, with the international border just a few kilometres away.
Though previously associated with insurgent activities, Pongchau’s image is now changing as the village’s youth excel in academics and professional fields, bringing laurels to their community.
The village is also known for its majestic weather. While most parts of India face heatwaves and harsh summers, Pongchau enjoys a pleasant and cool climate.
Two young achievers, Longhee Wangsa and Phohee Wangsa, have made the village proud with their accomplishments.
Longhee Wangsa, who began his career as a sepoy in the Assam Rifles, has risen through dedication and hard work to become an Assistant Commanding Officer in the same force.
Phohee Wangsa, a student of Government Higher Secondary School, Pongchau, brought honour to the village by securing the second position in the CBSE Class 12 exams in Arunachal Pradesh.
Scoring 91.8 percent in the 2024–2025 Class XII CBSE exam, Phohee Wangsa placed second in the state merit list.
On Friday, both achievers were felicitated by the villagers. The community rejoiced as the accomplishments of these two youths brought new recognition to their village.
The felicitation programme was organised by the Pongchau Village Council in collaboration with the Pongchau Students’ Union. A total of 42 distinguished officers, personnel, and meritorious students, including Longhee and Phohee Wangsa, were honoured during the event.
It is noteworthy that Longhee Wangsa cleared the Limited Departmental Competitive Exam and is now serving as an Assistant Commanding Officer in the Assam Rifles. Meanwhile, Phohee Wangsa’s 91.8 percent in Class XII secured him the second rank across Arunachal Pradesh.
Laito Wangsa, ZPM from Pongchau, remarked that it was a proud moment for the villagers to honour outstanding officers and students, especially considering Pongchau’s remote location and limited access to modern facilities.
The felicitated individuals and students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the organisers for the recognition.
Pongchau is inhabited predominantly by the Wancho tribe, traditionally known as head-hunters. The Wancho are a Naga group residing in the Patkai Hills of Longding district and are recognised for their distinct cultural heritage, including tattooing, wood carving, and beadwork.
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