Draft:Luangpawn Village


Luangpawn Village

Luangpawn is a picturesque village located in the Saitual District, Phullen Block, Mizoram, India.

Luangpawn village


Location and Geography

Perched atop Mawmrang mountain [1] , Luangpawn is surrounded by dense forests and striking cliffs. It is approximately 71 kilometers from Saitual, the district capital, and 146 kilometers from Aizawl, the state capital. The village is connected to these towns via a motorable road.

History

Founding:

Luangpawn was established in 1893 by Lalbawnga (Bawitlung) and his followers. The village has been significant in regional history [2].


Significant Events:

Before Settlement: Prior to the establishment of modern Luangpawn, the area may have been inhabited by Siakzapauva and his followers. Siakzapauva was reportedly attacked by Chief Lalsavunga's warrior, Vanapa, who gained notoriety from this event.

-Permanent Settlement: Lalbawnga formally settled in Luangpawn in 1893, with permanent settlement achieved by 1906.

-Mizoram War of Independence: During the Mizo National Front uprising in 1968, the village was forcibly abandoned, and residents were relocated [3] to Phullen. After the conflict, in 1972, they returned and established a temporary settlement known as Luangpawn Bawk, which later transitioned into a permanent settlement with a re-established Village Council.

Village Council:

The traditional chieftainship system [4] was replaced by a Village Council system in 1952 [5] . The first Luangpawn Village Council was elected in 1954 with the following members:

1. Thanghrima - President

2. Thangdama - Vice President

3. Chairman - Secretary

4. Kapvela - Member

5. Liantawna - Member Due to the displacement during the insurgency, the Village Council was re-established in 1983 with:

Due to the displacement during the insurgency of Mizo National Front uprising, the Village Council was re-established in 1983 with:

1. Lalkhawdina - President

2. Ralkapkima - Vice President

3. Chawngthanga - Secretary

4. K. Fehkhama - Member

5. Rosiamliana - Member

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census, Luangpawn has a population of 469, comprising 244 males and 225 females. The literacy rate is 94.49%, with a male literacy rate of 95.38% and a female literacy rate of 93.55%. The child population (ages 0-6) is 88, accounting for 18.76% of the total population.

Caste Factor

The population is predominantly from the Schedule Tribe (ST) category, constituting 97.01% of the inhabitants. There are no Schedule Caste (SC) residents in the village.

Work Profile

Of the 276 working individuals, 57.97% are engaged in main work (employment for more than six months), while 42.03% are involved in marginal activities. Agriculture, especially jhum (shifting) cultivation, is the primary occupation.

Economy

The economy of Luangpawn is largely based on agriculture, with jhum cultivation being the principal method. The village also participates in small-scale trade and local crafts.

Culture

Luangpawn is rich in cultural traditions, celebrating various local festivals such as Chapchar Kut, Christmas, and the New Year festival. The community maintains its heritage through traditional practices and events.

Administration

The governance of Luangpawn transitioned from a traditional chieftainship system to a Village Council system in 1954. The village is currently administered by a Village Council, elected according to the Village Council Act.

Religious Life

All residents of Luangpawn are Christian. Christianity was introduced in 1908 by Evangelists Phaisama and Duma. The Luangpawn Presbyterian Church, established on February 19, 1910, is the sole denomination in the village. The church's first building was constructed in 1917, and the first elders were ordained in 1923.

Transportation

Luangpawn is accessible by road, linking it to the nearest town and block headquarters, Phullen. It is connected to the district capital, Saitual, and the state capital, Aizawl, via Phullen town, facilitating transportation, trade, and communication. Phullen is the nearest town, and most of the supplies and materials are imported from there.

Government Establishments and Buildings:

-Anganwadi Centre: Established on April 12, 1983

-Schools:

  - Luangpawn Primary School (Established in 1923, re-established in 1973)

  - Luangpawn Middle School (Established in 1981)

  - Luangpawn High School (Established in 2015)

Non-Governmental Organizations:

1. Young Mizo Association (YMA) Luangpawn Branch (Established on August 31, 1973)

2. Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) Luangpawn Branch (Established on April 1, 1979)

3. Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) Luangpawn Unit (Established on July 27, 1997)

4. Games and Sport Association (GSA) Luangpawn

Luangpawn remains a vibrant community with a rich history, strong cultural traditions, and a resilient spirit.