Well, ask someone "What is the first thing that comes to your mind, when you hear NORTHEAST?". Do I need to suggest an answer??? Invariably, 9 out of 10 would recall INSURGENCY.
But, one who has had the chance of experiencing the pristine beauty of the land, would possibly recall the innumerable innoccent, virgin beauties of the unlocked land. I would like to share one such - the Minyong Villages of Arunachal!
Even as the modern day society is trying to grapple with the growing menace of crime, keeping one's house open even when he or she is out of station for days together might seem to be an anachronism. But, it's true in many areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Far from the commotion of today's society, there are still many villages in Arunachal Pradesh, where locking one's house is a rare phenomenon. And those who do so are looked down upon by the neighbours (a sentimental issue for neighbours, inplying that they are not trusted).
This custom is prevalent among the Minyong community, who mostly reside in the East and West Siang districts of the state. The people in the Minyong villages leave their stock and barrel without a lock even when they are away for days together, and yet never has a house been burgled so far. In fact, there are no locking provisions in the doors of these houses.
And no, the reason for the crime-free Minyong society isn't ignorance, as one might believe. The Minyong village at Along that I visited boasts of 70-80% literacy rates. It has more to do with the legacy of leading a vice-free society.
If anybody is found guilty of such vices, not only the offender but also his descendants face ostracisation. This fear keeps the Minyong tribals away from such crimes. In fact, Arunachal did not have a jail, atleast till 2004 (not sure if they do now).
Moreover, the individual granaries of the Minyongs, most of whom are farmers, are located away from their houses. This is to ensure the yields' safety from accidental fires in the households.
But, one who has had the chance of experiencing the pristine beauty of the land, would possibly recall the innumerable innoccent, virgin beauties of the unlocked land. I would like to share one such - the Minyong Villages of Arunachal!
Even as the modern day society is trying to grapple with the growing menace of crime, keeping one's house open even when he or she is out of station for days together might seem to be an anachronism. But, it's true in many areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
Far from the commotion of today's society, there are still many villages in Arunachal Pradesh, where locking one's house is a rare phenomenon. And those who do so are looked down upon by the neighbours (a sentimental issue for neighbours, inplying that they are not trusted).
This custom is prevalent among the Minyong community, who mostly reside in the East and West Siang districts of the state. The people in the Minyong villages leave their stock and barrel without a lock even when they are away for days together, and yet never has a house been burgled so far. In fact, there are no locking provisions in the doors of these houses.
And no, the reason for the crime-free Minyong society isn't ignorance, as one might believe. The Minyong village at Along that I visited boasts of 70-80% literacy rates. It has more to do with the legacy of leading a vice-free society.
If anybody is found guilty of such vices, not only the offender but also his descendants face ostracisation. This fear keeps the Minyong tribals away from such crimes. In fact, Arunachal did not have a jail, atleast till 2004 (not sure if they do now).
Moreover, the individual granaries of the Minyongs, most of whom are farmers, are located away from their houses. This is to ensure the yields' safety from accidental fires in the households.
