Behiang
| Behiang | |
|---|---|
| town | |
  Behiang | |
| Coordinates: 24°00′25″N 93°33′28″E / 24.007071°N 93.557675°ECoordinates: 24°00′25″N 93°33′28″E / 24.007071°N 93.557675°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Manipur |
| District | Churachanpur District |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Meiteilon (Manipuri) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
Behiang is a border village on the boundary of India and Burma. With roughly 1000 size population, this village snakes for about 2 km. along the Tedim road. Majority of the local population belongs to the Zou community. Other communities include Tedim (Chin), Paite.
Ruins of World War II
Constructed during World War II, the Tedim road passes through this village, and it connects the Indian city of Imphal and the Burmese town of Tedim. A contingent of the Japanese army took this road which was then still under construction. So, the Allied Forces destroyed some bridges on the Tedim road in order to check the advance of the Japanese troops. Ruins of British built bridges still remain near Behiang and surrounding villages like Tonzang and Zangnuam.
The Old BSF Camp & the New AR Camp, Behiang
Behiang used to have a regular camp of India's Border Security Force until recently. The Camp site is located on a lovely and commanding hill lock over the left bank of the Tuivai river overlooking the entire village and a major portion of the international border. The BSF were withdrawn from their camp in December 1998 during the midst of the ethnic clashes between Kuki - Paite tribes.[1]
In June 2006, the Assam Rifles (AR) were stationed in Behiang and they started constructing a new camp site which was officially occupied on January 2008.[2] The AR Camp is currently located on the Southern side of the village close to the Khenman boundary.
Border Trade Centre Approved By Union Government
Khenman is the nearest Burmese village from Behiang. For a number of decades, a brisk border trade has been carried out unofficially at this border village. Despite its potential, this bazaar village still lacks the infrastructure to develop into a booming commercial town.
Aimed at boosting the Indo-Myanmar border trade, the Central Government of India had approved the setting up of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Behiang on 27 May 2012.[3] On October 3, 2012, the State's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Konthoujam Govindas and the MLA of Singngat, GS Haupu accompanied by officials visited Behiang to ascertain land availability for the construction of the proposed Border Trade Center which is also part of the Union Government's Look East Policy. The visiting team, along with the Chief of Behiang, Ms. Jubilee Moi has finalized a land area of 10 acres for the construction of the trade centre.[4]
Local Economy
Behiang has a strong network of mercantile families who live off the Indo-Burma border trade. Several others have family members working in the Indian Army, Para-Military Forces and a few each in the State and Centre Govt. service. Yet more than half of the local population engages in agricultural labour - either swidden (jhum) or wet rice cultivation. All arable land along the Tuivai river have been brought under paddy cultivation. Food shortage during the lean season just before harvest usually is met by the surplus rice produced by Burmese jhum farmers.
References
- ↑ http://www.nenanews.com/OT%20Mar%2022-%20Apr%206,99/oh9.htm
- ↑ http://zolengthe.net/2008/12/06/ccpur-villager-casts-slur-against-ar-major/
- ↑ "Centre approves Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Behiang". The Sangai Express. November 12, 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
- ↑ "Ministers ascertain land availability for Behiang Border Trade Center". ZOLENGTHE.NET. 05 Oct 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2012.