Phunom

Phunom Village, located in Tedim Township of Chin State, Myanmar, is a charming destination surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. To the northeast, you’ll find Kenedy Peak (Thuam Vuum), while Khumvum Peak lies to the west, standing tall at an impressive elevation of 4,921 feet above sea level.

The village is bordered by several neighboring communities: to the north are Dimpi and Suangpi villages; to the east, Thangnuai and Thuklai villages; to the south, Thuklai and Zung villages; and to the west, Zung and Dimpi villages. This positioning fosters a close-knit atmosphere among the surrounding areas.

Phunom Village experiences three distinct seasons: a cool season from November to February, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from June to October. During the cool season, temperatures can drop to about 20 °F, while the hot season can see highs of around 80 °F.

The name Phunom translates to “There is Luck here,” with “PHUN” meaning luck and “OM” meaning here is. The village’s landscape is characterized by valleys, mountains, and rivers, creating a picturesque backdrop for daily life.

Agriculture is at the heart of Phunom’s economy, with most villagers engaged in farming. They cultivate a variety of crops, including different types of beans, corn, apples, avocados, tomatoes, cauliflowers, cabbages, sunflowers, and more. The changing seasons bring different types of trees to life, enriching the environment further.

Rice is the staple food of the villagers, traditionally cooked over an open fire using burning wood. However, in recent years, many households have transitioned to cooking with electricity for added convenience.

Getting to Phunom Village is accessible via car, truck, or motorcycle, making it easy for visitors to explore the area. The village has a rich educational history, having opened a primary school on June 12, 1928, followed by the establishment of a high school on June 3, 2013.

Phunom Village is a remarkable place, steeped in local culture and surrounded by stunning landscapes, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the life of its resilient and industrious inhabitants.

During the tumultuous years of the First World War, the British authorities imposed a significant demand for labor, specifically targeting the able-bodied men from various clans and villages. In 1916, many individuals from the Naga, Lusei, and other communities answered the call to join the French labor camps. Notably, approximately 2,100 young men from the Lushai Hills District, 2,000 Nagas, and Zomi from the Manipur Hills, alongside about 3,000 Zomi from the Chin Hills, volunteered to serve as part of the Allied Labour Corps.

However, as the war progressed into 1917, the demand for manpower increased even further. The British sought one thousand men from each administrative subdivision: Falam, Haka, and Tedim. This raised immense concern among the Zo people, who had traditionally remained in their homeland. Fears circulated that their young men might not return, echoing the unfortunate fate of some who had previously departed. The situation was compounded by lingering resentment toward the British over their past actions, including the collection of arms and the enslavement of individuals.

Among those who volunteered from Phunom Village between 1917 and 1918 were:

• Hang Za Cin
• Son Suang
• Son Thawng
• Phut Suang
• Son Khaw Kham
• Kham Kam
• Kham Huat
• Lam Ngo
• Phut Cin
• Thang Pum

These brave individuals contributed to the war effort, showcasing the commitment of their communities in challenging times.