Phunom (ဖူနွမ်း ) Village

Phunom Village (Burmese: ဖူနွမ်း)is located in Tedim Township, a part of Falam District, Chin State, Myanmar. The village is surrounded by Kenedy Peak (Thuam Vuum) to the northeast and Khumvum Peak to the west, with a high sea level of 4921 feet. Located near the border with India. A small settlement with population of around 1200 people.

Phunom Village was originally named HIANG ZANG and was established in AD 1650. The village later relocated approximately 0.5km to the north and was officially renamed Phunom Village in AD 1889.

Neighboring villages include Dimpi Village and Suangpi Village to the north, Thangnuai Village and Thuklai Village to the east, Thuklai Village and Zung Village to the south, and Zung Village and Dimpi Village to the west.

The village experiences three distinct seasons: the cool season from November to February, the hot season from March to May, and the rainy season from June to October. Temperatures range from about 20°F in the cold season to 80°F in the hot season.

The name "Phunom" translates to "There is Luck here," with "PHUN" meaning "LUCK" and "OM" meaning "HERE IS."

Phunom Village boasts picturesque valleys, mountains, and rivers, making it an ideal location for farming. The villagers primarily cultivate beans, corn, apples, avocados, tomatoes, cauliflowers, cabbage, sunflowers, and more.

The village is rich in diverse flora, with different types of trees flourishing throughout the seasons. Traditionally, rice has been a staple food, cooked over a wood fire. However, in recent years, the villagers have adopted electricity for cooking rice.

Phunom Village is accessible by car, truck, and motorcycles, making it convenient for visitors to explore the area.

The village's educational institutions have a long history, with the Primary School established on June 12, 1928, and the High School inaugurated on June 3, 2013.

The British authorities imposed a requirement for a specific number of young, able-bodied men from each clan and village to be sent to French labor camps. In 1916, individuals from various Naga, Lusei, and other communities joined this force. During the First World War, a significant number of men from the Lushai Hills District, Nagas and Zomi from Manipur Hills, and Zomi from the Chin Hills voluntarily enlisted in the Allied Labour Corps, totaling 7,100 individuals. However, in 1917, an additional demand for one thousand men from each of the administrative subdivisions of Falam, Haka, and Tedim was made. The Zo people, who had never before left their homeland, were apprehensive about the fate of their youth, as some who had gone earlier never returned. Furthermore, there was lingering resentment towards the British for their past actions involving the collection of arms and slaves.

In 1917-1918, a group of individuals from Phunom Village bravely volunteered to serve in the Labor Corps in France. These individuals included Hang Za Cin, Son Suang, Son Thawng, Phut Suang, Son Khaw Kham, Kham Kam, Kham Huat, Lam Ngo, Phut Cin, and Thang Pum. Their willingness to serve in a foreign land during a time of conflict exemplifies their courage and dedication to their communities.

In Phunom Village, all residents are followers of the Christian faith. Each year, they come together to celebrate various traditional festivals. Currently, the most beloved festival is KHUADO, also known as the Harvest Festival. During this time, the community not only rejoices in the bountiful harvest but also shows support for disabled individuals, pays tribute to pastors, teachers, and elders.

Following the recent Myanmar Military Coup, the appointed village leader, who was under the Burmese Government, is no longer in power. In their absence, the Phunom Christian Unity (PCU) has taken charge of guiding the village through these challenging times. Due to the political unrest, schools across the region have been forced to close. However, thanks to the efforts of the PCU, educated volunteers have stepped up to teach the children, ensuring they continue to receive an education.

In a harrowing incident in 2024, the military dropped a bomb near a school where over 200 students were present. Miraculously, the bomb landed approximately 200 feet away from the school, sparing the lives of all the students and teachers. This event serves as a testament to the resilience and faith of the Phunom Village community.

Phunom Village is a historic settlement located in the Tedim Township of Chin State. The Phunom people, now known as the Khuano people, have a rich history of establishing new villages in the region. In 1909, they founded Pimpih Village, followed by Laibung Village in AD 1918 and Tuisau Village in AD 1920. Today, the Khuano people have expanded to approximately 20 villages in the area.