A three-member team from Kiphire completes a 12-day river expedition to explore water transport links to Myanmar.
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12-day river journey highlights water transport potential
KIPHIRE — A 12-day river expedition undertaken by a three-member team from Kiphire has attracted the attention of the Nagaland government and sparked discussions on the potential of inland water transport in the state.
The expedition, which commenced on March 5, was led by Thsalongse Sangtam, who was accompanied by his brother Limicho Sangtam and cameraman S Tsapise Sangtam. The team travelled from the Zungki River in Kiphire through the Abhe Ki River and Tizu River before reaching Myanmar in a vessel they designed and built themselves, named First Light.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror about the motivation behind the expedition, Thsalongse said the team wanted to explore the possibilities offered by the region's river systems.
"We wanted to see whether these rivers could be used for connectivity and transportation. Many people know about these rivers, but very little practical information is available about navigating them," he said.
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The journey was not without challenges. The team encountered changing river conditions, strong currents, and remote stretches with limited access to communication. Despite these difficulties, they successfully completed the expedition while documenting the entire route through high-definition video footage.
According to Thsalongse, the documentation has now become an important resource as the Nagaland government examines the feasibility of developing sustainable water transport links between India and Myanmar.
Following the expedition, the team were invited to meet the Chief Minister of Nagaland and present their findings. The government is currently reviewing the visual data collected during the journey as part of its assessment of future cross-border infrastructure projects.
Reflecting on the achievement, Thsalongse said the expedition demonstrated the untapped potential of the rivers for regional connectivity and economic development. He also encouraged young people to pursue innovative ideas and explore opportunities within their own communities.
"This journey showed us that there is still much to discover. With determination and teamwork, we can contribute to the development of our region," he said.
Our Correspondent
Longtili Sangtam