Haflong (Often referred to as the “Switzerland of East India”) is a town in the northeastern state of Assam, which is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Covered by hills and valleys interspersed by rivers, the abundance and varied flora & fauna would leave you spellbound. With 13 tribes and 6 non-tribes that live here harmoniously, it’s a cultural melting pot of a town. Perhaps nowhere in India, one can find such a wide spectrum of people representing distinct ethnic tribes residing within a small geographic area. They have lived here harmoniously for over 100 years now, but this diversity has also caused strife and violence in the last few years. Some say it’s politically motivated and some have blamed it on the animosity due to a need to protect one’s identity.
All through the late 1990 and 2000s Haflong was in the news for all the wrong reasons. With militancy and ethnic clashes that affected the region and caused many to flee, kidnappings, murders in broad daylight and the infamous Barak Valley Express train route etc. brought this town a bad name. It even got listed as one of the most dangerous places to visit. This photo-essay series aimed to capture the cultural and social landscape of Haflong in Assam, India, reveal the beauty and complexity of Haflong, and share the stories of its people. This project was an exploration of creative collaboration for social transformation. Check out a some of the stories below ↓
Read more here.