In an effort to promote self-reliance and inclusive growth, the Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles recently launched a skill-based initiative to empower women of the Ollo tribe under Operation Sadbhavana.

About Ollo Tribe
The Ollo, also known as the Lazu Naga, are an indigenous Naga tribe with a hereditary chieftainship system living across the India-Myanmar border. Their population in India is relatively small, with about 1,500 individuals as of the 2011 Census, making them one of the country's smaller tribal communities. 

Location
The majority of the Ollo people live in the Lazu Circle of the Tirap district in Arunachal Pradesh, India. A significant number also reside across the border in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Myanmar. Despite the political boundary, the Ollo people maintain close kinship and strong cultural ties. 
Social structure

• Clan-based system: Ollo society is organized into clans with a hereditary chieftainship.
• Hereditary chiefs: The chief, known as a Lowang, is a revered figure who embodies the community's traditional wisdom and courage. The hereditary leader is assisted by leaders known as Ngongpa.
• Patriarchal society: The society is deeply patriarchal, with clearly defined roles based on gender and lineage. Leadership and property inheritance typically pass through the male line.
• Community harmony: The social structure and chieftain system play a significant role in maintaining community cohesion and resolving disputes. 

Cultural characteristics

• Historical practices: The Ollo were historically known for their distinctive facial tattoos, particularly among the women, and a head-hunting culture, although these practices have long been discontinued.
• Oral tradition: The tribe has a strong oral tradition and a rich body of folklore, passed down through generations via folksongs like the Voorang.
• Religious beliefs: In addition to traditional ancestral worship, Christianity and urbanization have introduced new influences. However, a core set of rituals and traditions persists.
• Unique housing: Ollo homes are traditionally built on stilts, an adaptation to the hilly terrain. The chief's residence is larger and more sturdy, often featuring carved wooden pillars that symbolize prestige and power. 

Language
The Ollo people speak the Ollo dialect, which is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. It is sometimes considered a subgroup of the Nocte dialect. 

Festivals
The Woraang (or Voorang) Festival is a vibrant agrarian celebration with songs, dances, and rituals that reflect the tribe's farming roots. The festival celebrates prosperity and community unity. 

Modern initiatives
Recent initiatives have focused on empowering the Ollo community, particularly the women. Development programs promote skill training and self-reliance, with the aim of preserving the tribe's traditional identity while fostering progress. 

Download Pdf