Anuj Tikku’s Shooting Escapades in Nagaland

Nagaland has a way of surprising you long before you even realise it. The moment you enter the state, the landscape shifts – towering green hills, crisp mountain air and rugged earth roads that snake through forests untouched by time.

But for Anuj Tikku, this journey into the wild wasn’t just about sightseeing. It became a full-blown adventure – complete with local tribesmen, handcrafted guns and the kind of camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else.

A Walk into Warrior Country

On a bright, unbelievably blue-sky morning, Tikku found himself standing on a rocky, uneven mountain path in rural Nagaland. The sun was gentle, the breeze was cool, and the hills loomed like ancient guardians around him.

Then came the moment that would define the day. A traditional Naga muzzle-loader rifle was handed to him. Tikku’s eyes gleamed with that familiar mix of thrill and curiosity.

The Tribal Marksmen

He wasn’t alone. A local tribesman – lean and sharp-eyed, dressed in a simple grey tee – stood beside him, casually holding his own muzzle-loader as if it were an extension of his arm. Another young villager watched on, amused but quietly proud to demonstrate their traditional craft.

Tribal Warmth

The locals demonstrated how the rifle is loaded – slowly, carefully, with a metal rod and precise old-school mechanics. Tikku watched with childlike fascination. This wasn’t just shooting; it was an art form.

Bang! Echoes Through the Hills

With guidance from the locals, Tikku lifted the rifle, braced himself and fired.

The sound exploded through the valley, echoing off the hills in a booming thud and startling a few birds into flight. The villagers broke into gentle smiles. Tikku grinned wider than all of them.

In that moment, it felt like an initiation into the rugged land of Nagaland.

The Roadside Warriors

But the adventure didn’t end there. Further down the road, on a narrow strip of asphalt carved between steep hills, Tikku met an elderly lady and an older man carrying firewood.

They posed with him as he held a tribal blade, while the locals stood by, smiling shyly and naturally – as if this too were just another part of everyday life in the hills.

It was a moment that blended the strange and the familiar, tradition and spontaneity, all wrapped in the warmth of Naga hospitality.

Guns Without Violence

It’s important to understand: Naga muzzle-loaders are part of cultural heritage, often used for hunting and kept as family heirlooms. Tikku’s entire experience was about learning this ancient skill from the people who have preserved it for generations.

There was no aggression, no glamourisation of violence – just curiosity, respect and a deep sense of connection.

A Day to Remember

When Tikku walked back along that dusty mountain road, rifle smoke still lingering faintly in the air, he knew this wasn’t an experience he would ever forget.

Nagaland had shown him the raw beauty of its landscape and the strength and humility of its people. In a world obsessed with packaged tourism, this was the kind of adventure that changes you – real, rugged and deeply human.