Location
Kiphire district, bifurcated from Tuensang district, was
inaugurated on 24th January 2004.1t is located on the eastern part
of the State and is 254 KM away from the Capital city, Kohima via
Meluri of Phek district. It is bounded by Tuensang district on the
North, Phek district on the South, Myanmar on the East and Zunheboto
district in the West. Kiphire stands in the middle of the two lofty
mountains of Saramati and Jingkhu at an elevation of 896.42 meters
above the sea level. Area History
Climate
People
Socio-Culture
The Total Area of the District is 1255 sq. Kms.
Kiphire District, which was a part of Tuensang district for
years, remain untouched by the British colonial administration even
after its subjugation in 1920s. Though it was included within the
category of Naga tribal areas under Assam and placed under political
control, practically, there was neither sign of either political
control nor any administration till the transfer of power in 1947.
In the wake of expansion of civil administrative out-posts,
survey for opening of Administrative headquarters was done in 1951.
An administrative headquarters was established at Kiphire on 16th
June 1952. Initially, land was donated by Kiphire village and
subsequently the nearby villages followed suit. Thus, the present
Kiphire town came into the present shape.
The Climate of Kiphire district on the whole is humid and
cold. During the winter, the temperature sometimes goes down to a
very low degree. The lowest temperature recorded during recent years
was 2.7 degree Celsius and a high temperature of 37.0 degree
Celsius. Monsoon period extends from June to September and sometimes
up to October with an average rain fall of 75mm .The climate of the
district is slightly extreme but healthy.
The people of the district are of Mongoloid stalk and
predominantly inhabited by the recognized tribals of Sangtam,
Yimchungrü, and Sümi. Besides these, there are six
other sub-tribes in the district. It has 77 recognized villages, 7
townships, 4 compounds with a population of 1,06,136. As the
district is inhabited by diverse tribes, the people speak different
dialects. The main languages/dialects used in the district are that
of Sangtam, Yimchungrü and Sumi. Interestingly, each people
understand each others' dialect and even speak alternately. They
live together harmoniously. Perhaps, the existence of different
linguistic tribes offers an ample opportunity for the outsider of
learning both the dialects and the people. The people of this
district as a whole are faithful and cooperative.
Like in any other part of the State, the district is rich in
culture, custom and practices. Varieties of costumes and traditional
dresses, for dancing and chanting folksongs, are found among the
people. Deeply rooted faith helps the social advancement among the
once pagan people. Their love to preserve their traditional culture
excels others in the State. The rich culture is exhibited during
each tribal festival with pomp and gaiety. The Yimchungrü tribe
celebrates Metemnio in the month of August every year.
Sangtam celebrates Mongmong in September. The Sümi celebrates
Tuluni in the month of July every year. During these
festivals the people celebrates by slaughtering domestic animals
like pigs, Mithuns, cows etc. Folk dance and songs form an important
part of the festivals. In the olden days drinking of rice beer (Mutu)
on this occasion was compulsory; however, with the advent of
Christianity in the land it is now seldom practiced.
Occupation &
Economy
With the majority
of the people living in the rural villages, agriculture remains the
main occupation of the people of the district. In spite of
favourable climatic condition and fertile soil, primitive method of
jhum cultivation is still extensively practiced leading to wastage
of time, energy and environmental degradation. In spite of the
government’s efforts, the agricultural techniques adopted by the
farmers are still semi-primitive and pre-industrial. As a result,
the output is very low. The main crop of this district is paddy,
maize, millet and barley. Cash crops like potato, soybean and
different kinds of local beans are also grown. A local bean called
Kholar is very popular in the district and is found in
plenty. Fruits like apple, orange, mango, guava, banana etc. are
also grown. In brief, there is not much diversification in
agricultural activities in this area. Poultry, piggery and cattle
breeding are also practice in this district, though mostly of
traditional method. As per the joint survey conducted by the state
department of geology and mining and the Geological Survey of India,
huge deposits of mineral resources are available in this district.
High quality of limestone deposits of nickel, cobalt, chromites and
magnetite are found in this district. Apart from this, natural huge
sources of Brine are also found. Varieties of rocks are found in the
Saramati belt. Kiphire district is very rich in natural resources,
which can boost up State economy if properly tapped.
Tourist Spots
There are a number of tourist attraction spots in the
district like Saramati peak, Stone cafe in Khongjiri, Mimi and
Salomi villages; Zungki, Tizu and Likhimro rivers, mining locations
in Pokphur and Longpotrok, Fakim Wild Life Sanctuary, proposed
International Trade Centre at Mimi and Likhimro Hydro Project. A
number of traditional houses with stone slates which is rare in
other parts of the State are available in Chomi, Mimi, Samphure,
Phelungre and Pungro villages. A good variety of Orchids like Blue
and Red Vanda, Rhododendron in white, red and yellow which are not
commonly found in other parts of the State are also found in
Saramati and Jhinkhu mountains. Tragopan and hill peacocks are also
found in plenty in Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary. Rare animals like
Kayak, Tiger, Hornbill, Bears, and Bees of various types and wild
Mithuns are also found in Saramati forest in summer. However, these
need to be properly developed to attract tourists.
Hydro Project
Kiphire District takes pride in having I
(one) Likhmiro Hydro Project under Pungro circle, the tributaries of
the Zungki river which flows to Chindwin river in Myanmar. The Hydro
Project also generates 24 MW power which is distributed in the state
and outside as well. It is also a good source of Drinking water to
the neighboring villages and is also used for irrigation purposes.
| No. of Rural Development Blocks | : | 3 blocks (Kiphire, Pungro, Sitimi) |
| No. of Govt. recognized village | : | 77 villages. |
| Total population | : | 1,06,136 (as Census 2001) |
| Density of population | : | 84/per Sq. Km. |
| Number of Major Towns | : | (3) Kiphire Town,Seyochung Town,Pungro Town |
| Literacy percentage | : | 42.91% (as Census 2001) |
| Important festivals | : | Mongmong (Sangtam) Metumnio (Yimchungrü),Tuluni & Ahuna (Sema) |
| Important Rivers | : | Zungki, Tsungaki, Likimro & Saramati |
| Important Crops | : | Maize, Kholar, Potato, Soyabean, Ginger, Paddy, Colocassia, etc. |
| Languages | : | Sangtam, Sumi, Yimchunger, Tikhir, English, Nagamese and Hindi. |