East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh is located in the distant northeastern region of India. This district in the north shares an international border with Tibet. East Kameng district also shares its border with the neighbouring state of Assam and with other districts such as Papum pare District, West Kameng District and Kurung Kumey District. This district of Arunachal Pradesh is rich with culture and tradition. The entire East Kameng district, apart from a small area on the southern most section bordering Assam, is hilly.
History of East Kameng District
East Kameng was a part of the Darrang District of the state of Assam till the year 1914. Under the notification of the Government of India, the area covered by East Kameg became part of the western section of the North east Frontier Tract. This territory was renamed in the year 1919 as Balipara Tract with headquarter at Charduar in Assam. Again, in the year 1946 the area enclosed by Balipara Tract was separated into Sela Agency and Subansiri Area and its headquarter continued to be at Charduar. In the year 1954, Sela Agency was renamed as the Kameng Frontier Division with its headquarter at Bomdila. Finally, Kameng Frontier was renamed as Kameng District in 1965. Further, in 1980, the district was bifurcated into two separate districts namely East Kameng (which was formerly known as Sepla sub-division) and West Kameng district (which was formerly known as Bomdila sub-division). Presently, East Kameng has become an independent district with its headquarter at Seppa. Interestingly, the name Kameng has been derived from the Kameng River starting off from the glacier lake below Gorichen Mountain and it is one of the tributaries of Brahmaputra River.
Geography of East Kameng District
East Kameng district is positioned in the western section of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This district is surrounded by West Kameng in the west, Papum Pare District in the East, Part of Lower Subansiri District and Macmohan Line (which are International boundaries) line in the North and Sonitpur district of Assam in the South covering a total area of 4134 sq kms. The profound gorges and thin valleys regularly open into broad valleys. East Kameng district is an extension portion of the North eastward Himalaya Mountains Range. It is positioned within 92 degree 36 minutes east to 93-degree 24 minutes` east longitudes and 26 degrees 56 minutes to 27 degree 59 minutes Latitudes. The District Headquarter, Seppa lies on the bank of Kameng River. The rugged territories of the East Kameng district make transport and communication tremendously difficult. There are only few surface roads that remain cut off during the summer seasons due to flood and landslide.
Demography of East Kameng District
The chief tribes inhabiting the East Kameng district are Bangnis (Nyishi), Akas, Miji Tribe and Puroiks (Sulung). Each tribe has their own dialects, customs, and religion. The Bangnis tribe who are also called Nishi, Nishang, Nissi or Dafla and Sullungs inhabit the area contagious to the North Eastern Kameng extending up to Lower Subansiri district. The Akas inhibit the Bana Area and Mijis inhibit to the region eastern of West Kameng district. According to the Population Census in the year 2011, the East Kameng district has a population of 78,413. The East Kameng district has a population density of 19 inhabitants per square kilometre. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 37.14%. The East Kameng district has a sex ratio of 1,012 females for every 1,000 males. The literacy rate of the East Kamreng District is 62.48%. Since independence, much of the population of East Kameng district has relocated to the district capital, Seppa. With the coming of modernism, festivals such as the Sarok of the Aka, Nyokum of the Nishi, Jonglam-Ponklam and Chindang of the Miji Tribe and the Gumkum-Gumpa are celebrated in full flair in Seppa.
Culture of East Kameng District
In Kameng district, social and cultural events are very closely associated with the life, environment and other relevant activities of the people residing here. Bangnis is one of the main tribes of East Kameng district. The marriage of the Bangnis takes place through the process of formal negotiations between the parents of both parties. After a specific bride price payment, the girl comes to live with the husband. Moreover, there are no formal ceremonies, which mark the consummation of marriage in this community. The people here wear a number of ornaments. Polygamy is very common among the people of this tribe. The Sulungs (Puroiks) are a very scattered tribe in this district. The Sulung society is based on the unit of village community. The Sulungs own land but in some cases they are dependent upon their Bangni landlords. The chief festival of the Bangnis is Nyokum Yullo which is celebrated in February. The site where the festival is performed is called Nyokum Kyageng. The Sulungs celebrate Gumkum Gumpa generally in April.
Economy of East Kameng District
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of East Kameng district. Jhum cultivation is prevalent in this district; however, it is being slowly replaced by permanent cultivation. The main crops of the district are Paddy, Maize, Millets, Sweet-Potato, Chilly and Vegetables. Funds were provided for rural agriculture and other fish Culture activities. Horticulture is also becoming more and more popular.
Tourism of East Kameng District
East Kameng district is described a valuable place to visit. There is one wild life sanctuary named as Pakhui Tiger Reserve where one can explore a wide range of wildlife. The sanctuary is also having 144 species of birds; Great Hornbill is the most important bird of this sanctuary. Seppa hosts some amazing tribal dance festivals.
Thus these entire features prove that East Kameng district is one of the beautiful and worthwhile places of the country.
