a) Circuit House, Khonsa
b) Circuit House, Deomali
44
4. Airports/Helipads
a) Helipad Khonsa
b) Helipad Deomali
c) Helipad Longding
44 54
5. Nearest Railway station
a) Naharkatia, (Assam)
70
6. Nearest Authority of entry point(Check gate issuing ILP)
a) E.A.C. Deomali
7. Distance from Khonsa to State capital Itanagar
540
2) GEOGRAPHY :
Much of the land lies not very far removed from those of the sea level, although a large portion of the district comprises the Patkoi Hills, which consists of the Namdhapa National Park. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife species, from mithun to the Himalayan black bear, locally known as takin, to the wild goat. In Tirap district Nocte is the most populated tribe, they have the majority in the area. In Tirap district the educational institute known as Ramakrishna Mission School plays a major role to uplift the education system of Tirap.
3) PEOPLE AND RELIGION :
Much of the tribal population consists of the Naga related Nocte, Konyak and Wancho, who traditionally followed Hinduism and Animism, although a sizeable minority of Christians can be found among the Nocte and Konyak as well. Smaller communities of Tutsa, Tangsa and Singpho can be found in the district as well. Festive fairs and festivals such as the Loku of the Nocte, Oriya or Ojiyele of the Wancho and the Pongtu festival of the Tutsa are celebrated in full flair. Along with these festivals Durga Puja is also celebrated here.
Especially in Khonsa, Tirap boasts a number of Christian missionaries from Nagaland and other parts of India, which has already converted half of the town population to Christianity. These had resulted in significant proportions of the Hindu Nocte tribe to convert to Christianity, especially in its stronghold in Khonsa. However, Naga-based militant contingency plans was not supported by Neiphiu Rio, the chief minister of Nagaland. Tirap is also home to a sizeable population of the Christian Indian immigrants, Buddhist Chakma and Bangladeshi expratates.
4) HISTORY :
Since time in memorial, Tirap has been inhabited by ancestors of the indigenous tribes. Tribes such as the Nocte came to settle in the area during the 16th century, at the time of reign of the Ahoms. The Japanese troops invaded and controlled the area for a brief period in 1945, until the collapse of the Japanese empire. After their collapse Suman Gope came to the power. Of late, Tirap has also been a major target for the NSCN, a Naga rebel group who aims to convert the local tribals to Christianity and the creation of Greater Nagaland, using military force. It is also said that Baptist missionaries subtly supports these rebel groups.
5) TOURISM :
The vibrant folk-culture of the indigenous tribes has attracted many tourists to visit Tirap. However, missionaries in Khonsa poses a major threat to the future of the indigenous tribes as the slow process of Christian proselytisation takes place.
