Kiphire district

Kiphire district was carved out of Tuensang district in 2003. It became the eleventh district of Nagaland after it was carved out.[5][3] An administrative headquarters at Kiphire was created on 16 June 1952 after surveys were done to open more administrative headquarters. The district was formally created in 2003 with 7 subdivisions, namely, Seyochung, Pungro, Amahator, Kiphire Sadar, Longmatra, Sitimi and Kiusam.[3][6] Another subdivision, namely, Khongsa was carved out of Pungro subdivision taking the total number of subdivisions of Kiphire district to 8.[3] The first Base Area Superintendent of the district was S.D. Lakhar. The district was earlier part of the Tuensang district which was under the NEFA.[5]

The area of the district is 1,130 square kilometres (440 sq mi).[3] It is bounded by Tuensang and Noklak districts in the north, Zünheboto district in the west, Phek district in the south and Myanmar in the east. It is headquartered at Kiphire, which is at an altitude of 896 m above sea level. The major towns of this district are Seyochung, Sitimi, Pungro and Kiphire. Nagaland's highest peak, Mount Saramati (3826 metres) is located in this district. Kiphire also has an earth station. Kisatong village is another tourist destination in the district.

The district headquarters is at Kiphire. The district has 8 subdivisions namely Kiphire Sadar, Pungro, Seyochung, Khongsa, Amahator, Kiusam, Longmatra and Sitimi. The present Deputy Commissioner of the district is T. Wati Aier.[2]

According to the 2011 census Kiphire District has a population of 74,004,[6] roughly equal to the nation of Dominica.[9] This gives it a ranking of 625th in India (out of a total of 640). Kiphire has a sex ratio of 956 females for every 1000 males,[3] and a literacy rate of 69.54%.[3]

The district is predominantly inhabited by the Sangtam, Chirr, Makware, Yimkhiung and Sümi tribes. The tribal population constitutes 96.5% of the entire district.[3]

An old couple at a polling booth in Kiphire district, Nagaland

The district has two vidhan sabha constituences, namely, Seyochung Sitimi and Pungro Kiphire. The MLA of Seyochung Sitimi is V. Kashiho Sangtam of the BJP and the MLA of Pungro Kiphire is T. Yangseo Sangtam who is an independent politician.[10] The last elections were held in 2018. The next legislative assembly election will be held in 2023.

As part of Lok Sabha, Kiphire district is part of the Nagaland Lok Sabha constituency. In the 2019 Indian general election, Tokheho Yepthomi of the NDPP won by 16,000 votes over his rival K.L. Chishi of the Indian National Congress.[1] The next general election is in 2024.

According to the 2011 census of India, the district has a literacy rate of 69.54%. The Scheduled Tribes have a literacy rate of 96.52%.[3]

Brown-cheeded Fulvetta in Fakim, Nagaland

Tourist footfall in Kiphire district is low. Connectivity and communication infrastructure is very limited in the district. The number of tourists visiting Kiphire has seen growth in the past few years. Below are few of the tourist attractions in the district:[7][12]

• Mount Saramati, peak 3,826 metres (12,552 ft)
• Limestone Caves, Salumi and Mimi villages
• Zungki River
• Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Fakim

The limestone caves at Saluni, Mimi and other villages in Pungro subdivision are yet to be explored. The Tizu/Zungki River is a national waterway. It was declared a national waterway in 2016.[13]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kiphire district.

• Official site
• Nagaland Tourism
• Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary

25°54′N 94°47′E