East Kameng district, which is one of the 16 districts of Arunachal Pradesh state in northeastern, India, shares an international border with Tibet in the north, a state border with Assam and district borders with West Kameng, Papumpare and Kurung Kumey, which was carved out from Lower Subansiri district on April 1, 2000. Under the claim of the Chinese sovereignty, East Kameng district would fall under the jurisdiction of Cuona of Shannan Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
East Kameng History
Till the year 1914, East Kameng was part of Darang District of Assam. By Govt. of India's notification of 1914, the area covered by this district were included in the western Section of the North East Frontier Tract. This tract was renamed in the year 1919 as Balipara Tract with its headquarters at Charduar, Assam. In the year 1946 the area covered by Balipara Tract was divided into Sela Agency and Subansiri Area but the HQ continued to be at Charduar. In the year 1954, Sela Agency was renamed as the Kameng Frontier Division with its HQ located at Bomdila. In the year 1965 Kameng Frontier was renamed as Kameng District. In 1980, the district was divided into two districts namely East Kameng Formerly known as Sepla Subdivision and West Kameng. Now it has become an independent district with its administrative headquarters at Seppa. Till the year 1975, Seppa was called Sapla, which means marshy land in local dialect. The name Kameng has been derived from the Kameng river which originates from the glacier lake below Gorichan Mountain and is one of the tributaries of River Brahmaputra.
East Kameng Climate
The climatic condition of this district varies largely due to variation in topography and altitude. The altitude of different administrative centers varies in the range of 362 m to 1906 m. The foothill zone is subtropical and experience hot and humid climate. Average temperature decreases with the increase in elevations in the mountains. The district observes heavy rainfall averaging 287 mm falling mostly between the months of June and October and in winter extreme cold is experienced. As a result of heavy rainfall during monsoon season, most of the rivers and streams are highly flooded and disrupt normal transport system and communication. Although heavy monsoon helps renewal of forests, it is also responsible for speedy soil erosion and landslides which make the maintenance of roads quite costly. Many developing activities are held up during the monsoon season. The months from October to March are the most favorable time carrying out development works.
East Kameng Culture
The Major tribes hailing from this district include Bangnis, Akas, Mijis and Puroiks. Each tribe has their own culture, dialects, customs and religion. Social and cultural events are very much resemble with their lives, environment and other relevant activities. The Bangnis, also called Nishi, Nishang, Nissi or Dafla and Sullungs inhabit the area lying close to the North Earstern Kameng extending up to Lower Subansiri District. The Akas inhabit the Bana Area and Mijis inhabit to the region situated to the east of West Kameng District i.e., Lada Circle.
Arranged marriage is popular among the Bangnis. After a specific bride price payment, the girl comes to live with the husband. There are no formal ceremonies which mark the marriage ceremony. The husband and the wife both wear new and traditional clothes with a number of ornaments. Polygamy is very common in this tribe.
East Kameng Tourism
Tourist places in East Kameng
Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary
Pakke-Valley,
Pappu Valley
Passa Valley
