Phek District

 

 

Phek is a district in the South-eastern part of Nagaland, bounded by Myanmar in the East, Zunheboto and Tuensang districts in the North, Manipur state in the South and Kohima district in the West. Phek is derived from the word "Phekrekedze" meaning watch tower. Earlier a part of Kohima district, it was made a separate district on December 21, 1973. It is inhabited by the Chakhesangs and Pochurys. The word "Chakhesang" an amalgamation of the names of three sub-tribes- "cha" from "Chokri", "khe" from "Khezha (Kuzha)" and "Sang" from "Sangtam (Pochury)". There are at least three main lingustic groups in the district, namely, Chokri, Khezha and Pochury. The medium of communication among the people is mainly Tenyidie and Nagamese. Phek is a land rich in culture and festivals. Festivals are held round the year. There are different traditional attires for every occasion

 

It is a hilly district rich in flora and fauna. There are three important rivers viz; Tizu, Lanye, and Sedzu and three important lakes viz; Shilloi, Chida and Dzudu in the district.

 

Agriculture is the main occupation of the district. Terrace Rice Cultivation (TRC) is predominant. Besides agriculture, people engage in salt making (in Meluri area) weaving, bamboo and wood carving, and in making fruit juice.

 

Phek is blessed with evergreen sub-tropical and temperate coniferous forests which supports a myriad of flora and fauna. The Geological Survey of Nagaland reports that there is one million tonnes of reserved limestone at Weziho, decorative and dimensional stones, coal in Akhegwo, Yesi, and Molen. Brine is also found in Meluri sub-division in the district.

 

Crystalline limestone is also to be found in Moke and Satuza. Iron Chromium, Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Molybedenum, Chromite, Magnesite, asbestos, talc, marble are also some of the mineral deposits found in the district.

 

Some of the important sectors of Phek District are:

 

DEMOGRAPHY AGRICULTURE HORTICULTURE FISHERIES FORESTRY
LIVESTOCK HEALTH POWER ROADWAYS EMPLOYMENT
POSTAL SERVICE TOURISM BANKING INDUSTRY CO-OPERATION