Overview
Noney district is one of the administrative districts of the state of Manipur in north-eastern India. It was carved out as a separate district on 8 December 2016, when the Government of Manipur reorganised the existing districts and created seven new ones. Noney was created out of the erstwhile Tamenglong district, with the town of Noney serving as its district headquarters.
Key facts
| Name | Noney district |
|---|---|
| State | Manipur |
| Country | India |
| Headquarters | Noney |
| Date of formation | 8 December 2016 |
| Parent district | Tamenglong district |
| Region | Hill districts of Manipur |
Background
Before 2016, the area now constituting Noney district was part of Tamenglong district, one of the larger hill districts of Manipur predominantly inhabited by the Rongmei and other Naga communities. As part of a wider reorganisation announced by the state government, Manipur's nine districts were expanded to sixteen through the creation of seven new districts: Noney, Pherzawl, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Jiribam and Kangpokpi.
The bifurcation was intended to bring administration closer to the people in remote hill areas and to improve the delivery of public services. The decision, however, was met with protests from some Naga civil society organisations, who opposed the redrawing of district boundaries in hill areas.
Geography
Noney district lies in the western hill region of Manipur. The terrain is largely hilly and forested, drained by the Barak and Irang river systems. The district is traversed by National Highway 37 (the Imphal–Jiribam–Silchar route), which is an important link between the Imphal valley and southern Assam.
The district is the site of the Noney Bridge over the Ijai river, part of the Jiribam–Imphal railway line, which is among the tallest pier railway bridges in the world.
Administration
The district administration is headed by a Deputy Commissioner. Noney is divided into sub-divisions including Noney, Nungba, Khoupum and Haochong. The area is largely rural, with settlements organised around traditional village authorities alongside the formal district administrative machinery.
Demography and culture
The population of Noney district is predominantly tribal, with the Rongmei Naga forming a major community along with Liangmai, Zeme and Inpui groups, collectively associated with the broader Zeliangrong identity. Christianity is the most widely practised religion, alongside the indigenous Heraka faith and traditional animist beliefs. Festivals such as Gaan-Ngai are observed across villages in the district.
Economy
The economy is based largely on agriculture, including jhum (shifting) cultivation, terrace farming, horticulture and forest-based livelihoods. Rice, maize, ginger, oranges and pineapples are among the important crops. Infrastructure projects such as the Jiribam–Imphal railway and improvements to NH-37 have introduced new economic activity to the district.
Significance
Noney district is significant both as an administrative unit serving a tribal-majority hill region and as a strategic transport corridor connecting the Imphal valley to Assam and the rest of India. The Noney railway bridge and associated rail link are seen as transformative infrastructure for connectivity in north-east India.
Related topics
- Manipur
- Tamenglong district
- Districts of Manipur
- Noney Bridge
- Zeliangrong
- Jiribam–Imphal railway line
References
- Government of Manipur notifications on the creation of new districts, 8 December 2016.
- Wikidata entity: Q28419389.