Nampong, Miao

Yet another charming town of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is Nampong. This town is situated in the Changlang District and is close to the Pangsau Pass. With an elevation of 308 m, Nampong, in the earlier days, was located on the infamous Ledo Road which was also known as Stilwell Road.

Stilwell Road was named after General Joseph Stilwell. Because of the landslides that occurred often and the harsh working conditions, this area was nicknamed the “Hell Pass”. Nampong is famous as the last town in the Eastern Corner of India, sharing its boundary with Myanmar.

Every month people are let into Myanmar through the Pangsau Pass. The Tangsas being the predominant tribe of Nampong, there are also other sub tribes within the Tangsas such as the Tikhak, Muklom, Havi, Longchang, Mossang, Jugli, Kimsing, Ponthai, Sangwal and so on.

Most of these tribes are said to be of Mongoloid descent. Legends say that the Tangsas originated at a hill known as Masoi Sinarupam in Myanmar, after which they migrated to their present day habitat in the early 18th century.

Initially they were said to be followers of the Bon Faith, which involves ceremonial slaughter of animals. But over time these tribes have converted to Buddhism and Christianity. Being a harmonious and hard-working community, the Tangsa are mainly agriculturists. Apart from that, these tribals are also experts in making handicrafts and woodcarving.

The Tangsas are well-known for their hospitality. The main attraction of Nampong is the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival which is organized every year on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of January.