Welcome to Khonoma, India’s first green village in Nagaland

Do you know Khonoma is India’s first green village? Well, yes, the pretty village is located on the Indo-Myanmar border in the northeastern state of Nagaland. The place got the tag of Green Village because of the creation of the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) in 1998.

Earlier, Khonoma was (in)famous for being a hunting village but the establishment of the sanctuary created a ban on hunting in Khonoma after a 20 sq km region. For Angami tribe people, Khonoma is their home and hunting was their cultural practice that was followed for many years.
Khonoma became green once again but the hunting ban made the tribals change their lifestyle. As per recent survey, the total population of this Nagaland village is nearly 1943, which is settled in 424 houses.
Battle of Khonoma
Angami Naga warriors fought a fierce battle between 1830 and 1880 against the British. They wanted to put a stop on recruiting Nagas as bonded labourers by the British people. It was on October 13, 1879, that Guybon Henry Damant, a political officer of the Naga Hills took a troop of 87 British soldiers to Khonoma and enforced a tax and bonded labour.

The British troop was ambushed by the tribal warriors, wherein 27 British along with Damant were killed. This led the Britishers to call in reinforcements to siege the village. After four months, a peace treaty was signed on March 27, 1880. This battle was known as the 'Battle of Khonoma'.

But even after so many years, the warriors of Khonma are still fighting a war to overcome ecological challenges. The village has always been under stress. But it always stood strong and came out as a winner.
Situated some four hour's drive from Kohima, Khonoma is now gaining attention in the world of global travel. As of now, only about 20-30 families are still dependent on hunting but mostly all have shifted towards sustainable efforts.

The village deserves a visit for its beauty, history and unique culture!

1. What is Khonoma village is Nagaland famous for?
   The village is also known as 'warrior village'. It is also famous for being India's first green village.
2. Which is the cleanest village in Nagaland?
   Mopungchuket in Nagaland's Mokokchung district is considered to be the cleanest village among Nagaland's Ao villages.
3. Which tribe lives in Khonoma village?
   Khonoma is inhabited by the Angami Naga tribe.