Dimapur

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Dimapur
Dimapur
city
Government
 • Deputy CommissionerShri. Abhijit Sinha
Population
 (2007)
 • Total165,782
Websitedimapur.nic.in

Dimapur (Template:Lang-English) is the main commercial hub and one of the three municipalities in the state of Nagaland, India, the other two being Kohima and Mokokchung. The name Dimapur comes from the Kachari dialect. Etymologically Di means "water", Ma means "big" and pur means "city"; in effect, the name means "the city near the great river." It is located at 25°54′45″N 93°44′30″E / 25.91250°N 93.74167°E / 25.91250; 93.74167.

History

Dimapur has the ruins of the 10th century Kachari palace, maintained by the Archaelogical Survey of India.

Demographics

Latest estimates indicate that Dimapur has a population of 1,65,782. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Dimapur has an average literacy rate of 99%, much higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 76% and, female literacy is 66%. In Dimapur, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Over the years, Dimapur has expanded up to the foothills of Chumukedima. The official population figures of 2001 cover only the residents up to the Dhansiri bridge. The Purana Bazaar area and beyond have not been included. Unofficially these areas are called East Dimapur. This is because of vested interests who wanted to apportion developmental funds by assuming self-designated titles like gaonburas, chairman, etc. The entire agglomeration has an estimated population of around 280,710 and is one of the fastest growing Indian cities. Its population has more than tripled in the last two decades.

Unlike other places in the state, this city has a heterogeneous mix of people from all over India, and for which it is also known as "mini India." Besides the dominant Naga tribes who comprise about 50% of the city's population, other prominent groups include Dimasa Bengalis, Assamese, Oriyas, Nepalese, Biharis, Marwaris, Punjabis and also Tamils and Keralites. In the last two decades Tibetan traders have also settled in the city.

Economy and transportation

Dimapur is the magnet around which the economic and developmental activities of the state are centred. An important commercial centre for the region, it is also a gateway to Nagaland and Manipur. The National Highway 39 that connects Kohima, Imphal and the Myanmar border at Moreh runs through Dimapur.

Dimapur is also an important military center, with the headquarters of the BRO Sewak located here. There is also a huge CRPF establishment and the Rangapahar army cantonment adjoining the municipality. The peace camp headquarters of the NSCN-IM faction is also located here.

Dimapur is the only city in Nagaland which is connected by rail and air. There are direct trains to New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai from Dimapur. Air India Regional connects Dimapur with Kolkata. Northeast Shuttles(P)Ltd. has started daily flights from Guwahati to Dimapur. PawanHans, a charter chopper service flies short distance destinations.

City life

A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the New Market, Hong Kong Market, Circular and NL roads serving as the main commercial areas in the city. The city's markets are well known for imported goods from Thailand, China and Burma. Restaurants in the city serve multi-cuisine food, including ethnic Naga delicacies. Plaza, Breeze and Aroma continue to be the most popular restaurants in the city.

Dimapur is the only place in Nagaland that does not require the Inner Line Permit (ILP), but one needs the Restricted Area Permit to go beyond the city. Formalities can be completed in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. Dimapur remains the gateway to the states of Nagaland and Manipur. Recently[when?], the Government of Nagaland has relaxed restriction on ownership of land in Dimapur and has permitted non-Nagas to purchase land as well.

The Government of Nagaland's Horticulture farm run by the Department of Horticulture, aptly called the Green Park, is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Also, the Government of Nagaland hosts the bi-annual North East Agri-Expo Sale cum Exhibition at the North East Agri Expo Site at 5 Mile. The Expo is usually held in the first week of December. On the outskirts is the suburb of Chumukedima from where one can take a short trek up the hill to the Naga Tourist Village and the Patkai Triple Falls. The North East Zonal Cultural Center, the hub for all cultural activities, is a kilometre away from the Airport.

Education

There are several schools and colleges in the city of Dimapur. The syllabus for education till Class 12 is taken care of by the Nagaland Board of School Education while the Nagaland University, Lumani controls all areas of further studies. Patkai Christian College, the only autonomous college in the entire NorthEast India is located 17kms from Central Dimapur.

Some major schools in Dimapur include:

  • Patkai Higher Secondary School (Estd: 1984)
  • Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School
  • Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School
  • Hollotoli School (CBSE)
  • Kendriya Vidyalaya, Project Sewak
  • Holy Cross High School
  • Dimapur Mission Higher Secondary School
  • Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School
  • Christian Higher Secondary School
  • Delhi Public School (CBSE)
  • Don Bosco Higher Secondary School
  • Little Star Higher Secondary School
  • S.D.Jain Higher Secondary School
  • Carmel School
  • St.John Higher Secondary Residential School
  • Neingulie Memorial High School

Some important colleges include:

  • Patkai Christian College Autonomous
  • Tetso College
  • Kilenkaba Memorial College
  • Salesian College
  • Pranabananda Women's College
  • S.D. Jain Girls College
  • ELLIDE Computer Education, Dimapur
  • Digitech - College of IT, Management & Allied Studies (Affiliated to Sikkim Manipal University)
  • Nagaland Institute of Management (NIM)
  • Public College Of Commerce
  • City College Of Arts and Commerce
  • City Law College
  • Salt Christian College
  • Dimapur College

Hospitals

There are several hospitals in the city:

  • Civil Hospital
  • Faith Hospital
  • Metro Hospital
  • Jain Hospital
  • Carewell Nursing Home
  • Zion Research Center
  • Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CISHR), 4th mile
  • Sanjay Surgicare and Diagonstic Clinic

During World War II, Dimapur was the centre of action between British India and Imperial Japan.

Media

Daily newspapers in the area include:
1. Nagaland Post - http://www.nagalandpost.com
2. Current News - http://www.current-news.org
 3. Nagaland Page - http://www.nagalandpage.co.in
4. Eastern Mirror - http://easternmirrornagaland.com/
5. Dimapur Online - http://www.mydimapur.com/
6. The Morung Express - http://www.morungexpress.com , and
7. Tir Yimyim (in Ao language).
8. Izatsa ( in Sumi language).
9. Dimapur Press Club - http://dimapurpressclub.ning.com

See also

External links

Gallery

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