Sema Naga tribes are of Mongoloid origin and are the inhabitants of upper region of Assam. They are primarily the inhabitants of Zuhneboto of Nagaland. In the year 1904, it was the British Rulers who brought near about 400 young people of Sema Naga tribal group to upper Assam mainly at Sadiya. These tribesmen were brought with a view to engage them in different sort of activities as these young folks were brave, honest and were accustomed with forest life. Some of the youths were selected as guards, some of them were engaged as cooks and the rest were sent to Digboi for forest clearing works etc. Later some of them were employed in the newly established Assam Oil Company.

Eventually, these tribesmen were brought to Margherita for using their labour in the construction of the historic Stilwell road from Ledo to Pangsau Pass (Indo-Burma border). Some of these tribesmen died and the rest who survived never returned to their native land that is Nagaland and they settled down under Margherita sub-division. The word "Sema" originates from `Sumi`. This martial race has a political system of an autocratic secular character, having a chieftain being characterized by benevolent disposition. Semas are generous, hospitable and frequently improvident. The main occupation of the Sema Naga tribe of Margherita sub division under Tinsukia District is cultivation and weaving. Presently, they are residing in nine beautiful villages of this district of Assam like Longton and Lalpahar villages.

This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com