conflict between the sects. Eventually a direct appeal to the Fifth Dalai Lama was made asking him to "annex" Tawang. According to Tawang records, an edict to this effect was issued in 1680, establishing a new Gelugpa regime in Tawang. The Mera Lama was placed in a position of authority over the region and made responsible to Tsona. Since the traditional route via Trashigang was now lost to Bhutan, a new route was developed via Dirang and the area under the Sela Pass (present day West Kameng) was brought under Tawang's control. The Fifth Dalai Lama died two years after these events, and his reincarnation was discovered to have been born in Tawang in 1683. The family of the young boy, the next Dalai Lama, was secretly transported to Tsona, where he was raised under the watch of the Tsona dzongpöns. The family was taken to Nakartsé in 1697, after which the Desi (Regent) revealed the news of the Fifth Dalai Lama's death and his reincarnation to be installed as the Sixth Dalai Lama. Administration The Tsona County has 9 townships: Tsona/Cona (original name: Zholshar) Chudromo/Quchomo (; ) Kongri/Gongri (; ) Kyipa/Jiba (; ) Marmang/Mama (; ) Khachu/Kuju (; ) Lé (; ) Khartak/Kardag/Kada (; ) Jorra/Juela (; ) Lampug/Langpo (; ) Kongri, Kyipa, Marmang, and Lé are in the Nyamjang Chu valley and are recognized as Monpa ethnic townships. Climate Maps See also Administrative divisions of China List of prefectures in China List of counties in China Notes References Bibliography External links Tsona County marked on OpenStreetMap Cona County Annals Counties of Tibet Shannan, Tibet Territorial disputes of China Territorial disputes of India