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The Chins are one of the largest
ethnic minority groups in Burma. The Chin people are
Tibeto-Burman groups and they probably came to Burma, especially
the Chindwin valley in the late 9-10 century A.D. Most Chin
people moved westward and they probably settled in the present
Chin State around A.D 1300-1400 A.D. The original meaning of
"Chin" is unclear, even though many scholars have proposed many
different theories.
There are many
tribes among the Chin people such as Lai, Tedim (Zomi), Asho and
Cho. Three major tribes of the Chin are Tedim, Falam and the
Hakas. It would be relevant to mention also that they are
related to the Kukis of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam. For want of
a more acceptable common name they are usually called the Chin-Kuki-Mizo
people, bringing together the three most common names for them
whether given by outsiders or themselves. There are also ten of
thousands of Chin people in Mizoram State, India, mainly in Lai
District, formerly part of Chhimtuipui District and a sizeable
population also live in Churachandpur district of Manipur
comprising of smaller tribes like the Hmars, Paite, Simte,
Zou,Gangte and others. Bawn tribe in Southern Mizoram State and
Bangladesh are descendants of the Lai tribe. This Chin/Mizo/Zomi/Kuki
people are scattered into three countries-Burma, Bangladesh, and
India.
The realization that these are of one and
share common dialectical root and customs even though separated
by international and state boundaries brought about movements
for Unification of the occupied territories and of the people.
One of the first movements was the MNF (Mizo National Movement)
which ended with the formation of the Mizoram State in India. At
present, there are a number of organisations like, the ZRO (Zomi
Re-Unification Organisation), ZORO and other groups, who
idealize the formation and unification of Zoland.
Traditionally, the Chins are animists.
However, during the era of European imperialism, many converted
to Christianity. |