Hmar and Zomi Tribe

The Hmar and Zomi tribal leaders in Manipur have agreed to cooperate for restoring peace in Churachandpur after recent clashes.

About Zomi Tribe

• “Zomi” refers to the Zo people, an ethnic group including Mizo, Kuki, and Chin communities, living in India (Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam), Burma (Chin State, Sagaing Division), and Bangladesh (Chittagong Hills). 
• They are historic settlers of the mountainous India-Myanmar border region and speak Kukish dialects within the Kuki-Chin language family.
• Festivals: Chapchar Kut: Celebrated after jhum clearing with traditional dances and feasts.
• Religion and Beliefs: Traditionally animists worshipping nature spirits, Zomi people are now predominantly Christian, mainly Baptist and Presbyterian.

About Hmar Tribe

• Also known as “Mhar” or “Mar,” the Hmar are part of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group, recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under India’s Sixth Schedule, 
• Living in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. 
• They originated from Sinlung (possibly in China), as noted in folk songs, and speak the Hmar dialect of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo language family.
• Festivals: Sikpui Ruoi: A post-harvest festival featuring dances, music, and community bonding.
• Occupation: Primarily cultivators practicing slash-and-burn (jhum) agriculture.
• Housing: Build houses on hilltops using wooden planks.
• Social Structure:
• • Clan System: Society is organized into clans, each with its own dialect.
  • Village Chief: Called “Lal”, whose leadership and directives are followed by all.