A day after the imposition of restrictions following clashes between the Hmar and Zomi people in Manipur, leaders of the two communities recently agreed to work together to restore peace in Churachandpur district of the State.
Zomi Tribe
- Ethnicity & Distribution:
- The Zomi are an ethnic group found in India, Myanmar, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.
- The term “Zomi” is used to describe an ethnic group also referred to as the Chin, Mizo, or Kuki, depending on geographic location.
- In India, they are primarily present in Chin State, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam.
- They belong to the Tibeto-Burman group of the Mongoloid race.
- Historical Background:
- The dispersal of the Zomi people across international borders resulted from British colonial policies that drew borders based on political rather than ethnic considerations.
- Language: They speak over fifty dialects classified under the Kukish language group, also known as Kuki-Chin, Mizo/Kuki/Chin, or Kuki Naga.
- Religion and Beliefs: Traditionally, Zomis followed animism and worshipped nature spirits.
- Today, Christianity (mainly Baptist and Presbyterian) is the dominant religion among them.
- Physical Features:
- They have typical Tibeto-Burman features and are generally of short stature with straight black hair and dark brown eyes.
Hmar Tribe
- Ethnicity & Distribution:
- The Hmar tribes (also called Mhar or Mar) are inhabitants of northeastern India.
- The word “Hmar” literally means “north.”
- They live in the states of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
- They belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group of tribes and are of Mongoloid stock.
- Historical Background:
- Hmar folk songs suggest that they migrated from Sinlung, assumed to be in present-day China.
- They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Indian Constitution.
- Language:
- The Hmar language belongs to the Kuki-Chin group of the Tibeto-Burman family of languages.
- Occupation:
- The majority of the Hmars are cultivators.
- The slash-and-burn agricultural practice is still prevalent among them.
- Religion and Beliefs:
- Traditionally, they followed animistic and indigenous beliefs, but over time, many have converted to Christianity.
- Social Structure:
- The Hmar society is clan-based.
- Each clan had its own dialect, though a common dialect has since been developed by Christian missionaries.
- The chief of the village council is called “Lal,” whose leadership and directives are followed by all.