CHIN STATE

'Chin State' is a state of Myanmar. Its capital is Hakha.
There are 14 townships in the Chin State: Cikha, Hakha, Falam, Kanpalet, Matupi, Rezua, Mindat, Paletwa, Rihkhuadar, Thantlang, Tedim, Tuithang and Tonzang.

Contents

Demographics

External links

Demographics

The Chin are made up of many sub-groups which although historically related now speak divergent languages and have different cultural and historical identities. The name Chin seems to be an exonym given by the Burmese and is of unclear origin - although 'basket' and 'friends' are the best contenders. These names are justified respectively by the fact that Chin are known for their weaving skills and have been in trade relations with the lowlands for many years.
Believe it or not, the term ZO is the most common name for the whole Chin people who are called by different names such as Chin, Zomi, Kuki, Laimi and others because the term "chin" does not even exist in any of their language or in history. The imposed name "chin" is just a politically based name given by other people without the consent of the people. Each tribe has its own name, e.g. Asho, Laizo, Zyou, Laimi, Zomi, K'cho etc. These terms could well be cognates, but each has its own pronunciation and sometimes its own meaning. Because of this it seems difficult to choose the particular pronunciation of one language to represent all of them.
The word 'Salai' is used for the first name of every Chin man, and 'Mai' for women.
The word 'Zo' is a historic and origin name for the so called 'Chin' people who live in Myanmar, India and Bangladesh. They are also closely related to the Mizo of Mizoram (India).
The Chin form the majority of Chin State. Owing to missionaries' work over the last hundred years, a great deal of the population now identifies itself as Christian. A sizeable minority, however, adheres to animist beliefs and Theravada Buddhism.
For more cultural information about the Chin see: F.K. Lehman. 1963. 'The Structure of Chin Society;: A Tribal People of Burma Adapted to a Non-Western Civilization.' University of Illinois Press.

External links

★ Chin Community in Denmark

★ Chin Christian Fellowship in Denmark

★ MITCS

★ Chin National Front

★ Chin Forum

★ Chin Human Rights Organization

★ ZOGAM Home

★ News from Zomi in India

★ Chin Community Germany

★ The official website of Zomi Reunification Organisation

★ Zomi Information Network

★ Chin Community in Japan

★ Chin Community in Norway

★ Zomi International Network

★ Zo Aw Blog