Hmar and Zomi Tribe

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 Hmar Tribe: They are the ethnic group, part of the larger Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group.

o Constitutional Status: Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

o Habitat: Found in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam (North Cachar Hills), Tripura, Meghalaya, and parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

o Origin: Trace ancestry from Sinlung (disputed), migrated from China to Burma before settling in Northeast India.

o Physical Features: Belong to the Mongoloid stock, characterized by short stature, straight black hair, and dark brown eyes.

o Language: Speak the Hmar dialect, part of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo language family.

o Festivals: Sikpui Ruoi, celebrated post-harvest with dances and music, symbolizing community bonding.

o Occupation: Practice slash-and-burn agriculture (jhum).

• About Zomi Tribe: They are the ethnic Group, belong to the larger Zo ethnic group, encompassing Mizo, Kuki, and Chin communities.

  o Habitat: Reside in Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, and extend into Burma (Chin State, Sagaing division) and Bangladesh (Chittagong Hills).

  o Origin: Settled for centuries in the mountainous regions between India and Myanmar.

  o Physical Features: Exhibit Tibeto-Burman traits, with short height, straight black hair, and brown eyes.

  o Language: Speak a dialect of the Kukish language within the Kuki-Chin linguistic family.

  o Festivals: Chapchar Kut, celebrated after jhum clearing with traditional dances and feasts.

  o Culture: Known for their vibrant traditions, distinctive customs, rich folklore, and communal harmony.