The Kuki-Chin tribes, also known collectively as the Zo people, are an ethnolinguistic group spread across northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Bangladesh. They have sub-tribes, each with distinct dialects, customs, and traditions, yet they share a common culture and identity. Kuki Chins speak the Thado dialect of Chin. The Khelma Kuki Chins speak Bengali.
Kuki Chins lived in autonomous villages governed by a hereditary chief. They fought against British conscription from 1917 to 1919 during the Anglo-Kuki War.
Some grow cash crops like bananas and rubber. They supplement their income by selling wood they collect in the forest and hand-crafted goods. Kuki Chins are moving to urban centers because of a lack of infrastructure and deforestation. In towns and cities, they have set up social networks to help newcomers find jobs and housing.
In towns and rural areas, Kuki-Chin tribes love their festivals, music, and dance. Mim Kut is a harvest festival and Luira Phanit is their New Year’s celebration. Their musical instruments include a mouth harp and a special drum.
The Kuki-Chin family structure is clan-based, and clans must submit to a chief. They live in extended families. Ironically, the youngest son inherits the family land while his older siblings try to establish new settlements.
Traditionally, Kuki-Chin tribes were animistic with rituals involving nature spirits, ancestral worship, and even animal sacrifices. Today, most Khelma Kuki Chins are marginally Christian, blending ancient beliefs with Christianity.
Khelma Kuki Chins are losing rural land due to deforestation and urbanization. Along with that is a loss of identity. Many subtribes no longer want to be identified as one of the Kuki-Chin tribes.
Pray for revival fire to move powerfully in Khelma Kuki Chin families and churches, drawing hundreds into a close relationship with the only Savior.
Pray for Kuki Chin Christians to walk in the fruit of the Holy Spirit, taking Christ to those who haven’t heard.
Pray for them to understand that it is the Lord who provides for their physical and spiritual needs.
Pray for Kuki-Chin disciples to make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Kuki Chin Khelma in India.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
