About Hmar Tribe in 2010 Generation

Hmar is the name of one of the numerous tribes of India, spread over a large area in the northeast. The Hmars belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group of tribes, and are recognised as Scheduled Tribe under the 6th Scheduled of the Constitution of India. Literally, Hmar means North or Northern people, as they are living north to the Lusei people. But this is hotly debated among the community itself. Some scholars are of the opinion that the word originated from the style of tying the hair knot on the head.

Area

Hmars live mostly in the hills of south Manipur, Mizoram, Cachar, North Cachar, Meghalaya, TripuraChittagong Hill Tracts. Although these areas are within different administrative divisions, they are geographically connected. In Manipur, the Hmars reside in the south, especially in the Churachandpur District and its adjoining areas. These areas, except Tuithaphai (the Khuga Valley/Churachandpur), are hilly. Tuiruong (Barak), Tuivai and Tuithapui (Khuga) are some of the important rivers flowing through this area. In Mizoram, the Hmars live mostly in the north, especially in the Aizawl District. In Assam, the Hmars live in the Cachar and North Cachar District. In Meghalaya, the Hmars live in the Jaintia Hills District and Shillong in Khasi Hills District. In Tripura, the Hmars mostly live in and around Darchawi, a village on the Mizoram – Tripura border. and

Origins

The Hmars trace their origin to Sinlung, the location of which is hotly debated. The Hmars are part of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups of people found in North East India, Burma and Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The Hmars are generally medium statured (5- 5.6 Ft), sturdy, dark haired, brown skinned. The Hmars still treasure and garner their traditional arts, including folk dance, folk songs, handi crafts, etc., representing scenes of adventure, battle, love, victory, and other experiences throughout history.

The majority of the Hmars are cultivators. The Hmars in South Manipur were introduced to Christianity in the year 1910 by Watkin Roberts, a Welsh missionary

Political Movements

The Hmar People's Convention (HPC) is the political party representing the separatist interest of the tribe. Since 1987 it rose in insurgency, until a ceasefire was signed in 1992. After that a radical section split off, calling itself Hmar People's Convention (Democracy). An armed wing Hnam Santu (English: Hmar Protection Cell) has been active since 2003.

DJ Pakhuongte

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