The Courageous Chin

Dr Maung Maung Nyo

I have met many Chin since young age
They came to Monywa, my birthplace
To engage in work, study and trade
They mesmerized me as memorable mates.

(Chin Elders)

I also remember the names of some Chin
As they were serving the emerging nation
Like Vam Ko Hau and Vam Thu Mawng
They were signatories to the Treaty of Panglong.

(Panglong treaty Signing, Aung San in uniform, Chin 2nd row)

General Aung San was fond of Chin
Chin welcomed and were warm with him
They shared common goals for the nation
It was unfortunate he was killed by assassins.

(General Aung San, Architect of Chin-Bamar Unity)

I met Bo Taik Choon, the Chin soldier hero
He fought against the insurgents in Heho
He risked his life and won the battle
He was awarded the Aung San Thuria medal.

(Chin Bamboo Dance)

It was just after the country’s independence
Burma was in callous civil war turbulence
Karen, Kachin, Shan had resorted to armed rebellion
Only the Chin had remained loyal to the Union.

(Map of Union of Burma showing Chin State)

Chin are noted for their valour and loyalty
They fought in the Pagan and Konbaung armies
They resisted British after fall of Mandalay Royalty
Many British soldiers lay dead in Siyin valley
They named it the “White Cemetery” at Thuk Lai
British built the “Fort White” to guard Chin territory.

Chin also took part in independence movement
Many Chin politicians had been prominent
Thakhin Aung Min lived beyond independence
Chin work with Bamar for Burma’s development.

(A Chin Beauty in Chin State)

Chin people are a minority in Burma
They are under one million in number
But, they number more across the border
Chin numbers one million in Bangladesh and India.

(Modern Chin Couple)

Historically, Chin came to Burma with Bamar
About thousand years ago as Tibeto-Burman from China
Their original place was Chchilungsan in Yunnan area
Legend says they emerged through the Chindwin River.

(A Lovely Scene of Chin Hills)

Chin were mostly animist in the old days
They became Christians under the Baptist sway
Some have become religious Jews migrating to Israel
Some are trying to establish a Chinland in Chin way.

(Rhododendrons in Chin Hills)

Chin comprises different tracts and tribes
Asho, Cho, Lushai, Zo, Zomi and like
The language is also of different type
I wish them to be a united race without a fight.

( A Parade of Pretty Chin Girls of Diffrent Tribes)

Chin State lays in the West of Burma
It has hills and valleys with lovely flowers
Fanciful fauna and games beautify the area
Most valuable commodity is their man power.

(Chin State Flag) (A Hornbill, Chin's Emblem Bird)

I remember what Saya Luce has written,
“Pagan was built not by Burman alone
Pyu, Kamyan, Thet helped it grown
Thet were called Chin, as bosom friends!”
Will we follow that trend?

Dr Maung Maung Nyo
9.11.2008 (original)