Myanmar’s Chin State to compile “actual” list of their ethnic groups

Myanmar's Chin State to compile "actual" list of their ethnic groups

Published on Monday, 06 May 2013 20:44

Chin leaders say they will compile an "actual" list of Chin ethnic groups living in their respective state.

Myanmar government officially recognized 135 distinct ethnic groups that are grouped into eight "major national ethnic races" such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Rakhine and Shan.

Chin political leaders say the Chin national ethnic race doesn't actually include 53 ethnic groups as it's officially acknowledged by the government.

"Some can't even be accepted as ethnic groups as they hardly exist. We will compile an actual list to submit to the government," said Nge Pee, the secretary for Chin National Party.

The compilation process is expected to begin late in this year. And all political groups in the state will soon hold a conference which may produce a paper related to the issue.

"We will try to reach agreement by all. The processes will began only after we are all in agreement," he added.

Zomi Democratic Party, an officially registered political party from Chin had faced problems at first while registering as it's not included in the national recognized list.

"Chin State has no Chin people who say "I am a Chin!" within the state. For example, we say we're Zomis. They'll say they're Laimis in Hakha and Falam, and Khumis in Mindat and Matupi," said Pugin Kamlian, the general secretary for Zomi Democratic Party.

Thousands of Chins are scattered across the country, some 500,000 Chins living in their state and other 600,000 Chins living in the lowlands of Myanmar.

 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/05/07/myanmars-chin-state-to-compile-actual-list-of-their-ethnic-groups/