# Zo people

The Zo people is a term to denote the ethnolinguistically related speakers of the Kuki-Chin languages who primarily inhabit northeastern India, western Myanmar, and southeastern Bangladesh.
The dispersal across international borders resulted from a British colonial policy that drew borders on political, rather than ethnic, grounds.

## Ethnonyms

Beginning in the 1990s, the generic name Chin have been rejected by some for "Zomi", a name used by a group speaking Northern Kuki languages. The speakers of the Northern Kuki languages are sometimes lumped together as the Zomi's. Some Zomi nationalists have stated that the use of the label Chin would mean subtle domination by Burmese groups.
In 2023, during the Manipur violence the Kuki tribes of Manipur were referred to Kuki-Zo, Before it was specifically only Kuki in context of Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Tripura.

## Origin

The Zo people trace their ancestry to the Tibeto-Burman family, migrating from the Mekong River basin thousands of years ago. They settled in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia and developed distinct linguistic and cultural identities. The term "Zo" is believed to mean "highlander" or "people of the hills."

## List of Zo tribes

The Zo people, also known as the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group, comprise various tribes primarily inhabiting northeastern India, western Myanmar, and southeastern Bangladesh. These tribes share linguistic and cultural similarities, speaking languages from the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman family.
Here are some of the prominent tribes among the Zo people:
* Mizo people: Primarily residing in Mizoram, India, the Mizo are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional dances.
* Kuki people: Kuki people are an ethnic group primarily residing in the northeastern states of India—notably Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, and Tripura—as well as in Myanmar and parts of Bangladesh. They are part of the larger Kuki-Chin-Mizo family, sharing linguistic and cultural similarities with related groups.
* Hmar people: Found in the Indian states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, the Hmar people have a distinct language and cultural practices.
* Paite people: Inhabiting parts of Manipur and Mizoram in India, the Paite community is recognized for its unique dialect and traditions.
* Thadou people: A significant tribe in Manipur, India, the Thadou people are known for their vibrant festivals and customs.
* Lai people: Predominantly found in the Chin State of Myanmar and Mizoram, India, the Lai people have a distinct language and cultural heritage.
* Chin people: Residing mainly in the Chin State of Myanmar, the Chin people encompass various sub-groups with diverse languages and cultures.These tribes, among others, contribute to the rich tapestry of cultures within the Zo people, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and histories.
* Vaiphei: Found in Manipur, India, the Vaiphei community is known for its unique dialect and traditions.
* Simte: Inhabiting regions of Manipur and Mizoram in India, the Simte tribe has its own language and cultural practices.
* Ralte: A sub-group within the Mizo community, the Ralte people are primarily located in Mizoram, India.

## Geography

They are spread out in the contiguous regions of Northeast India, Northwest Burma (Myanmar), and the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. In India, they are most prominent in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram. Some fifty Kuki/Zo peoples are recognised as scheduled tribes.

## Religion

Traditionally, Zo people followed animism and practiced ancestral worship.
In the 19th century, Christian missionaries converted many Zo people to Christianity, and today, Christianity (mostly Protestant) is the dominant religion among them. Minorities practice Buddhism, Judaism or indigenous beliefs.