abstract - Zomi Online Library

THIS PAPER IS DEDICATED TO
- Chief Khup Lian, my paternal grandfather, who led some
of the fircest battles against British troops under the direct
personal command of Field Marshal Sir George White
during the FIRST CHIN EXPEDITION 1888-89; the CHIN-
LUSHAI EXPEDITION 1889-90, and once again during the
SIYIN-GUNGAL REBELLION 1892-93, and personally
captured a semi-automatic rifle at a hand-to-hand combat.
- Capt. K.A. Khup Za Thang: Compiler of the Genealogy of
the Zo(Chin) Race of Burma(1st and 2nd* Editions)*
- My Parents, Brother and Four Younger Sisters
- Sao Htwe, my wife
- Hau Za Cin & Thang Za Pau
(comrades-in-arms who were killed in action)
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“...The route to Chittagong was discussed, and enquiry was made whether the Chins would object to the advance of a column of British
troops through their country; also whether, in the event of their having no objection to such an advance, they could supply transport
coolies and guides...“(9.5.1 Negotiations With the Siyins, p. 19-20)
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“... An expedtion against the Chins on a modified scale was now sanctioned. It was determined to deal first only with the Siyins and
to inflict on them such a crushing blow as not only to cripple them for the future, but also to terrify the Tashons into giving up the
rebel Shwe Gyo Byu, his followers, and the Shan captives...This brings the history of the Chin Hills up to the end of the season 1888-89.
We had 67 casualties during the expedition and the state of affairs was that all the Siyin and 18 of the Kanhow villages had been
destroyed, and our troops now occupied the tract...“(9.6.3 Preparations for Operations against the Siyins, p. 23)
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Sir George White, in a telegram to the Chief Commissioner of Burma, described the action on 27th January 1889 against the Chins as
follows:-
“...Enemy in considerable numbers, using many rifles and ammunition. They fired at least 1,000 rounds, standing resolutely until actually
charged, even trying to outflank us. Their loss probably about eight or ten, but they were carried down the khuds at once. Most difficult
enemy to see or hit I ever fought...‘(9.6.6 Encounter with Siyins, p. 23)
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Note: Only my brother, sisters and wife are still alive. tzd
* The 2nd Edition contains 580(A4)pages.