abstract - Zomi Online Library

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the West... Experiences have shown that it‘s already too late to concentrate intensively on a country when conflicts
arise between powerful blocs and these contlicts become public. It is therefore the aim of this book that it shall
help to intensify the relations of the Union of Burma and the Federal Republic of Germany and thus open ways for a
close cooperation between them in the spirit of partnership.“
2.0 GEOGRAPHY
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The Zo people have so far got two internationally recognized statehoods: Chin State in Burma and
Mizoram in India. With its legal area of 36,000 sq. km Chin State is just slightly smaller than Switzerland. It
was formerly known as the “Chin Hills District“ and then later as the “Chin Special Division“. The Mizoram
State, which was formerly known as the “Lushai Hills Districts“and then later as the “Mizo Hills District“, has
an area of 21,008 sq. km.
Territories in which the Chins inhabit extend from the Somra Tracts in Nagaland and the North Cachar
Hills in India down to the Rakhine Range(Rakhine State), Ayeyawady(Irrawaddy) valleys and Bago Range
(Pegu Yoma) in Burma. These territories are largely mountainous except in the northern and southern ends
and Ayeyawaddy, Kale-Kabaw - and Gangaw valleys. The mountain ranges, which are largely north-south
oriented, are a continuation of the Naga and Patkoi Hills(Patkoi Range) extending as far south as the
Rakhine Range. The highest peak in Chinland, Arterawttlang (Mt. Victoria), is 3,053 metres. Aizawl, the
capital of Mizoram, lies at 1,214 metres and Haka, the capital of Chin State, lies at 2,460 metres above sea
level.
Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hills ranges or peaks of different
heights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. The average
height of the hills to the west of the state are about 1,000 metres. These gradually rise up to 1,300 metres
to the east. Some areas, however, have higher ranges which go up to a height of over 2,000 metres. The
Blue Mountain, situated in the southeastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram.
Main rivers in Chin State are Bawinu, Kaladan, Meitei(Manipur) and Tio.If Zoram is used it will denote
both East and West Zorams. The biggest river in Mizoram is River Kaladan also known as Chhimtuipui Lui
in local Mizo language. It orginates in Chin State in Myanmar and passes through Saiha and Lawngtlai
districts in the southern tip of Mizoram and goes back to Rakhine State, Burma, and finally it enters the Bay
of Bengal at Akyab. The Indian government has invested millions of rupees to set up inland water ways
along this river to trade with Myanmar. The project name is known as Kaladan Multipurpose Project.
Lakes are scattered all over Mizoram State, but the most important among these are Palak, Tamdil,
Rungdil, and Rengdil. The Palak lake is situated in Chhimtuipui District which is part of southern Mizoram
and covers an area of 30 hectares. It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or
a flood. The local people believe that a village which was submerged still remains intact deep under the
waters. The Tamdil Lake is a natural lake situated 110/85 kms from Aizawl. Legend has it that a huge
mustard plant once stood in this place. When the plant was cut down, jets of water sprayed from the plant
and created a pool of water, thus the lake was named 'Tamdil which means of 'Lake of Mustard Plant'.
Today the lake is an important tourist attraction and a holiday resort. In Chin State there is only one sizable
natural lake which looks like a human heart. It is called “Rih“ at Rihkhuadar.
2.2. CLIMATE
Chin State and Mizoram have a mild climate: it is generally cool in summer and not very cold in winter. In
Mizoram during winter, the temperature varies from 11°C to 21°C and in summer it varies between 20°C to