Darlong Khawrua

  STATUS OF THE TERM ‘KUKI’ IN THE PAST AND PRESENT: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS Dr Jangkhongam Doungel, Reader, Deptt. of Political Science, Government Lawngtlai College Lawngtlai, Mizoram. 1. Introduction: The term ‘Kuki’ is claimed to have included all the conglomerate tribes of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo or Zo ethnic group of people who trace their common origin from a mythological cave. The so-called mythological cave was known in different names by different tribes of the Chin Kuki ethnic stock, namely, Khul, Khur, Khurpui, Khurtu-bijur, Khor, Puk, Shinlung and Chhinlung. As all the tribes trace their origin to a mythological cave, popularly known as Khul and Chhinlung, ‘Khul or Chhinlung origin people’ can also be literarily used for identifying the Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group of people. Infact, the claim of common origin to Chhinlung or Khul by all the tribes validate the authenticity of the close affinity and inseparable blood relationship of the Chin-Kuki ethnic stock who settle in India, M

  DȂRSINGER AND ITS IMPACT             Prior to the birth of DȂRSINGER – A Competition for Darlong Best Singer, the widely known activity was ‘a Village-wise Football Competition for Men’. The genesis of the (football) competition was hosted by Saibual Village. It was a history in creation for the people of Darlong knowing the journey has just begun. The foremost village to become a Champion of all Darlong villages was ‘Old Lamkhuang’, the Runner’s-Up was ‘Darchawi Village’, the Player of the Tournament was Mr. Kungvunga Kuki of Old Lamkhuang and the Best Striker was Mr. Johnson Darlong of Darchawi Village. Conversely, who would have thought and ever imagined that a small side-aided activity like ‘DȂRSINGER’ would become the ultimatum for the tribe in coming days?             With the passing of years, the Darlong folks began to get tired of the competition for various reasons:             * The competition was held every year             *The winners are too repetitive