Chawncum
Chawncum is a village located in the eastern part of Senthang District, Hakha township, Chin State. It is situated 18 miles from the city of Gangaw. Chawncum village was founded in AD 1928 by the following settlers from Buanlung village: Pu Sui Hu (leader), Pu Khua Lei, Pu Hmun Kar, Pu Len Hmung, Pu Ruang Lo, Pu Hrang Thluai, Pu Sa Tu, Pu Khua Kung, and Pu Ram Dun. The land where they settled belonged to the Surkhua chiefs, Pu Van Kio and Pu Tin Thang, and as such, Chawncum was placed under the rule of Chief Pu Van Kio.
The village lies on the border between the eastern part of Senthang District and Magwe region. Rangsi village is to the north of Chawncum, while Lungtar village and the Phokva River lie to the west. Near the Phokva River is a large and well-known rock called Bawihram Lungpi.
The people of Chawncum earn their living primarily through farming and weaving. Notably, the villagers were among the first in Senthang District to start weaving and sewing traditional Chin clothing. They have carried these skills wherever they live, using them as a source of livelihood.
Chawncum has a middle school and five churches: Baptist Church, Assembly of God Church, Believer Church, Reformed Evangelical Church, and Methodist Church. The Baptist Church pastor is Rev. Thla Uk. The village has about 100 households and approximately 520 inhabitants.
