Khuapi
Khuapi is a village located in the western part of Senthang District, Hakha Township, Chin State, Myanmar. It lies 37 miles from Hakha and about 3 miles north of the Matupi Highway Main Road. Khuapi was founded around AD 1450 by Pu Hoi Cin and Pu San Mang, making it one of the oldest villages in Senthang District.
History and Leadership
Over the centuries, Khuapi has had many village chiefs, including: Pu Som Hal, Pu Ral Tu, Pu Mang Thar, Pu Ram Pawng, Pu Mang Kham, Pu Rum Phung, Pu Mawng Ki, Pu Lian Kung, Pu Lian Hram, Pu Ceu Luai, Pu Zen Mang, and Pu Lian Hu.
When the British arrived in AD 1891, the village chiefs were Pu Ral Tu, Pu Lian Kung, and Pu Lian Hram. In AD 1910, the British appointed Pu Lian Hram as Chin Chief, granting him authority over Khuapi and nearby villages in Zotung Province.
Pu Lian Hram became well-known for his leadership and for hosting the Khuangcawi Festival (a celebration in which a lady is lifted by the crowd) more than five times, making him the most celebrated person to host the festival in Senthang District. He was also known for his bravery in fighting against the British, for which he was imprisoned. While other prisoners were eventually released, Pu Lian Hram, Pu Van Mang (Hakha Chief), and his wife, Pi Tial Nawn, were held longer in Taunggyi Prison.
After his release, the British prohibited Pu Lian Hram from living in Khuapi and sent him to Cangceh Village in Zotung Province—an area ruled by his ancestors—for three years. Eventually, the villagers petitioned the British for his return, and he was reinstated as chief.
When the British arrived in 1891, Khuapi had 170 households.
Geography
- Waterways: Luangva Stream to the south (joining Sumva Stream) and Laizawl Stream to the north (joining the Rivate River). Sumva Stream flows from Hausen Village, and Rivate River originates from Sakta Village. Both streams merge into the Rivapi River, which lies to the east of Khuapi.
- Neighboring villages: Dinlopa and Dongva to the west; Hausen to the south.
Education
A mission school was opened in Khuapi in AD 1919–1920, but villagers were initially reluctant to enroll, leading to its relocation in AD 1921–1922. Later, recognizing the importance of education, the villagers applied for a school, which was granted in AD 1930.
Khuapi’s mission school became one of the first in the area, attracting students from surrounding villages. It has since grown into a middle school. Today, the village also has a kindergarten and a rural health center.
Religion
Khuapi has four churches:
- Baptist Church
- Sabbath Church
- Roman Catholic Church
- United Pentecostal Church
The first missionary workers and pastors in Khuapi were Rev. Sum Cin, Rev. Sang Hu, and Saya Sawi Tu.
Economy
The people of Khuapi earn their living primarily through farming and shifting cultivation.
Current Population
Khuapi has 130 households and approximately 600 inhabitants.
