Leipi
Leipi is a village located in the western part of Hakha Township, Chin State, Myanmar. It lies 97 miles from Hakha City, 90 miles from Gangaw City, 75 miles from Matupi City, and 67 miles from Thantlang City. Leipi is situated along the main highway connecting Hakha–Surkhua–Gangaw–Siatlai–Hnaring.
The village was founded between AD 1500–1800 by Pu Zo Mang of the Phutin clan. Initially, the Phutin clans established the settlement, but leadership later passed to Pu Za Sia of the Tumpa clan when the British arrived.
Formerly, Leipi was part of Thantlang Township’s administration. In AD 1967, following a request from the villagers and approval from the government, Leipi was officially incorporated into Hakha Township.
Leipi is home to three ethnic groups: Lautu, Senthang, and Zotung. Among them, the Lautu are the most numerous. The village is trilingual—Senthang, Lautu, and Zotung languages are spoken fluently by all ethnic groups and communities. Langli Village and Ohhla Village were founded from Leipi.
Geography
- Neighboring villages: Lungkhin to the east; Langli and Calthawng to the west; Khuahrang to the north; Khuatua and Siasi to the south.
- Mountains: Bohrintlang (east) and Sabiatlang (west).
- Streams and rivers: Zopiva, Pepauva, Tuvova, and Sawhsawva Streams (east); Divova (west); and the Bawinu River (south), the largest river in Hakha Township.
Religion
Leipi has three churches:
- St. Peter Catholic Church – 80 households, led by Catechist Zo Ling
- Leipi Baptist Church – 18 households, led by Rev. Hram Pheh
- Assembly of God Church – 3 households, currently without a pastor
Education and Health
The village has a Basic Education Middle School offering classes up to Grade 8 and a Sub Rural Health Centre with a midwife.
Economy
Most villagers earn their living through farming and shifting cultivation. Some also raise livestock, including pigs, goats, cows, horses, and chickens. Leipi practices Lopil farming, in which villagers move to a new area each year for cultivation. Notable Lopil cornfields include Peipoh Lopil, Bohring Lopil, Ningtuv Lopil, Bungba Lopil, and Oso Lopil.
Current Population
Leipi has 101 households and approximately 500 inhabitants.
