.jpeg)
PHAIPHA (A) VILLAGE
Phaipha (A) is a village located in the western part of Senthang District, Hakha Township, Chin State, Myanmar. It is situated approximately 50 miles from Hakha City and lies about 1,500 feet above the Bawinu River. Phaipha (A) is one of the oldest villages in Senthang District and was founded between AD 1400 and 1450 by Pu Mang Sawi (also known as Mang Sui) Thian Hlun, originally from Chun Cung Village.
Phaipha (A) holds significant historical importance, as many villages trace their origins back to it, including settlements in Senthang, Zotung, Zophei, Thantlang Township, Kalay Township, and even Mizoram State, India. Later, the land of Phaipha (A) came under the ownership of Pu Zu Dia. During the leadership of Chief Pu Ngun Ceu, the village prospered, with approximately 90 households. Over time, many villagers migrated elsewhere, leaving about 40 households today.
Chief Pu Ngun Ceu was succeeded by his younger brother, Bawi Kung. Pu Maung Kio was officially appointed as village chief by the British on February 17, 1922. Bawi Kung, Heih Khar, and Van Kung were imprisoned during the Lairal uprising (1917–1918) and were released on August 20, 1920. While Pu Maung Kio was serving as chief, the name Senthang was officially designated as a district name on January 30, 1948, derived from the Thianhlun and Somhal clans. This decision involved representatives including Pu Van Thio (Phaipha B), Pu Van Kio, Pu Lian Kar (Surkhua), Pu Lian Thum, Pu Tial Thawn (Hausen), Pu Erh Hnin (Khuapi), Pu Hei Mang (Sakta), Pu Ni Kheng (Dongva), Pu Bawi Thawn (Lungrang), Pu Mawng Kio, Pu Hlei Kio, and Pu Ni Lian (Phaipha A).
Phaipha (A) is bordered by five neighboring villages: Phaipha (B) and Surkhua Villages to the east, Surngen (Lautu) Village to the west, Dongva Village to the north, and Phaizawng Village to the south. The village land stretches approximately 20 miles from Phaizawng to Dongva and about 7 miles from the Bawinu River to the Surngen border. Major rivers include the Bawinu River, Zausangteva, Khuangtumva, and Thingsova to the southeast, as well as Siahlunva, Hangsiva, Batawngva, and Dongvava to the north. Surrounding mountains and forests include Khuangtumvatlang, Senhnapi Tlang, Sarlamtlang, Inthlungtlang, Lungsopubautlang, Biangkuitlang, and the Batawng Forest. The village is rich in forests and wildlife, and in times of peace, the area has strong potential for development as an international zoo or conservation park.
Phaipha (A) has a middle school. The first teachers in the village were Saya Mang Dun, Saya Lian Cin, and Saya Mang Thawn. The first converts to Christianity and missionary workers in AD 1934 were Pu Hlei Kio, Pu Mang Dun, Fa Dum, and Chan Bik. The first pastors serving the village were Pastor Za Ling (A) from Sakta and Pastor Za Ling (B) from Lungrang.
There are four churches in the village:
- Baptist Church
- Church of Christ
- Believer Church
- Nunthar Church
Due to a natural disaster in 2015, the village was relocated. The villagers primarily earn their livelihood through farming and shifting cultivation. Currently, Phaipha (A) Village has about 40 households, with an estimated population of approximately 200.
