PHAIPA (B)
Phaipha (B) is a village located in the western Senthang District, Hakha Township, Chin State. It is situated 35 miles from Hakha, the capital city of Chin State, at an altitude of 1,500 feet above the Bawinu River. The village was founded in AD 1892 by Pu Kim Hmung (Thian Hlun) and his friends. The original residents included Pu Kim Hmung, who served as the leader, Pu Doi Khar (Khupchawn), Pu Hmun Pia (Lungthi Khupchawn), and Pu No Kham (Innhmai). Pu Kim Hmung was the younger brother of the chief of Phaipha (A), Pu Ngun Ceu.
Before the establishment of Phaipha (B), there was a village called Pa U. Pa U was a prosperous village with approximately 300 households, well-known in the surrounding areas and other provinces. However, it was destroyed during a war by enemies. The exact year of Pa U’s foundation is unknown, but it is believed to have been established around AD 1400. To this day, the Zotung people still refer to the area as Pa U.
Nearby villages include Dinlopa, Hausen, and Surkhua to the east; Phaipha (A) to the west; Phazawng to the south; and Dongva to the north. Phaipha (B) covers an area of about 10 square miles and is home to many species of animals and flowers. The village is surrounded by significant natural landmarks, including the Bawinu River and Bawipa Mountain, the largest river and mountain in Hakha Township. Other rivers and streams in the area include the Bawinu River to the north, Vakva and Mova streams to the east, and Aansangva to the west. The village is bordered by Duaphai Tlang mountain to the west and Khintlang mountain to the east. The fertile soil supports a primarily farming-based community.
In AD 1917–1918, Pu Van Thio and Pu Ngun Kung were imprisoned due to the Lai Ral (Lai War) but were released on August 20, 1920. Following his release, Pu Van Thio was appointed as village chief by the British in 1920. Pu Van Thio was the son of Pu Kim Hmung, the founder of Phaipha (B).
Until the 1930s, the villagers followed a religion called Laiphung. In 1928, Pu Ca Ki and Pu Sung Ngen went to Maymyo to serve in the army and became Christians. Upon returning to Phaipha (B), they introduced Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The villagers converted to Christianity in AD 1935. Rev. Sang Ling and Rev. Za Ling (A) came to Phaipha (B) and baptized the first believers, including Pu Ca Ki and his wife, Pu Sung Ngen, Pu Chia Hnin and his wife, Pu Dar Kar and his wife, Pu Aimi and his wife, Pu Mang Phen, Pu Tum Hei, Pu Chan Cung, Pu Dar Kung, Pu Lian Za, Pu Za Khar (founder of Hmawngtlang village in Zophei District), Pu Tum Hmung and his wife, Pu Ram Ngai, Pi Sui Vang, and Pi Sun Vang. Pu Ca Ki and Pu Sung Ngen became the first missionaries serving in Phaipha (B).
There are three churches in Phaipha (B): the Baptist Church established in 1935, the Assembly of God Church established in 1948, and the United Pentecostal Church. The first Baptist pastor was Rev. J. Tial Lian from the USA. Other pastors include Rev. Ngun Kar, Rev. Khin May San, Pastor Van Lian, Pastor Biak Kung Thang, and Pastor Bawi Kar.
Phaipha (B) was the first village to host the Senthang Provincial Assembly (Civui). From 1958 to 1975, Pu Lung Kheng served as the village chief. During his tenure, he initiated and oversaw the construction of a motor road, a water supply system, and a private primary school in 1965. The first teachers at the school were Saya Hram Cem, Saya Kio Ling, and Saya Ca Ling. This private school has since developed into a middle school. Pu Lung Kheng was a well-loved and respected leader in the community.
Currently, Phaipha (B) has 70 households and a population of approximately 300 people.
