SAKTA
Sakta is a village located in the western part of Senthang District, Hakha Township, Chin State. It is 22 miles from Hakha and situated at an estimated elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level.
Sakta Village was founded around AD 1400 by Pu Min Hrin and his companions—Pu Lai Lung, Pu Khi Sel, Pu Hrang Tlung, Pu Som Lawm, and Pu Fam Cun—from Falam Province. Pu Fam Cun became the first chief of Sakta Village. Later, Bawi Al, the son of Pu Som Hal from Khuapi, was brought back to serve as the village chief. Bawi Al had five sons—Kak Nung, Cung Nung, Ngun Mang, Lul Mang, and Lawng Ler—who continued to rule Sakta in succession.
In 1890, Sakta was the village in Senthang that fought against the British. Pu Van Hmung, a brave warrior from Sakta, resisted the British as they advanced from Gangaw. Before they reached Lamtuk village, Pu Van Hmung shot and killed Lt. Foster on September 1, 1890. He later killed Mr. C.H.P. Wetherell near Ruavan village and also killed a Duffadar on December 24, 1890. On December 30, 1890, he shot and killed a Gurkha soldier and two Burmese leaders.
During the Lai Ral (War) of 1917–1918, Sakta again played a leading role in resisting the British. The village leaders during this time were Pu Ral Dun, Pu Za Dun, Pu Van Dun, Pu Som Ung, and Pu Ral Bawi. Before the British arrival, Sakta was known as an important and prosperous village.
Former Chiefs of Sakta included Pu Van Hmung, Pu Ral Dun, Pu Van Dun, Pu Cia Kulh, Pu Za Biak, and Pu Hei Mang. Pu Za Biak was appointed chief by the British on October 21, 1910, but was later dismissed and imprisoned for six months for shooting a forbidden wild bull yak (fung).
In 1922, the British destroyed Sakta’s mission school and moved it to Surkhua village due to the conflict. Several leaders, including Pu Ral Dun, Pu Ral Bawi, Pu Som Ung, Pu Cia Kulh, Pu Al Chum, Pu Chum Ling, Pu Tum Ling, and Pu Sai Er, were imprisoned because of the Lai Ral (War), though they were eventually released after long detention.
When the British first came, Sakta had 180 households, and the chief at that time was Pu Ral Dun. In 1890, Tuck and Carey wrote: “Sakta was formerly of much importance in Senthang” (Vol. 2, p. 118, Chin Hills Regulation).
Geography:
- Neighboring villages: Langpho to the east, Dinlopa to the west, Loklung and Zathal to the southeast.
- Streams: Bawiva, Lungkotva, and Lungthlova to the east; Sikotva, Thiva, Sorelva, Tilivuiva, and Zualva to the west.
- Mountains: Archuangtlang to the east; Bawitlang, Langtatlang, and Phirsitlang to the northeast; Lungphertlang to the southwest; Soreltlang to the northwest.
Education and Religion:
A primary school was established in 1941, and today Sakta has a high school. In 2005, I was also a student in Sakta. The village once had an orphanage school that housed many children from surrounding villages.
There are three churches in Sakta: the Baptist Church, the Assembly of God Church, and the Roman Catholic Church. Pastors who have served include Saya Lalhlun Chhungaa, Sang Hnuai, Rev. Thang Thai, Rev. Chan Uk, Dawt Khun, Rev. Sang Hnin Ling, Simon, Thawng Awr, and Kham Thawng. The first pastor, Rev. Za Ling (A), was also the first missionary worker in Senthang District and is regarded as the “Father of the Churches” in the area.
Today, Sakta Village has about 280 households and roughly 2,500 inhabitants.
