SUMSI
Sumsi is a village located in the western part of Senthang, Hakha Township, Chin State. It is situated 50 miles from Hakha. Sumsi village was re-established by Pu Phun Bawm from Khuapi village in AD 1910. Because it was founded in the area of Khuapi village, Sumsi was placed under the rule of the Khuapi chief, Pu Lian Hram.
In the past, the now-destroyed original Sumsi village was located near Khuapi village. This earlier village was destroyed, and later the inhabitants established a new village called Sungsi (also known as Daidin village) near Gangaw city. The Daidin village was founded by people of the Cindir tribe, and it is said to be about 300 years old.
There was a man named Pu Senthang from Sumsi village who was closely connected to the Mangkhua (Minyua) chief. The Mangkhua chief requested Pu Senthang to collect sakhua (taxes) from all villages around Sumsi. Villages that refused to pay were threatened with attack and destruction. Thus, Pu Senthang acted as the tax collector for the Mangkhua chief in the area.
Pu Senthang named the collection area Senthang District, as these were the villages under his authority. According to local stories, Lungtinpi village was destroyed by Chief Senthang for refusing to pay sakhua.
When the British arrived, they appointed Pu Zo Ling, son of Pu Lian Zap, as the village chief, followed later by his son Thang Nawn.
Sumsi village is surrounded by six neighboring villages: Lunghau and Maukhua to the east, Hausen to the west, Langpho to the south, and Surkhua to the north.
The village is near two mountains: Bawitlang Mountain and Lungkai Mountain. The streams and rivers in Sumsi include the Riva, Sumva, and Sepva, flowing from the north.
The villagers of Sumsi primarily make their living through farming.
The first missionary worker in Sumsi was Rev. ZaLing (A) from Sakta village, who preached the gospel and helped convert the villagers to Christianity. Sumsi has one Baptist Church, pastored by Rev. Thang Thai.
The village has an education system up to the primary school level. Sumsi has 25 households and about 200 inhabitants.
