Tikhuangtum
Tikhuangtum Village is located in Thantlang Township, Khualhringtlang area, Chin State, Myanmar. It is 45 miles from Hakha and 30 miles from Thantlang. The village stands on land that has been inhabited since around 1698.
Tikhuangtum was founded in AD 1892 by Pu Tler Hmung’s son, Pu Tei Thio, from Tlang Village. The name “Tikhuangtum” comes from the word Bualpi, which refers to the type of grass (khuangtum) found abundantly in the area.
Neighboring villages include Nichuahlei and Nitlaklei to the east, Thinghual to the west, Khualung to the north, and Tahtlang to the south. The village is surrounded by hills and rivers, including Faartlangbo in the east and Khuahlunbo in the west. The Tihri River flows on one side of the village, while the Laiva River flows nearby, connecting with surrounding communities.
Education
Tikhuangtum has a middle school. There are about 85 students and 7 teachers.
Religion
Christianity came to Tikhuangtum in AD 1941 through the ministry of Pu Dun Pawng, Pu Phun Ling, Pi Hmet Can, Pi Man Ria, Pi Ni Rel, and Pi Nau Phong. There are now two churches:
- Baptist Church – Pastor Rev. Cung Uk (full-time)
- Believer Church – Pastor Rev. No Thang (full-time)
Economy
The people of Tikhuangtum mainly practice hillside farming and support each other in their livelihoods.
Current Population
Tikhuangtum has 70 households and approximately 350 inhabitants.
A Brief History of Col. Van Kulh
Col. Van Kulh was born on October 1, 1925, in Tikhuangtum Village, Thantlang Township, to Pu Tei Thio and Pi Sun Dim of the Hlawnceu clan.
He completed Grade 4 in Tlangpi Village, went to Falam for Grade 6, and later joined the Chin Levies Army in 1942 during World War II. Known for his bravery and integrity from a young age, he quickly rose through the ranks:
- 1942: Joined as Jemadar (Junior Officer) at age 18
- 1945: Promoted to Second Lieutenant (December)
- 1946: Promoted to Lieutenant
- 1947: Promoted to Captain
- 1948: Promoted to Major after Myanmar’s independence
- 1950: Became Commanding Officer and Battalion Commander of the 1st Chin Rifles as a Lieutenant Colonel at age 25, succeeding Lt. Col. Hrang Thio
- 1960s: Served as Deputy Commander under Lun Tin in the Chin Council
- 1962: Promoted to full Colonel
- 1972: Appointed Deputy Minister of Social Welfare
- 1974: Became Minister of Housing
- 1978: Became a Member of the State Council
Col. Van Kulh was also a skilled horse racer and football player in his youth. He served the government for 45 years with distinction and without a blemish on his record.
