Indigeneity, Cultural Memory, and Hybrid Identity: Politics of ‘Belonging’ Among Zomi–Chin-Kuki People of India–Myanmar Borderlands

Abstract

Focusing on themes of indigeneity, memory, and hybrid identity, this chapter deals with the Zomi–hin–Kuki people of India–Myanmar borderlands, discussing their ethnic rootedness, and their present anxiety for transnational reunification of ‘Zomi’ ethnicity through the demand of ‘Zogam,’ (Zomi Homeland). A major concern behind this mobility is to essentialize the transnational Zominess through reunification. The author further discusses the instance of hybrid combination witnessed in the religious blending of tribal faith, Christianity, and Judaism and espousal of Jewish identity, believed to be central to ethnic ancestry and part of the ‘indigenous’ religion of the Zomi ancestors. The chapter discusses how the search of roots remains the defining discourse of these people who are faced with predicaments of belonging, citizenry, and indigeneity.