Rezua Explained

Rezua
Official Name:Rezua
Pushpin Map:Myanmar
Settlement Type:Town
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Myanmar
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Matupi District
Subdivision Type3:Township
Subdivision Name3:Matupi Township
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population Total:12,265[1]
Population As Of:2014
Population Urban:2,229
Population Rural:10,036
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:MST
Utc Offset:+6:30

Rezua (Burmese: ရေဇွာ; also spelt Razua) is a town located in Matupi District of Chin State, Myanmar (Burma). The name Rezua comes from the name Razawh after the (Rezua Bawi) chief of Rezua clan moved their village from Arphaephu Chia to the present location. [2] It is 6000feet above sea level, located in the central part of Chin State.

History

The Zotung people are one of the tribe groups in Chin State. The Zotungs are a distinct tribe people in Myanmar. It is difficult to get historical records of these people as they didn't have a written language until the colonial time. However, their genealogy can be traced back as far as to the year 1300 AD as there are names of the places and traditional songs which reveals the time they were founded and composed. They use oral-based tradition to spread knowledge although they are known to have drawn arts. These people are a part of the Zo people. These people called themselves Zo/Zohae (Zo/Zo plural) from time immemorial. In 1931, their language was recorded using the Roman alphabet by Hriabawi Khuamin. It is called the Zoccaw (Zo Script). Most prefer hunting animals for their meals like other Kuki-Chin peoples while some have settled to farming. Before Western influence, the Zos believed in Pachia and Khozing as their guardian gods and prayed to them for their health, wealth, and safety from demons of the forests through Khuarum services. When western missionaries entered Chinland, the Zo people converted to Christianity and currently the vast majority of them belong to various denominations of Christianity.

Rezua has been a township since 2003. In the area of Rezua township, there are many villages tied into the township. Maraland, Lautu and various other tribes are also present.

On 29 November 2023, during the civil war in Myanmar, Chinland Defence Force units, alongside the Chin National Army, captured Rezua from the Tatmadaw military junta.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Census Report. Ministry of Immigration and Population. Naypyidaw. May 2015. The 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census. 2. 52.
  2. U Bawi Sung's Audio Record, 1983
  3. Web site: Chin allied resistance claims big junta losses in western Myanmar . 2023-12-01 . Radio Free Asia . en.