Tiny Baite tribe’s representatives call on minister
REGIONAL: A delegation of the Biate community, one of the smallest indigenous tribes of Northeast India with a population of around 25,000, Saturday met Assam Minister for Higher Education, Tribal Affairs (Plains) and Information Technology Ranoj Pegu to flag various issues relating to overall development of the community.
The tiny tribal community has made remarkable contributions to Assam. It is a matter of pride that the community gave Assam its first Scheduled Tribe Chief Secretary Jamchonga Nampui in 1986.
The minister held a meeting with a delegation from the Biate Welfare Association and the Biate Students’ Association, led by LR Nampui and Lungdamsanga Ngamlai, at Janata Bhawan here to discuss issues and aspirations of the community.
The Baite community primarily lives in the Dima Hasao district in Assam. They are considered one of the oldest hill tribes in Northeast India and belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo family.
The community is mainly concentrated in and around the Umrangso and Haflong areas Within Dima Hasao. They are spread across approximately 13 to 17 native villages in the region.
Key Biate settlements in Assam include villages such as Khobak (located roughly 130 km from Haflong, known for ancient stone jars called Lungzubel), Mualdam, Fiangpui New Sangbar and Old Sangbar, Thuruk, Langpui, Vaitang Hebron and Kharthong.
A smaller number of Baite people also reside in the adjoining Cachar district of Assam and across the border in the Saipung area of the East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.