Lai people
Laimi | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| ~170,000 (as of 1991) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Lai holh, Hakha holh (Central Kuki-Chin languages) | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity (majority), Buddhism (minority), others | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Chin people, Mizo people, Mara people, Bawm people, other Kuki-Chin groups | |
Estimated population from Lalthangliana (2001) |
The Lai people (also referred to as the Pawi people in India) primarily inhabit the southern part of the Chin Hills in Myanmar’s Chin State, particularly in the townships of Falam, Thantlang, and Hakha. In India, they are also found in the Lawngtlai district of Mizoram, where they are governed by the Lai Autonomous District Council. Outside this region, they are scattered across Mizoram and parts of Manipur. Their languages—Lai holh and Hakha holh—are classified under Central Kuki-Chin languages. The Lai peoples are predominantly Christian.