Haka–Lusei War
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The Haka–Lusei War was a significant conflict between the Haka people and the Lusei, fought during the mid-to-late 18th century. The war was a result of escalating tensions between the two groups, with the Haka seeking to assert dominance in the region and the Lusei resisting encroachment on their territory.
Background
[edit]The Haka had successfully subdued neighboring tribes such as the Sunthla and had established dominance in the region. Their ambitions brought them into conflict with the Lusei, who occupied large villages on the western slopes of the Rungthlang range. The Lusei had long been under pressure from eastern tribes like the Haka, Zahau, and Thlanthlang, forcing them to migrate westward.[1]
To strengthen their position, the Haka sought external assistance. Liandun, a leader of the Nunthua Suan family, undertook the task of allying with the Burmans. This period coincided with the campaigns of Alaungpaya, the Burmese king who had recently devastated Manipur and Assam (1758). After years of negotiation, Liandun convinced Myat San, the saopha of Tilin, to join the Haka forces. Myat San brought 200 men armed with guns and two brass cannons, significantly bolstering the Haka’s military capabilities.[2][3]
The War
[edit]The combined forces of the Haka and the Burmans launched a surprise attack on the Lusei at dawn. The Lusei, who were poorly armed compared to their attackers, were caught off guard.[4] Unable to withstand the onslaught, they fled westward across the Tiau River in disarray, abandoning their villages. For months after the initial attack, Haka warriors ravaged Lusei settlements, ensuring that the Lusei could not regroup. The Lusei defeat significantly weakened their position in the region, and the Haka emerged as a dominant power[5]
Aftermath
[edit]Following their victory over the Lusei, the Haka gained the respect of neighboring tribes. The Zahau and Thlanthlang, previously hostile, made peace with the Haka. This newfound stability allowed the Haka to expand their territory, founding new villages in the region.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ Suantak, Vumson (1986). Zo history: With an introduction to Zo culture, economy, religion and their status as an ethnic minority in India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Vumson. p. 84.
- ^ Suantak, Vumson (1986). Zo history: With an introduction to Zo culture, economy, religion and their status as an ethnic minority in India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Vumson. p. 85.
- ^ Liana, L.K. Zofate Thuhla.
- ^ https://ia601501.us.archive.org/10/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.467564/2015.467564.Zofate-Thuhla_text.pdf
- ^ Suantak, Vumson (1986). Zo history: With an introduction to Zo culture, economy, religion and their status as an ethnic minority in India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Vumson. p. 86.
- ^ Suantak, Vumson (1986). Zo history: With an introduction to Zo culture, economy, religion and their status as an ethnic minority in India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Vumson. p. 87.