Ngo Cho Le
IU School of Law
Bloomington

Location and Size

East Maraland has a total area of 11,200 square miles (approximately). It is located in the northwestern site of the Union of Burma. It lies between 22 N and 22 and ½ N latitude and between 93 E and 95 E longitude (approximately). East Maraland is bounded by Matu and Zotung in the east, Haka (Hakha) and Thangtlang in the north, West Maraland and Bangladesh in the west and Khumi and Arakan State in the south.

Physical Features
East Maraland is covered with mountains, only about 3 percent of the area is plateaus and about 2 percent of the area is plain. The plain areas are to be found in the Bino vaw, Tisi vaw, Sarau vaw, Tola and Kula valleys. The widest plain is Phiaphaby (64,000 square acres, approximately). The highest mountain peaks are Hrokietla (7,700 feet approximately) and Sawhmotla (6,800 feet approximately).

Rivers
The great rivers of East Maraland is Beino vaw (vaw means river). After rising in the plateaus of Hava, Beino flows through Haka (Hakha) township, East Maraland, Thangtlang township, Mizoram State, Arakan State and falls into the West of Bengal sea near Akyab. Motor boats ply on this river during the rainy seasons. Other small rivers are Tisih, Sarau, Tola, Kula, Mala, Hoha, and Laki.

Climate
The climate normality made the land comfortable. The average of summer temperature is 95 degree F, but in the winter sometimes on the rainy day, pieces of ice used to fall along with raindrops. In average rainfall of East Maraland in a year is 150 inches.

Forest and Animals
Forests of evergreen trees and bamboo are mostly found in East Maraland. Monsoon and leaf fall forests can be also found in somewhere. Different type of wild and domestic animals are found in different parts of the land. Main domestic animals are pigs, cows, buffaloes, goats, horses, goyals, ducks, fowls, dogs, cats, sheep, etc are also keep in East Maraland.

Agriculture
Nearly 90 percent of the population of East Maraland depends on agriculture for their livelihood. East Maraland is self-sufficient in food. The main crops are rice, maize, tobacco, cotton, tea, and different kinds of pea and orange. East Maraland also grows sugar cane, millets, potato, sunflower and variety of vegetable.

Industries
There are no machinery industry manufacturing in East Maraland. Spinning dresses, bamboo goods, cane goods, and wooden goods are products of East Maraland.

Communication
There are no airways, railways, and motor roads in East Maraland. There is short waterway in East Maraland, which is through River Beino. It is very important for trading and Salyutlana village is the most important port of East Maraland. A jeepable road is under construction from Rezua to Lialaipi.

Trade
East Maraland exports rice, bamboo goods and some domestic animals for meat. The East Maraland imports clothes, foods, medicine and other machinery instruments from outside.

Population and Settlement
has a total population of 32,500 (approximately). The native inhabitant of Mara belongs to the Mongoloid. There is no other racial division in . The principal language is Mara.

Christian is the dominant religion in Maraland. Full percent of the population is Christian and different churches of Maraland are Mara Evangelical Church, Mara Baptist Association, and small local churches.

Government
There is no government office or body in East Maraland. Maraland is divided into three parts and different townships of other tribes control each part. The north group of Maraland is governed from Thangtlang (Lai tribe), the center is governed from Matupi (Matu tribe) and the south group is governed from Paletwa (Khumi Tribe or Arakans).

Education
Primary and Middle schools are a free education system. Burmese is medium of instruction in those schools. There is a High School in Lialaipi. There is no college or university in East Maraland.

Politics

Since independence of the Union of Burma, Mara peoples elected two Member of Parliament members namely Matlei Chozah (John Mangtling Cinzah) (L), and Ro-U for their representatives to Union Parliament. Most prominent political leaders from Mara peoples were Pupa Ma Bau, Pupa Hiva, Pupa Lai Ma, and Pupa Si Kho.

Pioneers in Education
The following persons are the earliest educated among Mara peoples. (Approximately from 1966-1975)

1. Bie Zo B.Th., B.D (Principle LMTS)
2. Chha Mau B.A., B.Ed (Middle School Head Master)
3. Chha Vai B.A., B.Ed (High School Headmaster)
4. Dr & Rev. Zalei (L) B.Sc., B.D., M.Th., (Ex-director of Mission)
5. Hao Chha B.V.S (Township Vetenary Officer)
6. Hie Chai B.Th., B.D (ECM, MEC)
7. Jeru B.Sc., B.Ed (High School Teacher)
8. Khosa B.A., B.Ed (High School Headmaster)
9. Ku Tha B.Sc., M.Sc., B.ed (High School Teacher)
10. Lai Ma B.A., LL.B., M.Th (Principal, MTS)
11. Le Hmo B.A., B.Ed (High School Headmaster)
12. Le Va B.A., B.Ed (High School Teacher)
13. Mai Pa B.Sc., M.Sc., B.E (Sub-Divisional Officer)
14. Raw Ma B.Com (Township Revenue Officer)
15. Rev. Chhai Thie B.Th (Mara Evangelical Church)
16. Rev. Haidau B.Sc., B.R.E (General Secretary of MEC)
17. Rev. Lai U B.Sc., B.D (Missionary to S. Africa)
18. Sa Chho B.A., B.Ed (High School Headmaster)
19. Sa Ma B.A., B.Ed (High School Headmaster)
20. Sa Mau B.Th (Middle School Headmaster)
21. Si Kho B.A (Investigation Officer)
22. Tha Ki B.A (High School Teacher)
23. Thla Lei (L) B.Sc., B.Ed (High School Headmaster)
24. Vahei B.A., B.Ed (High School Teacher)
25. Vahnei M. B.A., B.D (MEC)
26. Za Kho B.E., B.R.E (Chief Engineer)
27. Za Mi B.Ed (Towship Education Officer)
28. Zaw Saw B.A (Assistant Bank Officer)

MARA OFFICERS OF CIVIL SERVICES:

GAZETTED OFFICERS

1. Pupa C. Zakhô Deputy director Pote
Irrigantion Department
2. Pupa Haochhâ Assistant director, Lelaipi
Animal Husbandary&Vetenary Department
3. Pupa Amih Township Education Officer Hlôma
4. Pupa Sachhô Township Education Officer Hlôma
5. Pupa Rawma Staff Officer Pote (A)
Revenue Department
6. Pupa K. Sâbie Staff Officer Rari
Myanmra Survey Department
7. Pupa Sama Assistant Manager Lelaipi
Myanmar Cotton & Sericulture Enterprise
8. Pupa Laichhau Assistant Manager Sabaupi
Myanmar Economic Bank
9. Pupa A. Lebie-u Branch Officer (Head of Section) Ngephesizô
University of Kalay

NON-GAZETED OFFICERS

I. Attoney General Office
(1) Pupa Letlo Deputy Township Law Officer Sabaupi
(2) Pupa K Hra-u Deputy Township Law Officer Lôcheita

II. Natiional Planning and Economic Development
(1) Pupa Thatlo Deputy Staff Officer Ngephesizô
(2) Pupa Khin Maung Lay Deputy Staff Officer Ngephesizô
(3) Pupa Rachhô Deputy Staff Officer Ngephesizô

III. Education Department
(1) Pupa Raimau ATEO Sabau
(2) Pupa Hiechhâ ATEO Lelaipi
(3) Pupa Sakho Middel School Headmaster Paletwa
(4) Pupa Selo Midle School Headmaster Lôcheita
(5) Pupa Khai Vâthâ Tutor (Hist) Sabaupi

IV. Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise
(1) Pupa Sikô Township Engineer Lôcheita
(2) Pupa Rôlai Township Engineer Lelai

V. Department of Development
(1) Pupa Thama Excutive Officer Lôcheita
(2) Pupa Hlôsa Junior Engineer Lôcheita

VI. Police Force
(1) Pupa Sehrai Deputy Inspector of Police Ngephesizo
(2) Pupa Beiva Deputy Inspector of Police Lelaipi

VII. Land Record Department
(1) Pupa Hietle Deputy Staff Officer Ngephesizô
(2) Pupa Lainga Deputy Staff Officer Satu
(2) Pupa Kôtlei Deputy Staff Officer Satu
(3) Pupa Phôtai Deputy Staff Officer Satu
(4) Pupa Rôchai Deputy Staff Officer Lelaipi
(5) Pupa Khin Aung Deputy Staff Officer Satu

DEFENCE SERVICES
(1) Capt. Ukô Lelaipi
(2) Capt. Laidei Para
(3) Capt. Khahlô Lelaipi

POLITICAL LEADERS
(1) Pupa Matlei Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affair Dawlei
(2) Pupa Rô-u Member of Parliament Tisi
Matupi Constitution (1)
(3) Pupa Mabau Member, Inspector's Committee Lelaipi
Chin State People's Council
(4) Pupa Khabi Secretary, Executive Committee Lôcheita
Township People's Council, Thantlang
(5) Pupa Thade Chairman, People's Jugde Committee Isakupara
Township People's Council, Paletwa
(6) Pupa Laima Chairman, People's Jugde Committee Ngephesizô
Township People's Council, Thantlang
(7) Pupa Ulei Chairman, People's Jugde Committee Sabaupi
Township People's Council, Matupi
(8) Pupa Laisa Chairman, People's Jugde Committee Ngephepi
Township People's Council, Thantlang
(9) Capt. Tlaubei Member, Executive Committee, Pârâ
Township People's Council, Thantlang
(10) Pupa Chuthai Member, Executive Committee, Patheitla (Stv)
Township People's Council, Paletwa
(11) Pupa Teidô Member, Inspector's Committee Tlôpi
Township People's Council, Paletwa
(12) Pupa Thaki Member, Executive Committee, Ngephesizô
Township People's Council, Thantlang

(Note: Mara Deiva (14) na tawhtapa a châ.)

MARA VILLAGES:

a). Paletwa Township

Saolo tlana (PS)

Thiahra tla (PS)

Maw tla (PS)

Isaku para (PS)

Bakala (PS)

Bakala tla (PS)

Mara hla (PS)

Sinlet wa (MS) (PHC)

Ralie (PS)

Raka (PS)

Rari (PS)

Sau-u tlana (PS) (PMS) (HC)

Laimi (PS)

Ma-u (PS)

Salapi (PS)

Saiha (PS)

Patheitla (Ta-ao) (MS) (HC)

Patheitla (upper) (PS)

Potia (A) (PS)

Para (PS)

Tlopi (PS)

Heima Tah (PS)

Heima Pih (PS)

Chali (PS) (HC)

Lovaih (PS)

Sahmie (MS) (HC)

b). Matupi Township

Satu (PMS) (HC)

Pasei (PS)

Lialai Tah (PMS) (HC)

Ah-ru (PS)

Taubu (PS) (PMS) Pamai (PS)

Chakhai (MS) (HC)

Sosai (PS)

Teina (PS)

Tisi (PS) (PMS) (HC)

Taula (PS)

Lialaipi (HS) (PHC)

Potia (B) (PS)

Chapau (PS)

Zaomae (PS)

Dawlei (PS) (HC)

Mala (PS)

Sabypi (MS) (HC)

Sabytah (MS) (HC)

Hloma (PS)

Lochei (PS)

Leika (PS)

Lythatla (PS)

c). Thangtlang Township

Locheitah (PS)

Locheipih (PS)

Ngephepi (MS) (HC)

Thlie-ngai (PS)

La-ao (PS)

Lelai (PS)

Ngephe (Sizo) (PS)

Khipilu (PS)

Meisako tla (PS)

Notes : PS = Primary School. MS = Middle School, PMS = Private Middle School

HS = High School, PHS = Private High School, PHC = Primary Health Center

HC = Health Center

East Maraland Villages:

a). Paletwa Township: 30 villages.
Anaotla, Salapi, Ma-u, Saiha, Laimi, Patheitla (Ta-ao), Raka, Patheitla, Rama, Rari, Salyutlana, Marahla, Bakala, Bakalatla, Thiahratla, East Kupara, Saolo, Mawtla, Ralie, Potia (A), Heimata, Heimapi, Tlopi, Para, Sa-u tlana, Sahmie, Isaku Para, Sinletwa, Ralie, Lovaih

b). Matupi Township: 28 villages.
Hloma, Sabyta, Lochei, Sabypi, Chapy, Dawlei, Zaoma, Taula, Tisi (Old), Tisi (New), Mala, Lialaipi, Aru,  Lialaita (New), Lialaita (O), Teina, Sohsai (O), Sohsai (New), Chakhai (Old), Chakhai (New), Taubu, Pamai, Pasaitla, Pasei (New), Satu, Lovai, Chali (Old), Chali (New).

c). Thangtlang Township : 11 villages
Locheita, Locheipi, Ngephepi, Ngephepi New, Thlinge, La-ao, Lelai, Ngephe (Sizo), Meisakotla, Phaphe, Ohmapi

Total (30+28+11) = 69.

Updated on Nov 9, 2008
Credit: Mara Student Association(MSA)

Mara Evangelical Church

Click here to Read 'The History of Mara Evangelical Church in Myanmar '

Mara Evangelical Church was reconstituted in 1984 by unifying the Mara Independent Evangelical Church (MIEC) and the Mara Independent Church (MIC). The headquarters is located in Lialaipi and the other important departments and mission offices are vested in Sabypi. The current General Secretary is Rev. Hai Dau B.Sc, B.R.E, the first graduate among East Mara peoples.

Mara Evangelical Church has a mission office in Akyab and all mission works are operating from this office. Current mission director is Rev. Si Tlo, who hold B.A., B.D., M.Th. Mara Evangelical Church does not receive any funds from outside but members’ contribution is the only source of its income.

List of local churches of The Mara Evangelical Church in Myanmar.
(As in 2005)

1. Ah-ru
2. Bakala
3. Bakalatlah
4. Chakhai (New) (Chakhai Bia)
5. Chakhao (Old)
6. Chali
7. Chapy
8. Dawlei (Dawlei Bia)
9. Heimapi
10. Heimata (Heimata Bia)
11. Hlôma
12. Hnaro
13. Hraipi
14. L. Tylai
15. La aoh
16. Leika (Leika Bia)
17. Lelai (Lelai Bia)
18. Lialaipi (Aphaw aw)
19. Lialaipi (Station)
20. Lialaipi (Vaihpi) ( Lialaipi Bia)
21. Lialaita (New) ( Lialaita Bia)
22. Lialiata (Old)
23. Lôcheita
24. Lôvai
25. Lythatlah
26. Ma U (Ma U Bia)
27. Mala
28. Marahla (Chyhu Bia)
29. Meisakôtlah
30. Ngephepi (Ngephepi Bia)
31. Ngephepi (New)
32. Ngepheta (Lôdao)(Ngepheta Bia)
33. Pahrah (Pahrah Bia)
34. Pamai
35. Pasai
36. Pathei T
37. Patheitlah (Pathei Bia)
38. Phaphe
39. Pohtiah A
40. Pohtiah B
41. Rakan
42. Ralie
43. Raritlah (Rari Bia)
44. Sabyh (Sabyh Bia)
45. Sabyhpi (New)
46. Sabyhpi (Vaihpi)( Sabyhpi Bia)
47. Salapi
48. Salyu
49. Satu Ngephe (Satu Ngephe Bia)
50. Siaha
51. Sôhsai (New)
52. Sôhsai (Old) (Sôsai Bia)
53. Sulôtla
54. Taubu (Old) (Taubu Bia)
55. Taula
56. Taybu (New)
57. Teina
58. Thiahratlah
59. Thlienge
60. Tisi ( Old)
61. Tisi (New) (Tisi Bia)
62. Tlôpi
63. Zaoma
64. Hakha (Town Church)
65. Matupi "
66. Mindat "
67. Paletwa "
68. Rezua "
69. Sahmi "
70. Thantlang "
71. Yangon "

List Of Ministers Of The MARA EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN MYANMAR.
(As in 2005)

1. Aungthaza, Pro. Ptr. Dip. Theo.
2. Aye May, Sayama B. Th.
3. Bietlei, Rev. M. Div.
4. Bihlo, Pro. Ptr. M. Div.
5. Bizo, HC., Rev. D. Min.(cand.)
6. Bukwe, Pro. Ptr. M. Div.
7. Chhaithieh, Cr., Rev. Dip. Theo
8. Chhanaw, Rev. Lay
9. Chhaza, KT., Rev. M.R.E.
10. Chhote, Rev. Lay
11. Choluah, L., Rev. Lay
12. Daikau, Evan. L. Th.
13. Haidau, Cr., Rev. B.R.E.
14. Hiechai, K., Rev. Dip. Theo.
15. Hla Yi Nu, Sayama L. Th.
16. Hniechei, C., Rev. Dip. Theo.
17. Hrema, Pro. Ptr. B. Th.
18. Kangsang Bawi, Saya B. Th.
19. Khaisu, Rev. Lay
20. Khako, Rev. L. Th.
21. Khaomi, M., Rev. M. Div (cand.)
22. Kotha, Rev. Lay
23. Kyaw Tun, Rev. Dip. Theo.
24. Lathai, S., Rev. M. Div (cand.)
25. Lodi, Rev. Lay
26. Ma Oo Sein, Sayama L. Th.
27. Maiki, C., Rev. M. Th.
28. Mang Thang, Pro. Ptr. Lay
29. Mawthang, Pro. Ptr. Lay
30. Neiko. C., Rev. L. Th.
31. Nokha, F., Rev. Dip. Theo.
32. Phawi Thang, Rev. L. Th.
33. Pyi Win, Saya B. Th.
34. Rachei, C., Rev. M. Div (cand.)
35. Rah Khai, Rev. M. Div.
36. Rahlao, F., Rev. Dip. Theo.
37. Ratha, Rev. L. Th.
38. Rotha, Rev. Lay
39. Sachho, T., Rev. L. Th.
40. Sah E Hmo, Rev. M. Div .
41. Sakao, Evan. L. Th.
42. Sama, Rev. Lay
43. Sama. C., Rev. Dip. Theo.
44. Sauko, Rev. Lay
45. Shwe Aye, Rev. Dip. Theo.
46. Siama, L. B., Rev. D. Min.
47. Sikhaw, C., Rev. M. Th.(cand.)
48. Sikhei, Sayama B. Th.
49. Sitlo, C., Rev. M. Div.
50. Taichha, Rev. Lay
51. Tha Thawe, Rev. Lay
52. Thauko, Rev. Lay
53. Thaulei, C., Rev. M.T.S.
54. Thavaw, K., Rev. B. Th.
55. Thlachhau, F., Rev. L. Th.
56. Tlabei, Pro. Ptr. B. Th.
57. Vahmo, F., Pro. Ptr. M. Div .
58. Vahne, Pro. Ptr. B. Th.
59. Vahnei, M., Saya B. D.
60. Vakaw, C., Rev. B. D.
61. Vako, T., Rev. M. Th.
62. Vazilai, Rev. M. Div.
63. Ve U, Satu., Rev. M. Th.
64. Ve U, Victor., Rev M. Th.
65. Zodau, Rev. M. Div.

(Note: This section has been contributed by Rev. Dr. L.B Siama)