Chatric: A hidden paradise along the Indo-Maynmar border

By Pheiray Tenno

UKHRUL | Aug 5

The name Sivathei comes from the word ‘Siva’ which means Mithun in Chatric dialect and ‘Thei’ means fruit in Tangkhul dialect. Literally, it means Mithun fruit.

Chatric also known as Siyang is a Tangkhul Naga village located southeast of Ukhrul in Ukhrul district, of the state. The village is about 123 kilometers from Ukhrul Headquarter and is partially connected by Ukhrul-Kamjong state highway.

This ‘hidden paradise’ along the international border will attract a large number of tourists if the road connectivity leading to the village is maintained by the authority concerned.

The village is flanked by Chamu Tangkul village in the north, Chahong Tangkhul village in the south, the Chindwin River (Myanmar) in the east and Langli Tangkhul village in the west. Chatric is an Indian border village with Myanmar, passing through international border pillar No 117 and 118.

Mt. Chawki, the highest peak of Angoching mountain range (Indo-Myanmar Border) and the beautiful Chindwin river valley of Myanmar could be seen from this place. Liabi/Liabee the exotic waterfall and the majestic Sanalok and Nambalok rivers are a home to fresh water fish. Chatric is one place which can become a hot spot for tourism.

The village is also well known in the district for the supply of fresh water fish abundantly made available in the local market. It is also famous for Sivathei (King Chilly).The villagers depends mostly on forest resources.

The village is home to people of Tangkhul Naga tribe. All of the inhabitants are Christians. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the inhabitants. This place is well known in the district for its scenic natural beauty and rich flora and fauna. The village has a large span of natural forest stretching till the international border with Myanmar.

The locals speak Chatric dialect which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. The village is divided into two major parts with separate settlements; Chatric Khullen and Chatric Khunou.

According to 2011 census, Chatric has 142 households with the total of 854 people of which 445 are male and 405 are female. Of the total population, 117 were in the age group of 0–6 years. The average sex ratio of the village is 919 female to 1000 male which is lower than the state average of 985.

The literacy rate of the village stands at 74.22 percent which is lower than the state average 76.94 percent. Male literacy rate stands at 80.72 percent while female literacy rate was 66.95 percent.