Introduction / History

The Koren, also known as the Koireng are small group of the indigenous peoples inhabiting the state of Manipur in northeast India. They belong to the Kuki Clans of the widely spread Kuki-Chin group of peoples populating India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Linguistically, the Koren language is classified under the Tibeto-Burman of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages. Koireng have Mongoloid features and are generally short-statured, with straight black hair, dark brown eyes and brown skin. The Koren is a recognized Scheduled Tribe of India. Only Bible portions and Audio Recordings are available in Koren. Almost all the Koren people claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Koren make their living from agriculture, animal husbandry and in gathering forest products. Hunting and fishing supplement their diets. They grow wet rice and ginger as cash crops. Most Koren lack access to modern medicine. They depend on village shamans for their medical needs. The Koren live in extended families in houses made of bamboo, wood, stone and mud near rivers and streams. The Koren marry within their group. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Village elders settle legal issues and promote the Koren's interests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Koren people are officially Christians on paper. Many Koren are Christian in name only. They still cling to folk religion and ancestor veneration. Many Koren believer that spirits inhabit the objects of nature such as mountains, trees, rivers, rocks, and the sky. These evil spirits must be appeased, or they may bring disaster upon the people.

What Are Their Needs?

The Koren people need to put all their trust in Jesus Christ so they can experience His abundant life. They need to learn to read Bible portions in their own language. The Koren would benefit from access to modern medicine and solar panels.

Prayer Items

Pray for a disciple making movement to flourish among the Koren people this decade. Ask God to give the Koren trained pastors and mature Bible teachers. Pray that the Koren reach out and share the gospel with the surrounding peoples of northeast India.

Scripture Prayers for the Koren in India.