The Tikhir tribe of northeast India is a tribe with its own unique culture, tradition, dialect and history. They speak a language called Naga Yimchungru. At one time, the Tikhir were headhunters and a man's prestige depended upon the number of enemies he had killed. The Tikhir people live in Nagaland in northeastern India. Some live across the border in Myanmar. Most Tikhir claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.
The Tikhir people make their living from agriculture and hunting. Since the Tikhir are a small tribe in Nagaland, some of the larger tribes harass them. The Tikhir were forced to stay under the rule of a neighboring tribe and their area was divided into many political constituencies. Because of this, they don't have an elected representative and thus they are suffering in all spheres of life. In the middle of the 1990s, Tikhir villages were attacked by a larger neighboring tribe. Many Tikhir were killed including children and old women. Many houses, granaries and churches were burned.
With the coming of the Christian missionaries to Nagaland, most Tikhirs converted to Christianity. The majority are Baptist, and a few are Catholics. Pray that members of Tikhir churches will band together to share their precious Savior with the unreached peoples in their region. Many of the Tikhir practice elements of folk religion with their Christianity.
The Tikhir people need protection from those who might attack them or take advantage of them. The Tikhir need to learn to read so they can read the Bible for themselves. The Tikhir would benefit from access to modern medicine, clean water and electricity.
Pray for peace with neighboring tribes and safety from attacks. Pray for official recognition of the Tikhir tribe and privileges as full citizens of India. Pray for spiritual growth within the church that will result in them sending missionaries to unreached peoples in their region.
Scripture Prayers for the Tikhir in India.
| Profile Source: Keith Carey |
