Balti in India
Photo Source:
Dan Bailey
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Balti |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 59,000 |
| World Population: | 107,000 |
| Primary Language: | Balti |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.08 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Balti are a scheduled tribe and live in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. They speak Balti as their main language.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They work in agriculture and as laborers. Their Islamic clergy settle their disputes. They live very close to the India-Pakistani border where life is dangerous. Most of the young men find education and work elsewhere, but the women and children are stuck there. Typically people live each day as it comes since each day might easily be their last!
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Balti are Shia Muslims who have a connection with Buddhism. Such a religious mix does not endear them to the Sunni Muslims in other parts of Kashmir and Pakistan.
What Are Their Needs?
The Balti people need safety and economic opportunities.
Prayer Points
Pray that the clergy come to Jesus Christ and lead others to Him. Pray that God will give them dreams and visions leading them to salvation.