Matupi
Encyclopedia
Matupi is a town
in Chin State
in western Burma (Myanmar), in Southeast Asia
.
Matupi is the second capital City, one of the townships of Chin State of West Myanmar, South-east Asia. Matupi formerly known as Batupuei
or Batu village before it was promoted to the status of township occupies a large portion of land and includes over 100 major villages in the southern part of Chin State. The name Matupi is directly derived from Batupuei; however, due to misreading of the spellings: Ba into Ma and Puei into Pi in Burmese characters, Matupi appeared to be the widely used name without any historical significance in its terminology. The Matu Chin tribe is one of the biggest tribes among the Kuki-Chin. From the very beginning all the Chins including Mizo, Zomi
, Naga
, Laimi, and Asho
had lived and hill sides or riverbanks, constituting villages on groups. Among the villages, Matupi (Formerly Known as Batu village) was the biggest and most populous. The British Gazette mentioned that there were over one thousand and houses including paddy barns in the village Batupuei between 1900-1930. Hakha
book recorded that during those days “Matupi” was the biggest and most populous village in the Chin Hills.
division; to the south by Mindat Township
; to the South-West by Paletwa
township; to the North-West by Mizoram State, India
; and to the North by Thantlang
and Hakha
townships.
Most streams in the township are fed by water from the hills and mountain ranges. The famous rivers of the township are Bunglong (Lemro) and Bawinu rivers. The streams or rivers contain rapids and white waters and thus are not suitable for navigation. Only small boats and canoes can travel in certain sections, mainly downstream. The famous streams are Pengsawng, Kadi, Leatsa, Tilak, Tisi and Vawmpu Streams. Bungtla water fall, the famous water-fall of Chin state, is located in Matupi township. Awisi lake, well-known in Matupi township, is located near Rhueng village.
, Porcupines, Tigers, Leopards, Bears, many species of Monkeys, and thrive across the region forests. The Hornbill
is one of the most famous birds found in the forests of Matupi township.
Agriculture is the most essential and profitable industries in the Matupi Township, employing more than 90% of the population. The usual crops include rice
, wheat
, corns, millets, pulses, oilseeds, coffee
, orange
s, damson
, potatoes, and natural fibers. However, Matupi still depends on the import of rice supplies from the low land. Although the primary occupation is agriculture, it is not well developed due to the scarcity of large valleys and plains. Shifting cultivation
is still prevalent. Terraced cultivation is slowly being introduced along the hillsides. Due to difficult terrain human labor is the main driving force of work done.
Teak and other hardwoods are found at elevation below 900 meters. Above 900 meters there are oaks and pines. Teak
, pine
s, canes, resin
and turpentine
are important forest products. Since electricity is not available in most villages people depend on the wood for cooking. Forestry
is also an imperative resource of income.
(102 miles long) and the other one goes to Hakha
township (173 miles long). Depending on the weather, there are buses that go back and forth between Pakokku
located in Magway or Magwe Division and Matupi on a weekly basis. There may be even times when buses would go back and forth between Matupi and Pakokku
more than once a week.
From time to time private cars would also go between Pakokku
and Matupi and vice versa. Usually, as Matu people are friendly and considerate, you may even be able to hitch a ride with those traveling by privately-owned cars just by simply asking them or by paying a small amount of money to help cover for the gas cost.
Both roads leading to Matupi are not well paved roads. As such, be prepared to enjoy bumpy rides in some sections of the roads. The breathtaking scenery along the roads definitely make up for the rough roads and the bumpy rides.
, Dai
, Zotung, Lautu, and Mara
(Miram). According to 2009 register, the total population of Matupi township was 50,580 and 6,630 houses in Matupi township. There are four wards: Longvan ward, Ngala ward, Khoboi ward, and Cangbong ward.
The people of Matupi village call themselves "Matu" . Most commonly used Matup greetings are: "How are you doing?" ("Na sa ding aa?) or "Have you eaten?" (Bu na caak pawn aa?). Among Chin Dialects in Myanmar, Matu dialect is unique. Some words are the same with other Chin dialects. Commonly, one type of Chin dialects can be communicated with another type of Chin dialect ( Haka dialect can be understood by Htantlang, Tiddim dialect can be used to communicate with Ton Zang dialect etc...). For some reason Matu dialect is hard to learn and it is a little bit similar here and there with all other Chin dialects.
people have also served as missionaries and pastors in places like the United States, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, and in the Pacific island nations. They also carry out missionary activity inside Myanmar. Due to the current political situations in Myanmar, hundreds of Matu
are scattered in Europe
, the United States
, Australia
, India
, East Asia
and Southeast Asia
. Among Christians, Baptists are the predominant group constituting more than 60 percent of the township population. Christian Reformed, Catholics, Revivalists, Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist and Pentecostals are the other Christian denominations. Catholics are found in significant numbers in parts of the township. Matupi is the fastest growing Christian area in Chin State. There is one Theological College in Matupi set up for proselytizing and church divisions in the name of missionary work.
Generally, a speaker of one Chin dialect can communicate with a speaker of another Chin dialect (Haka dialect can be understood by Htantlang, Tiddim dialect can be used to exchange a few words with Ton Zang dialect etc...). However the Matu dialect is more easy to learn than other local dialects and has less in common with other Chin dialects than they do with each other.
"Matupi is extremely amiable and affectionately beautiful. It is home to several tribes. The township has much to be explored. The virgin environments of the township are breathtakingly charming. You must visit Matupi Township to experience the panorama of nature, the tenderness and hospitality of the people, generous blossoms and bashful rivers making their ways through the rugged terrains. If you love nature, adventures, hiking, trail blazing, and are excited about tedious lifestyle...then a tour to Matupi Township would be a fantastic choice. Lovely drive through the Jungles & Villages will take you to the Gateway of the friendly people of Matupi."
Potentials also include setting up businesses that tap into service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Service industries can be but not limited to eco-tourism, and establishment of non-governmental public service organizations or providers. Due to rampant deforestation that has taken place as a result of the need for fire wood, for agricultural needs, or for economic consumption, there is a great need for reforestation projects. These start-up businesses as well as development projects can be supported through grants such as: Japanese Grass-Root Grant, NZ Aid, Australia Aid, Canada Fund, US Aid, Switzerland Fund, as well as other funds and grants from other governments, foundations, and entities.
Potentials in manufacturing industries (cottage industry, small-scale industry, medium-scale industry) can include but not limited to production of perfume, soap, shampoo, herbal tea, medicine (both herbal and non-traditional), cloth and blankets (traditional as well as non-traditional), handicrafts, furniture (both wood and cane), water bottling and other goods. These services in turn will provide jobs in the field of logistic, marketing, packaging, communication, and human resources. Since most of the needed raw materials are readily available, the industries would have an advantage in the cost factor, as well as reliable and timely procurement of raw materials. Demands for raw materials can in turn promote development of sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and other service related industries.
Because of the weather and topography, Matupi's mild and cool climate is a blessing for those that want to have orchards, grow vegetables, flowers, medicinal plants, and other agricultural activities. As such, with the realization of reliable transportation network, farmers can grow orchards such as orange, tangerine, avocado, pear, peach and other fruits. The fruits can be marketed to Bangladesh, India, cities in Myanmar, and to foreign countries either as fresh products or after they have been canned, or simply as fruit jams, dried fruits, and fruit juice. Development of green houses will make it possible for growing vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants all-year round. The Flowers and medicinal plants then can even be exported to foreign countries, use as raw materials for perfume, medicine, herbal tea, etc. Vegetables once available all year-round as a result of the green houses, will help fight nutrition deficiencies among the local population, export to markets in Myanmar or can be even be exported other countries if they are dried, canned, or bottled. These business activities in turn will support the local service industries.
With fresh springs, and streams readily available, local enterprises in Matupi can set up water bottling plants using the local fresh springs and streams. The Pacific nation of Fiji has established a successful example in exporting bottled "Fiji Water" to nations abroad. All of the possibilities for economic development mentioned above cannot be materialized without the role and support of the newly elected leaders from both the state and central government.
Henceforth, the newly elected leaders at both the state legislature as well as those in Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will have to prove their genuine commitment for the development of the whole country especially ethnic and nationality region such as Chin State to which Matupi is a part of. Establishing special economic zones (SEZ) in both the northern and southern regions of Chin state will not only alleviate the poverty of the people living in Chin State but will also boost the economic well-being of the whole country.
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
in Chin State
Chin State
Chin State is a state located in western Burma . The Chin State is bordered by Rakhine State in the south, Bangladesh in south-west, Sagaing Division and Magway Division in the east, Indian state of Manipur in the north and Indian state of Mizoram in the west. The Chin ethnic group make up the...
in western Burma (Myanmar), in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
.
Matupi is the second capital City, one of the townships of Chin State of West Myanmar, South-east Asia. Matupi formerly known as Batupuei
Batupuei
Batupuei refers to the inhabitants of Matupi, Chin State, Myanmar .Batu is an ethnic group in Southern Chin State, descendants of Batu, the first settler at Batu village; the group is also referred to as Batupuei— 'Batu' being the name of a person later its known as a tribe and 'Puei' meaning "great"...
or Batu village before it was promoted to the status of township occupies a large portion of land and includes over 100 major villages in the southern part of Chin State. The name Matupi is directly derived from Batupuei; however, due to misreading of the spellings: Ba into Ma and Puei into Pi in Burmese characters, Matupi appeared to be the widely used name without any historical significance in its terminology. The Matu Chin tribe is one of the biggest tribes among the Kuki-Chin. From the very beginning all the Chins including Mizo, Zomi
Zomi
Zomi is the name of a major tribe found in various parts of South and South East Asia. The term Zomi meaning, 'Zo People' is derived from the generic name 'Zo', the progenitor of the Zomi. They are found in northwestern Myanmar, northeastern India and Bangladesh. Anthropologists classify them as...
, Naga
Naga people
The term Naga people refers to a conglomeration of several tribes inhabiting the North Eastern part of India and north-western Burma. The tribes have similar cultures and traditions, and form the majority ethnic group in the Indian state of Nagaland...
, Laimi, and Asho
Asho
Asho people, one of the eleven tribes of the Mizo people, are native to Arakan plains, plains of Irrawady and Minbu. They are much influenced by the Burmese in their daily life. They are well educated and having high profile jobs in the Myanmar government....
had lived and hill sides or riverbanks, constituting villages on groups. Among the villages, Matupi (Formerly Known as Batu village) was the biggest and most populous. The British Gazette mentioned that there were over one thousand and houses including paddy barns in the village Batupuei between 1900-1930. Hakha
Hakha
Hakha is the capital of Chin State in Burma. Its located in the northeast in Chin State. The vernacular name of the city was Halkha. The total area of Hakha is about . The town of Hakha, more than 6,000 feet above the sea level, is founded on a small highland plateau...
book recorded that during those days “Matupi” was the biggest and most populous village in the Chin Hills.
Location
Matupi township is located at the western part of Myanmar. The town is situated between latitudes 21.36'57.93 North and Longitudes 93.26'21.09 East. Matupi township is bordered on all sides: to the east by the MagweMagway Division
Magway Region is an administrative division in central Burma . Magway Region is the largest of Myanmar's seven divisions, with an area of .-Geography:...
division; to the south by Mindat Township
Mindat Township
Mindat Township is a township located in Mindat District in the Chin State of Myanmar. The township is located between latitude 21.19 and 21.47, longitude 93.23 and 94.29. The third highest peak in Myanmar, Nat Ma Taung at 3053 meters, is located here.The "Kcho" or "Cho" people are the main...
; to the South-West by Paletwa
Paletwa
Paletwa is one of the westernmost towns of Burma , in Chin State 18 kilometres from the border with Bangladesh. It is the administrative seat for Paletwa Township.-External links:*...
township; to the North-West by Mizoram State, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
; and to the North by Thantlang
Thantlang
Thantlang ; also Tlangtlang, Thlangtlang, Htantlang and Htantalan) is a town and the administrative center of Htantlang Township in Chin State, western Burma .-External links:* Maplandia.com...
and Hakha
Hakha
Hakha is the capital of Chin State in Burma. Its located in the northeast in Chin State. The vernacular name of the city was Halkha. The total area of Hakha is about . The town of Hakha, more than 6,000 feet above the sea level, is founded on a small highland plateau...
townships.
Environment
The whole region is made up of high hills and deep valleys, and there is hardly any plain or plateau. Matupi township measures about 68 miles from North to South, 47 miles from East to West. It has an area of about 2,316.8 square miles (or 1,482,752 acres). The township sits at 3,560 feet above sea level. The highest mountain located in the township is Awtaraw mountain (9,009 feet), and the second highest is Lukil mountain standing at (8,408 feet).Most streams in the township are fed by water from the hills and mountain ranges. The famous rivers of the township are Bunglong (Lemro) and Bawinu rivers. The streams or rivers contain rapids and white waters and thus are not suitable for navigation. Only small boats and canoes can travel in certain sections, mainly downstream. The famous streams are Pengsawng, Kadi, Leatsa, Tilak, Tisi and Vawmpu Streams. Bungtla water fall, the famous water-fall of Chin state, is located in Matupi township. Awisi lake, well-known in Matupi township, is located near Rhueng village.
Weather
December and January are the coldest months of the year with a mean temperature of around 10-20 degrees Celsius, the winter months are generally colder and windy. April is the hottest month at a mean of 37 degrees Celsius. The total rainfall is about 89.22 inches every year. Occasionally the temperature can drop to 2 degrees Celsius.Agriculture
Matupi is rich in plant life and vegetation. About one-eighth of Matupi is covered by tropical and sub-tropical forests, containing palm and bamboo among others. Areas of the forest have been cleared for cultivation but many scrub forests, high grass areas and reeds remain. Dogs, PangolinPangolin
A pangolin , also scaly anteater or Trenggiling, is a mammal of the order Pholidota. There is only one extant family and one genus of pangolins, comprising eight species. There are also a number of extinct taxa. Pangolins have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only mammals with...
, Porcupines, Tigers, Leopards, Bears, many species of Monkeys, and thrive across the region forests. The Hornbill
Hornbill
Hornbills are a family of bird found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-colored and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family...
is one of the most famous birds found in the forests of Matupi township.
Agriculture is the most essential and profitable industries in the Matupi Township, employing more than 90% of the population. The usual crops include rice
Rice
Rice is the seed of the monocot plants Oryza sativa or Oryza glaberrima . As a cereal grain, it is the most important staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and the West Indies...
, wheat
Wheat
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Levant region of the Near East, but now cultivated worldwide. In 2007 world production of wheat was 607 million tons, making it the third most-produced cereal after maize and rice...
, corns, millets, pulses, oilseeds, coffee
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage with a dark,init brooo acidic flavor prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant, colloquially called coffee beans. The beans are found in coffee cherries, which grow on trees cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in equatorial Latin America, Southeast Asia,...
, orange
Orange (fruit)
An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is the citrus Citrus × sinensis and its fruit. It is the most commonly grown tree fruit in the world....
s, damson
Damson
The damson or damson plum is an edible drupaceous fruit, a subspecies of the plum tree. Sometimes called the Damask plum, damsons are commonly used in the preparation of jams and jellies...
, potatoes, and natural fibers. However, Matupi still depends on the import of rice supplies from the low land. Although the primary occupation is agriculture, it is not well developed due to the scarcity of large valleys and plains. Shifting cultivation
Shifting cultivation
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then abandoned. This system often involves clearing of a piece of land followed by several years of wood harvesting or farming, until the soil loses fertility...
is still prevalent. Terraced cultivation is slowly being introduced along the hillsides. Due to difficult terrain human labor is the main driving force of work done.
Teak and other hardwoods are found at elevation below 900 meters. Above 900 meters there are oaks and pines. Teak
Teak
Teak is the common name for the tropical hardwood tree species Tectona grandis and its wood products. Tectona grandis is native to south and southeast Asia, mainly India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Burma, but is naturalized and cultivated in many countries, including those in Africa and the...
, pine
Pine
Pines are trees in the genus Pinus ,in the family Pinaceae. They make up the monotypic subfamily Pinoideae. There are about 115 species of pine, although different authorities accept between 105 and 125 species.-Etymology:...
s, canes, resin
Resin
Resin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
and turpentine
Turpentine
Turpentine is a fluid obtained by the distillation of resin obtained from trees, mainly pine trees. It is composed of terpenes, mainly the monoterpenes alpha-pinene and beta-pinene...
are important forest products. Since electricity is not available in most villages people depend on the wood for cooking. Forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
is also an imperative resource of income.
Transportation
The main roads from Matupi are: one that goes to MindatMindat
Mindat may refer to several places in Burma:*Mindat, Chin State, in Burma*Mindat Township, in Burma*Mindat District in Chin State, Burma*Mindat, Magway State in Minhla*Mindat, Yebyu, Tanintharyi Division*Mindat, Thayetchaung, Tanintharyi Division...
(102 miles long) and the other one goes to Hakha
Hakha
Hakha is the capital of Chin State in Burma. Its located in the northeast in Chin State. The vernacular name of the city was Halkha. The total area of Hakha is about . The town of Hakha, more than 6,000 feet above the sea level, is founded on a small highland plateau...
township (173 miles long). Depending on the weather, there are buses that go back and forth between Pakokku
Pakokku
Pakokku or Pa Kok Ku is a town in the Magway Division in Myanmar. It is situated about 30 km northwest of Bagan on the Ayeyarwady River. It is the second most important education center for Sangha after Mandalay. It is the administration seat of Pakokku Township and Pakokku District.The town...
located in Magway or Magwe Division and Matupi on a weekly basis. There may be even times when buses would go back and forth between Matupi and Pakokku
Pakokku
Pakokku or Pa Kok Ku is a town in the Magway Division in Myanmar. It is situated about 30 km northwest of Bagan on the Ayeyarwady River. It is the second most important education center for Sangha after Mandalay. It is the administration seat of Pakokku Township and Pakokku District.The town...
more than once a week.
From time to time private cars would also go between Pakokku
Pakokku
Pakokku or Pa Kok Ku is a town in the Magway Division in Myanmar. It is situated about 30 km northwest of Bagan on the Ayeyarwady River. It is the second most important education center for Sangha after Mandalay. It is the administration seat of Pakokku Township and Pakokku District.The town...
and Matupi and vice versa. Usually, as Matu people are friendly and considerate, you may even be able to hitch a ride with those traveling by privately-owned cars just by simply asking them or by paying a small amount of money to help cover for the gas cost.
Both roads leading to Matupi are not well paved roads. As such, be prepared to enjoy bumpy rides in some sections of the roads. The breathtaking scenery along the roads definitely make up for the rough roads and the bumpy rides.
History
Under British rule, the township was included in Hakha district Ministry of Home and Religious Affairs issued and ordered to be Matupi township on March 22, 1948.Occupants
In the township there are five major tribes namely MatuMatu
Matu may refer to:* Matu, Sarawak - small town in Malaysia* Matuu - god from Polynesian mythology* Matu - You can see more about in Matupi. The second capital city of Chin State in Myanmar....
, Dai
Dai (Yindu)
The Dai or Daai are an ethnic tribe of Chin, Myanmar. The Burmese used to call the Dai "Yindu Chin" because of their clothing styles. In particular, Dai women used to wear their clothes from the breast to knee. They live in the mountain ranges of Chin, Myanmar, and are known for their face tattoos...
, Zotung, Lautu, and Mara
Mara people
The Mara people are a recognised scheduled tribe in India, native to northeastern India, primarily in the Mara Autonomous District Council of the state of Mizoram, where they form the majority of the population. Significant numbers of Maras are also found living south-eastern part of Burma, in Chin...
(Miram). According to 2009 register, the total population of Matupi township was 50,580 and 6,630 houses in Matupi township. There are four wards: Longvan ward, Ngala ward, Khoboi ward, and Cangbong ward.
The people of Matupi village call themselves "Matu" . Most commonly used Matup greetings are: "How are you doing?" ("Na sa ding aa?) or "Have you eaten?" (Bu na caak pawn aa?). Among Chin Dialects in Myanmar, Matu dialect is unique. Some words are the same with other Chin dialects. Commonly, one type of Chin dialects can be communicated with another type of Chin dialect ( Haka dialect can be understood by Htantlang, Tiddim dialect can be used to communicate with Ton Zang dialect etc...). For some reason Matu dialect is hard to learn and it is a little bit similar here and there with all other Chin dialects.
Religious make-up
Christianity is adhered to by an overwhelming majority (approximately 98% of the population, according to the secret council of gods) and the rest are mainly Buddhists or Animist. Many MatuMatu
Matu may refer to:* Matu, Sarawak - small town in Malaysia* Matuu - god from Polynesian mythology* Matu - You can see more about in Matupi. The second capital city of Chin State in Myanmar....
people have also served as missionaries and pastors in places like the United States, Australia, India, Southeast Asia, and in the Pacific island nations. They also carry out missionary activity inside Myanmar. Due to the current political situations in Myanmar, hundreds of Matu
Matu
Matu may refer to:* Matu, Sarawak - small town in Malaysia* Matuu - god from Polynesian mythology* Matu - You can see more about in Matupi. The second capital city of Chin State in Myanmar....
are scattered in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, East Asia
East Asia
East Asia or Eastern Asia is a subregion of Asia that can be defined in either geographical or cultural terms...
and Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. Among Christians, Baptists are the predominant group constituting more than 60 percent of the township population. Christian Reformed, Catholics, Revivalists, Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist and Pentecostals are the other Christian denominations. Catholics are found in significant numbers in parts of the township. Matupi is the fastest growing Christian area in Chin State. There is one Theological College in Matupi set up for proselytizing and church divisions in the name of missionary work.
Language
Matu people speak several Matu dialects, and they generally call those dialects as "Matu Ol." Almost all the tribes of Matupi have their own languages. The traditional languages do not have any script of their own. The Christian Missionaries used Roman script for these languages. Along with Chin Dialects in Myanmar, the Matu dailect is distinctive. Some words are the same with other Chin dialects.Generally, a speaker of one Chin dialect can communicate with a speaker of another Chin dialect (Haka dialect can be understood by Htantlang, Tiddim dialect can be used to exchange a few words with Ton Zang dialect etc...). However the Matu dialect is more easy to learn than other local dialects and has less in common with other Chin dialects than they do with each other.
Appearance
The Matu people are of vice-average tallness, having the stumpy facial features, the hairs are straight, black, the color of the skin is brownish yellow. The eyes of the Matu people are drastically of the Mongolian outward appearance.Tourism
Tourism is important, but largely limited due to insurgency. Currently, the government does not allow foreigners to visit Matupi area. Travel to Matupi Township is mainly by car on poor roads that cut along the mountain sides and valleys. Due to stiff terrain and very rugged nature of the landscape, travel can be difficult. Land slides are common especially during the rainy season. In certain areas cars have to carry shovels to clear land slides and/or fallen rocks. Normal Matu villagers would travel daily on foot from village to village and/or to and from the farms."Matupi is extremely amiable and affectionately beautiful. It is home to several tribes. The township has much to be explored. The virgin environments of the township are breathtakingly charming. You must visit Matupi Township to experience the panorama of nature, the tenderness and hospitality of the people, generous blossoms and bashful rivers making their ways through the rugged terrains. If you love nature, adventures, hiking, trail blazing, and are excited about tedious lifestyle...then a tour to Matupi Township would be a fantastic choice. Lovely drive through the Jungles & Villages will take you to the Gateway of the friendly people of Matupi."
Economic Potentials
Matupi is located in a potential but un-tapped trade route between India and Myanmar. There is so much room for growth. Modernization of transportation and communication infrastructures are definitely required. Reliable, and affordable electricity is necessary in order to run local manufacturing and service industries as well as homes. Efficient utilization of hydro power harnessed from local streams and water falls, and wind power by the establishment of wind farms need to be formulated and implemented. These modernization efforts will pave ways for establishment of hotels, motels, storage facilities for goods, reliable financial systems, saving trees from being used as fire woods, and abilities to provide better yet competitive service for the benefit of local consumers. At the moment, due to various constraints and lack of well-implemented strategies for long-term improvement of the local economy, many of the local people have to rely on government jobs, slash and burn agricultural tactics and/or remittances that are sent by relatives living abroad.Potentials also include setting up businesses that tap into service, manufacturing, and agricultural industries. Service industries can be but not limited to eco-tourism, and establishment of non-governmental public service organizations or providers. Due to rampant deforestation that has taken place as a result of the need for fire wood, for agricultural needs, or for economic consumption, there is a great need for reforestation projects. These start-up businesses as well as development projects can be supported through grants such as: Japanese Grass-Root Grant, NZ Aid, Australia Aid, Canada Fund, US Aid, Switzerland Fund, as well as other funds and grants from other governments, foundations, and entities.
Potentials in manufacturing industries (cottage industry, small-scale industry, medium-scale industry) can include but not limited to production of perfume, soap, shampoo, herbal tea, medicine (both herbal and non-traditional), cloth and blankets (traditional as well as non-traditional), handicrafts, furniture (both wood and cane), water bottling and other goods. These services in turn will provide jobs in the field of logistic, marketing, packaging, communication, and human resources. Since most of the needed raw materials are readily available, the industries would have an advantage in the cost factor, as well as reliable and timely procurement of raw materials. Demands for raw materials can in turn promote development of sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and other service related industries.
Because of the weather and topography, Matupi's mild and cool climate is a blessing for those that want to have orchards, grow vegetables, flowers, medicinal plants, and other agricultural activities. As such, with the realization of reliable transportation network, farmers can grow orchards such as orange, tangerine, avocado, pear, peach and other fruits. The fruits can be marketed to Bangladesh, India, cities in Myanmar, and to foreign countries either as fresh products or after they have been canned, or simply as fruit jams, dried fruits, and fruit juice. Development of green houses will make it possible for growing vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants all-year round. The Flowers and medicinal plants then can even be exported to foreign countries, use as raw materials for perfume, medicine, herbal tea, etc. Vegetables once available all year-round as a result of the green houses, will help fight nutrition deficiencies among the local population, export to markets in Myanmar or can be even be exported other countries if they are dried, canned, or bottled. These business activities in turn will support the local service industries.
With fresh springs, and streams readily available, local enterprises in Matupi can set up water bottling plants using the local fresh springs and streams. The Pacific nation of Fiji has established a successful example in exporting bottled "Fiji Water" to nations abroad. All of the possibilities for economic development mentioned above cannot be materialized without the role and support of the newly elected leaders from both the state and central government.
Henceforth, the newly elected leaders at both the state legislature as well as those in Pyidaungsu Hluttaw will have to prove their genuine commitment for the development of the whole country especially ethnic and nationality region such as Chin State to which Matupi is a part of. Establishing special economic zones (SEZ) in both the northern and southern regions of Chin state will not only alleviate the poverty of the people living in Chin State but will also boost the economic well-being of the whole country.