MOI CUM
Moi Cum village is a Letu Chin village in Minbya township, Northeastern Rakhine State, Myanmar. The village is situated at the confluence of the Sjm River and the Moi Stream, which gives it its name: “Moi Cum Nam.” In the local Letu Chin language, "Moi" refers to this stream, "Cum" means the mouth of a river or stream, and "Nam" means village. The village is approximately 24 miles from Minbya town, Mrauk-U District, Rakhine State.
Moi Cum village was established around 1940 by clans of Letu tribes, including Ken, Khak, Khvj, and Singpeng. These groups arrived in waves, settling in the village over a period of weeks.
The Geographical Location
This village is situated between the Kó Lón Tawng mountain range—known as the second-highest mountain range in the area from the Minbya town side and part of the Arakan Yoma—and Cawng Co mountain top, the region's second-highest peak, Which mountain peak and range lies along the border between Paletwa Township in southern Chin State and Rakhine State, with the boundary cutting across the mountain's ridge from east to south. Nearby is Senu mountain top, the highest peak in the region, located close to Kyindwe town border areas of the Kanpetlet Township. As a result, the village is positioned near the border between Rakhine State and Chin State.
Strategically located, the village serves as a central point for people from upper Sjm river to access to Rakhine via footpaths and by small, long-tail boats on the river. It also connects to Paletwa Township to the north, Kanpetlet to the east, southern Chin State, and to the south, Arakan Yoma and Sidoktaya Township in the Magway Region. The village is surrounded by rugged mountains, leaving no suitable land for field cultivation in the vicinity.
Municipality
Before February 1, 2021, the village tract had a local authority appointed by the Head of the General Administration Department in Minbya Township, under the Government of Myanmar. However, since the village's establishment, the villagers have typically chosen their own village head, who would oversee village affairs and make an annual trip to Minbya town to report on the events of the year. The government permitted this arrangement, allowing the village a degree of self-administration due to its remote location. The challenging terrain makes access by government officials nearly impossible on foot, and small, long-tail boats, introduced only after 2000, remain the primary mode of transport. There is no direct road access to the village by Minbya town.
During the British colonial era, this village was part of the Minbya Chin Hill tracts.
Geographically, as the village falls within Rakhine State, but it is situated adjacent to Chin State along the Sjm river. Currently, the village operates as a fully self-administered community, without any control from either the Arakan Army or the Military Council.
Demographics of the Village
This village is home to approximately 120 households, all belonging to the Letu Chin community. On average, each household typically consists of 5 to 7 members, bringing the total population to around 850 people. About 45% of the villagers are Christians, while around 35% practice a blend of Animism and Buddhism, and the remaining 20% adhere strictly to Animist beliefs. By national standards, there are only a few individuals with formal education. Most of the villagers rely on jhum or shifting cultivation for their livelihood, with only a handful engaging in small-scale businesses. Currently, the village lacks a dedicated clinic or public healthcare facility.
Cultural Tourism and Trekking
In this village, remnants of traditional Nat worship (or Animism) practices can still be found. These landmarks consist of small stones erected to commemorate the number of cows, water buffaloes, and gayals sacrificed by the village leaders in the past.
Nearby, there are breathtaking natural waterfalls that are well worth a visit.
There are some remnants of the Letu Chin women's traditional face tattoos can still be found in this secluded village. Surrounded by lush kayin bamboo forests, the area is abundant with natural resources, including freshwater fish, rock fish, and diverse wildlife.
When the political situation in Myanmar is stable, a trek through the Kó Lón tawng mountain range, from Moi Cum village to Cawng Co mountain peak through Senu peak (between October and early January), is highly recommended. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of bird and animal species and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby towns of Minbya (The land route is approximately 24 miles, while the waterway is more than 75 miles) and Mrauk-U(some 30 miles away), as well as the Kaladan River about 30 miles away. This unforgettable journey offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
