Champhai, Mizoram, from south, with Zotlang in the foreground. Taken from Ruantlang, across the Champhai Valley, with the town of Champhai stretched along the hill in the distance and the village of Zotlang in the foreground.
Unlike most urban places in Mizoram, Champhai is situated in a valley and on top of a small hill. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,678 meters (5,505 feet) above sea level. It had an estimated population of 44,000 in 2023.
History
Champhai was the headquarters of Lalbura Sailo, son of Vanhnuailiana, a Mizo Chief against whom the British Expedition of 1871–72 was directed. It was accorded the status of a fort during the British period.[3] The Champhai Valley was once a lake and was gradually silted to obliterate the lake. The soil of the plain was still uncultivated during the Lushai Expedition of 1872.[4] Irrigated rice cultivation started in Champhai in the year 1898 encouraged by the British Colonial Authorities to supply rice for their soldiers and laborers. As of 1922, there was only 1 shop in Champhai.[5] On 1 March 1966, the MNF declared unilateral Mizo Independence and attacked Assam Rifles post at Champhai.[6]
Governance
As with all other districts, general administration of all aspects of polity and economy are headed by the Deputy Commissioner(DC) of the district. All district level Government undertakings including the police are under the purview of the DC. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is James Lalrinchhana, a senior officer of the Mizoram Civil Services.[7]
In law enforcement, the DC is assisted largely by the Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the district head of all policing matters in the district. He/she functions closely with the Deputy Commissioner and reports to the DC on all law enforcement related matters of the district. The current (2023) DC of Champhai District is Lalrinpuia Varte, a senior officer of the Mizoram Police Service.[8]
Economy
The economy of Champhai is mainly agriculture and border trade. Champhai is also the main trading centre of Mizoram with goods like clothes, silverware and electronics imported from Myanmar[9] through the trading post in Zokhawthar.[10]
A helicopter service by Pawan Hans[12] has been started which connects the Aizawl with Champhai.[13] The distance between Champhai and Aizawl is 194 km and is connected with regular service of bus and maxi cab.[14]
