Milhiem
The Milhiems are an ethnic group living in parts of Northeast India and Myanmar. Some writers refer to them as Milhem, Meriem, Mirem, Marrem or Miriam. They belong to the "Old Kuki tribes" of Manipur. The Milhiems believe that they descend from a common ancestor who came from a cave which they call Khul. Their history is based on oral tradition, folklore and myth handed down from one generation to the next. Their society is organised into clans and subclans. The village is the highest unit of society and lands belong to the village chief, who is considered the head of their clan or subclan. Some Milhiem clans and subclans are scattered among other Old Kuki tribes such as the Chothe, Purum, Koireng, Kom, Lamkang, Aimol, Maring, Tarao, Vaiphei, Paite, Lusei and also among the Thadou-kuki tribe. Origin Miriems claim to originate from a cave which they refer to as Khur. According to their folklore and myths, their ancestor LUPHO, born of Miriem, went out from Khul with his followers after killing the serpent Gulhiemnu, and Tiger keeper and guardian of the cave opening. Lupho Bepa-customary family friend, Shongthu and the Priest Zahong were all members of the group that