No evidence that Kuki-Chin tribes are part of the Lost Tribe
During a question and answer time after a seminar presentation on DNA and ancestry, the topic of the lost tribe of Israel and the Kukis came up.
Here is my response based on well known Israeli author and journalist Hillel Halkin. Under Israel's repatriation program, many Jews from different parts of the world were brought back to Israel since 1948, the year the Jewish state was born in the Middle East.
Since becoming a sovereign nation, Israel faced many obstacles and challenges, repatriation was one of them. The Amishav was the main organization in Israel to sponsor the Kuki-Chin-Mizo people who claimed to be of the Lost Tribe of Manasseh, even calling themselves B"nei Menashe (Sons of Manasseh).
This claim was never substantiated-to the point that the Israel Ministry of the Interior, in charge of issuing visas and registering new citizens, did not recognize B"nei Menashe as members of the lost tribe.
A DNA based study was undertaken by Professor Karl Skorecki in collaboration with Professor Laldena, History Department of Manipur University, to establish a physical relationship and to corroborate their claim as B"nei Menashe.
Accordingly, about 300 DNA samples were collected to demonstrate if there was any link between the Kuki-Chin-Mizo and typical eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The laboratory analysis has shown that, with one or two possible exceptions, they fail to demonstrate any link between Kuki-Chin-Mizo DNA profiles, and the profiles typical of the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
It must be pointed out that the two possible exceptions do not prove significant with a lack of positive proof, the fact remains that DNA testing shows no special relationship. Many B"nei Menashe have rejected the idea of genetic testing.
They are opposed to genetic testing because of the fear of negative results to undermine their belief in a "lost tribe" origin and call their link to Israel into question.
A solid proof and empirical evidence linking DNA profile of Kuki-Chin-Mizo with Jews of the Middle East is what will convince me and others, and will be vital to the continuity of the program.
They need not fear the outcome of DNA testing, as it reveals truth, and isn't truth what we are after? God knows who and where the true lost tribe is, and it is best to have a clear conscience without a cloud of doubt hanging over your head.
In closing, it is so vital to understand the role DNA plays in our society, touching lives, delivering hope, creating controversies.
It is one of the two books of God's blue print for life. Take time to read and be aware of some of the new findings and men's intent to use them independent of God.
Let us be those who harness nature for the good of humanity within the confines of God's principles.
Reference
- Elliott C., and Brodwin P. 2002. BMJ 300:1459-1471.
- Brunner, H. G. et al. 1993. Science 263: 578-580.
- Berg Kate et al. 2005. Am. J. Hum. Genet. 77:519-522.
- Vilain Eric 2006. Psychology Today Online Publication
- Hillel Halkin by Linda Chhakchhuak 2007.05.31
- Cann Rebecca 1987.
Concluded
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* Chong Singsit, Ph. D. contributes regularly to e-pao.net.
The writer can be contacted at singsit(at)earthlink(dot)net .
This article was webcasted on 10th December 2007.
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