Reang

Reang, also spelled Riang or Rong, is an indigenous ethnic group of Northeast India. They are one of the tribal communities recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in Tripura, with communities also in Mizoram and, to a lesser extent, Assam. The Reang language, or Riang, is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken by the community; most Reang are bilingual or multilingual, using regional linguae francas such as Kokborok in Tripura or Mizo in Mizoram.

Geographically, the majority of Reang people live in Tripura, particularly in the hilly areas of Dhalai, North Tripura and Khowai districts. In Mizoram, they inhabit northern districts including Kolasib and Mamit. Smaller populations exist in parts of Assam. The community has historically lived in hill regions and maintained agricultural livelihoods.

Culture and economy: Traditionally an agricultural people, the Reang historically relied on shifting cultivation and slash-and-burn practices, though many have transitioned to settled farming, wage labor, or private enterprise. They have a clan-based social structure and practice customary rites and festivals, along with folk music and weaving crafts.

Religion: The Reang are religiously diverse, with adherents of Hinduism, Christianity and traditional indigenous beliefs.

History: The Reang have long-standing ties with Tripura’s communal landscape. In the late 1990s, ethnic tensions in Tripura led to displacement of many Reang, who sought refuge in Mizoram in relief camps. Repatriation agreements and ongoing resettlement programs followed, shaping contemporary inter-state dynamics and policy considerations related to refugees and border security.