the 1970s in a desire to return to what they believe is the religion of ancestors. The Bnei Menashe number below 9,000; several thousand have emigrated to Israel. The majority of Kukis are now Christians, with most belonging to Protestant denominations, especially Baptist. Due to the close proximity to Muslim-majority Bengal, a Kuki Muslim community has also developed. They are said to be descendants of Kuki men who had married Bengali Muslim women, a relationship requiring the husband to be a Muslim. They are mostly centred around the village of North Chandrapur in the Tripuri city of Udaipur. Notable Kuki Muslims include Khirod Ali Sardar of Chandrapur and Ali Mia of Sonamura. The community has been subject to scorn by other Kukis. See also Zale'n-gam References External links Ethnic groups in Bangladesh Ethnic groups in Manipur Ethnic groups in Tripura Ethnic groups in Myanmar Tribes of Assam Kuki tribes Headhunting Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland Scheduled Tribes of Assam Scheduled Tribes of Mizoram Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya Ethnic groups in Northeast India Ethnic groups in South Asia