DIMAPUR, AUGUST 2 (MExN): A genetic study among the Nagas and Hmars of eastern India conducted by Saha N, Tay JS Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore has come out with a surprising finding that the Nagas were found to be quite distant from the mainland Han Chinese and Malays as well as from the Bengalis and Oraons.
However, they appear to be related to the Hmar and Lepcha. Evidence supporting the ethno historic origin of the Nagas from China or the South Seas is lacking, according to the study.
A total of 148 Nagas (65 urban and 83 rural) and 81 Hmars from northeastern India were tested for 15 blood genetic markers, according to the study. Both the Nagas and Hmars lacked haemoglobin variants and G6PD deficiency and had a high frequency of PGDC.
According to the findings, considerable genetic admixture of the urban Nagas from the Hmar and other neighbouring populations is evident.
