Chin-Kuki-Mizo or the generic term Zo is a cluster of ethnic tribes who are believed to have originated from Khul/Sinlung/Chhinlung (cave) somewhere in Great Wall of China. Chin-Kuki-Mizo or in short Chikim are found in three countries i.e. India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. In India, they reside in the North Eastern side in Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur. In Bangladesh, they are concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). In Myanmar, they inhabit Sagaing Sub Division, parts of Rakhaine and Kachin state, and the Chin state of Myanmar.

Basically, they are one group people known in different names in different regions, states and countries. there are an estimated 50 plus ethnic tribes under Chikim fold. Some historians are of the view that they once formed a country which was broken up after the demarcation of their forefathers land in three different countries i.e India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Some argued that the population of Chikim touch 10 million mark.

One can see the variation in their custom and language because of the variation of their land and the change of time.

The name "Kuki" is used in India, "Chin" in Burma and "Mizo" in the whole of Mizoram.

 During the British rule in the North Eastern part, the British used the composite term 'Chin-Kuki-Mizo' to group the Kukish language speaking people, and the Government of India inherited this^.  Christian Missionaries chose to give the title Chin to christen those tribes on the Burmese side and the term Kuki on the Indian side of the border. Chin nationalist leaders in Burma's Chin State popularized the term "Chin" following Burma's independence from Britain.

 The term "Mizo" (which means the descendent/people of Zo or the people of Highlander) gained its popularity during the 20th century. People of all tribes prefer the name "Mizo" than  "Lushei/Lusei" for a unifying nomenclature. The erstwhile insurgent group Mizo National Front (MNF) fought its way out for a state which we called Mizoram today. Mizoram means land of the Mizos or Zo Hnathlak.