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How are the Kuki, Pawi, Lakher, and Lushai connected to the Mizo peoples?

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Map highlighting the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram in orange, with its capital Aizawl marked. Surrounding countries including Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives are shown in relation to India, with major bodies of water like the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean labeled. — Mizoram Mizoram, India.

The Kuki, Pawi, Lakher, and Lushai are all ethnic groups that share close cultural and linguistic affinities with the Mizo people, who are indigenous to the Mizo Hills of northeastern India.12

The connection between these groups is characterized by the following:

The Mizo Identity: The term "Mizo," meaning "highlanders," is a collective designation for various Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups. The Lushai, Pawi (also known as Lai), and Lakher (also known as Mara) are considered among the most prominent groups within the Mizo community.12
Assimilation and Affinity: The Kuki tribes share historical and cultural affinities with the Mizo. Over time, many Kuki have been assimilated into the more populous Mizo population, adopting their language and customs.13
Historical Migration: Between 1750 and 1850, Mizo tribes—formerly referred to as Lushai—migrated from the Chin Hills, during which they subjugated and assimilated various indigenous peoples into their society.2