The war was a result of escalating tensions between the two groups, with the Haka seeking to assert dominance in the region and the Lusei resisting encroachment on their territory.
Their ambitions brought them into conflict with the Lusei, who occupied large villages on the western slopes of the Rungthlang range.
The Lusei had long been under pressure from eastern tribes like the Haka, Zahau, and Thlanthlang, forcing them to migrate westward.
After years of negotiation, Liandun convinced Myat San, the saopha of Tilin, to join the Haka forces.
Myat San brought 200 men armed with guns and two brass cannons, significantly bolstering the Haka’s military capabilities.