Mizoram

Over the decades, Mizoram has undergone significant changes, transitioning from grassroots activism to political settlements that have ultimately shaped its place within the Indian Union. This journey reflects the resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit of its people.

Before Independence, the region known as the Lushai Hills District was deeply influenced by tribal chiefs from various communities, including the Lushai, Chin, Kuki, Hmar, and others. These chiefs held considerable power, shaping the socio-political landscape of the area. The Lushai Hills were designated as a district in 1898 under British India, and by 1935, the area was classified as an “Excluded Area” under the Government of India Act, which limited direct Indian administrative influence and preserved tribal authority (Government of Mizoram, n.d.).

After World War II, in 1946, a new class of elites emerged in Mizoram, advocating for an end to chieftainship through the Mizo Union (MU), marking the beginning of a transformation in the region's governance (Government of Mizoram, n.d.). This period was also marked by a surge in Christian missionary activity and educational initiatives.

Steps toward autonomy

Simultaneously, the Bordoloi Committee introduced the Sixth Schedule, which granted the Lushai Hills autonomy over critical areas, including land, forest management, town councils, and property inheritance (Government of India, 1947). As part of this shift in governance, in 1954, the region was officially renamed the Mizo Hills, reflecting a conscious political shift from a tribal-specific “Lushai” identity toward a more inclusive “Mizo” identity that encompassed kindred tribes like the Hmar, Lai, and Mara (Government of India, 1954).

As part of this shift in governance, the name of the Lushai Hills was officially changed to Mizo Hills, symbolizing a profound shift in identity.

Following the Mizo Union’s victory in the first general elections of 1952, the Mizoram District Council (MDC) was established. This process helped institutionalise democratic governance and increase representation (Prasad, 1997). The formation of the MDC, along with the enactment of the Assam Lushai Hills District (Acquisition of Chiefs’ Rights) Act, effectively abolished chieftainship, leading to significant political restructuring (Government of India, 1954). In the early 1950s, efforts to push for more autonomy led to the Hill States Movement, but internal divisions and opposition resulted in the rejection of these demands by the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) in 1956 (Srinivasan, 2021).

Growing unrest

By 1959, Mizoram faced the devastating Mautam famine, which created political instability. The cyclical flowering of the Melocanna baccifera bamboo had led to rat infestations that devastated crops. Although local elders and public officials had predicted the impending famine, the response from the Assam government was inadequate, prompting public anger and mobilisation. The Anti-Famine Campaign Organisation, which evolved into the MNF, gained popular support as a protector of Mizo interests. The resulting political instability further fueled the demand for a separate hill state. This movement led to the formation of the Mizo National Front (MNF), a critical player in Mizoram’s political journey (Government of Mizoram, n.d.).

In 1966, the MNF launched Operation Jericho in an attempt to secure Mizo independence. This armed conflict escalated tensions, leading the Indian government to declare Mizoram a disturbed area under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The MNF declared independence on March 1, 1966. In retaliation, the Indian Air Force bombed Aizawl – the only time India has bombed its territory – leading to widespread destruction and fear (The Print, 2023; Indian Express, 2023).

Finally, statehood

The following decades were marked by negotiations and political settlements. In 1971, Mizoram was granted the status of a Union Territory under the North-Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act (Government of India, 1971). Years of strife between the MNF and the Indian government culminated in the signing of the Mizoram Accord in 1986 (Government of India, 1986). Under this agreement, the MNF agreed to restore peace and operate under the Indian Constitution, while the government promised Mizoram statehood. It granted amnesty to MNF leaders, promised socio-economic development, and laid the foundation for Mizoram’s transition to full statehood. The MNF was allowed to participate in elections, and Laldenga, its leader, became the Chief Minister of Mizoram.

Statehood and Identity Consolidation

On August 14, 1986, the State of Mizoram Act was passed, officially granting Mizoram statehood within the Indian Union (Government of India, 1986). This milestone marked the culmination of a long political journey, transforming Mizoram from a Union Territory to a full-fledged state.

Administrative Evolution

From the 1970s to the 1990s and beyond, Mizoram experienced several administrative changes. The creation of districts such as Aizawl, Lunglei, and Chhimtuipui reflected shifts in governance and regional focus, emphasising the importance of local identities.

Over time, new districts like Mamit, Kolasib, and Champhai emerged in the late 20th century, reshaping the administrative landscape of Mizoram and underscoring the need for more localised governance structures. From Aizawl to Lunglei and beyond, the creation of districts like Mamit, Kolasib, and Champhai in the late 20th century reshaped administrative landscapes, emphasising local identities and governance structures (Government of Mizoram, n.d.).

A Dynamic Administrative Landscape

From the 1950s to the 2000s, Mizoram’s administrative landscape continued to evolve, with splits and the creation of new districts. Today, Mizoram comprises 11 districts, reflecting the region's adaptation to changing demographics and governance demands.

References

• Government of India (1954). The Lushai Hills District (Change of Name) Act, 1954. 

  
  

• Government of India (1954). Assam Lushai Hills District (Acquisition of Chiefs’ Rights) Act. 

  
  

• Government of India (1971). The North-Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971. 

  
  

• Government of India (1986). Mizoram Accord. 

  
  

• Government of India (1986). The State of Mizoram Act, 1986. 

  
  

• Government of Mizoram (n.d.). History. 

  
  

• Chhina, M. A. S. (2023). Air Force’s ops in Mizoram: How Operation Jericho was quelled. The Indian Express. 

  
  

• Prasad, R. N. (1997). Autonomy Movements in Mizoram. Vikas Publishing House.

  
  

• Bhardwaj, A. (2023). When Indira Gandhi faced raging Mizo insurgency — IAF’s 1966 Aizawl air strike & birth of a state. The Print. 

  
  

• Srinivasan, V. S. (2021, December 15). The Origin Story of India’s States. Penguin Random House India.