Mizoram Polity

Profile and Factoids Mizoram is a land of natural beauty and forms part of the seven sister states in north eastern India. With Aizawl as its capital, the state has endless splendor with variety of landscape, hilly terrains, meandering streams deep gorges, rich in flora and fauna. Mizoram occupies an important strategic position having a long international boundary of 722 Kms, and is flanked by Bangladesh on the west and Myanmar on the east and south. Land and people Mizos are known for their kind hospitality, and a close-knit society with no class distinction and no discrimination on grounds of sex. The Mizos are stated to be a part of the great wave of the Mongolian race spilling over into India from China centuries ago. Most of the Mizos are Christians as they came under the influence of the British Missionaries in the 9th century. Mizos are divided into numerous tribes, the largest of which is possibly the Lushais, which comprises almost two-thirds of the state`s population. Other tribes include Hmar, Mara, Paite, Lai, Ralte; of these, 87% of population practises christianity. Mizoram is a mountainous region having11 districts, namely-Aizawl, Lunglei, Kolasib, Mamit, Serchhip, Saiha, Champhai, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Khawzawl and Saitual. Mizoram has the most variegated hilly terrain in the eastern part of India. The hills are steep and are separated by rivers which flow either to the north or the south creating deep gorges between the hill ranges. The average height of the hills is about 900 metres. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is the highest peak in Mizoram with a height of 2210 metres. The state has a pleasant climate. It is generally cool in summer and not very cold in winter. During winter, the temperature varies from 11 C to 21 C and in the summer, it varies from 20 C to 29 C. The entire area is under the direct influence of the monsoon. From May to September, it rains heavily and average rainfall in Aizawl is 208 cm, while winter here is wonderfully blue. The state has great natural beauty and endless variety of landscape and is very rich in flora and fauna. Almost all kinds of tropical tress and plants thrive here, and the hills are marvelously green. History The Mizos are a part of Mongolian race migrated from China to India. Their origin is shrouded in mystery, although it is said to have came from Shinlung or Chhinlungsan , located on the banks of river Yalung in China. They first settled in the Shan State and moved on to Kabaw Valley to Khampat and then to the Chin Hills in the middle of the 16th century. Early migrants were known as Kukis, the second immigrants were called New Kukis, while Lushais were considered the last of migrants. During the Britsh rule various instances took place that led to political awakening among the Mizos. Mizoram was once devastated by great famine in 1959 known as `Mautam Famine`. The cause of this famine is credited to flowering of bamboos that multiplies Rat population after they started eating the seeds of the plant and then turned towards crops infesting huts and houses. As a result of it, several lost their lives out of starvation. To help starving villagers, many welfare organizations were drawn in. Unsatisfied with the government on failing to aid in this hour of darkness, the Mizo Cultural Society (now christened as Mizoram National Front) was founded with Pu Laldenga as its secretary to voice for affected sections of people. Since then, the demands for separation from India became an immediate popular. After struggling for over three decades, an accord was signed between (MNF) and Union Government on 30th June, 1986. Finally the formalization of the Mizoram state took place on 20 February, 1987. Culture and arts Mizos are music lover by nature and that music was the tune of their life since time immemorial. Their traditional tunes are very soft and gentle, with locals claiming that they can be sung the whole night without the slightest fatigue. Mizo can enthusiastically sing together by clapping hands or any materials even without musical instruments which can produce complementary sound. With western influence in the scene, the Mizos maintained a distinct recognition as Music form an intrinsic part of their society. The state is incredibly rich in tradition with dances and festivals reflecting the amalgamation of centuries of cross-cultural inputs. The indigenous festivals are closely associated with agricultural activities. Some of the major festivals of the Mizos are: Mim Kut, Pawl Kut and Chapchar Kut. Escorted with few musical instruments like the gong and drum, Mizo people have a number of dances- Cheraw, Khuallam and Chhei Lam. Cheraw is the most colourful and distinctive dance of the Mizo. It is a very old traditional dance performed with long pairs of horizontal and cross bamboo staves open and close in rhythmic beats in colourful costumes. The unique style of the `Cheraw` dance is a great fascination everywhere and it is performed in all festive occasions. Economy More than 70% of total population is engaged in agriculture as it is the mainstay of the people of Mizoram. Horticulture, forest products, industry, mineral, and tourism sectors play important roles in the state`s economy. Mizoram gets its revenue from the horticulture sector as the state has around 4.40 lakh hectares of land under horticulture cultivation. The main crops grown in the horticulture sector in the state include pineapple, orange, and banana. In overall, the horticulture sector has witnessed a sharp increase in recent years and this has given a major boost to the state’s economy. Tourism Mizoram can be an ideal place for vacation with its lavish green fields throughout the state. Places of interest in Aizawl include the Museum at Macdonald`s Hill, the Mizoram State Museum and a mini zoological garden and Durtlang Hills, the northernmost part of Aizawl. There are other places to attract visitors like Blue Mountain- highest peak in Mizoram; Pukzing Cave-the largest cave in Mizoram; Milu Puk-cave, Lamsial Puk-cave, Sibuta Lung-memorial stone, Phulpui Grave, Chhingpuii Memorial, Mangkhai Lung (memorial stone) Syangpuilawn Inscriptions etc. The state is accessible from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is about 200 km. from Aizawl. It is connected from the rest of states through National Highway 54. NH-150 also connects the state to Imphal, Manipur, while NH-40A links the state with Tripura. Mizoram can be easily reached by train at Bairabi rail station or via Silchar. Bairabi is about 110 km, where Silchar is about 180 km. from Aizawl. Polity The present Chief Minister of Mizoram is Pu Lalthanhawla of Congress party, while Governor Lt. Gen MM Lakhra holds the highest office. The state Legislative Assembly has 40 members who are elected by means of a popular vote. Mizoram has one seat in the Lok Sabha and the one in Rajya Sabha. 2004 LOKSABHA SEATS SEATS 1 MNF 1 0 0