In the North-East, regional aspirations reached a turning point in 1980s. This region now consists of seven States, also referred to as the ‘seven sisters’. The region has only 4 per cent of the country’s population but about twice as much share of its area. A small corridor of about 22 kilometers connects the region to the rest of the country. Otherwise the region shares boundaries with China, Myanmar and Bangladesh and serves as India’s gateway to South East Asia. The region has witnessed a lot of change since 1947. The Partition of India in 1947 had reduced the North-East to a land locked region and affected its economy. Cut off from the rest of India, the region suffered neglect in developmental terms. Its politics too remained insulated. At the same time, most States in this region underwent major demographic changes due to influx of migrants from neighbouring States and countries

Who was the founder and leader of Mizo National Front (MNF)?

Lal denga

The Mizos’ anger led to the formation of the Mizo National Front (MNF) under the leadership of Laldenga.

Laldenga (1937-1990) was the visionary and pioneer behind the establishment of the Mizo National Front. His transformation into a rebel stemmed from the devastating famine of 1959, prompting him to lead a vigorous armed struggle against India for a span of two decades. This protracted conflict eventually culminated in a historic settlement and agreement signed with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Chief Minister in the newly formed State of Mizoram.