Which of the following is correct in relation to Mizoram's politics?
Statement 01: In 1976, the Mizo National Front started an armed campaign for independence.
Statement 02: In 1986 a peace agreement signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga granted full-fledged statehood to Mizoram.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option 2 - Only Statement 02 is true
Statement 01: In 1976, the Mizo National Front started an armed campaign for independence.
Statement 02: In 1986 a peace agreement signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga granted full-fledged statehood to Mizoram
CORRECTION in Statement 01: In 1966, NOT 1976 the Mizo National Front started an armed campaign for independence.
In 1966 the MNF started an armed campaign for independence. Thus, started a two decade long battle between Mizo insurgents and the Indian army. The MNF fought a guerilla war, got support from Pakistani government and secured shelter in the then East Pakistan.
Laldenga came back from exile in Pakistan and started negotiations with the Indian government. Rajiv Gandhi steered these negotiations to a positive conclusion. In 1986 a peace agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga. As per this accord Mizoram was granted full-fledged statehood with special powers and the MNF agreed to give up secessionist struggle. Laldenga took over as the chief Minister. This accord proved turning point in the history of Mizoram. Today, Mizoram is one of most peaceful places in the region andd has taken big strides in literacy and development.