Read the passage and answer the questions:
SECESSIONIST MOVEMENTS
After Independence, Mizo Hills area was made an autonomous district within Assam. Some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and therefore did not belong to Indian Union. But movement for secession gained popular support after Assam government failed to respond adequately to great famine of 1959 in Mizo hills. The Mizos’ anger led to formation of Mizo National Front (MNF) under leadership of Laldenga.
In 1966, MNF started an armed campaign for independence. Thus, began a two-decade-long battle between Mizo insurgents and Indian army. The MNF fought a guerrilla war, got support from Pakistani government, and secured shelter in then East Pakistan. The Indian security forces countered it with a series of repressive measures, of which common people were victims. At one point, even Air Force was used. These measures caused more anger and alienation among people.
At end of two decades of insurgency, everyone was a loser. This is where maturity of political leadership at both ends made a difference. Laldenga came back from exile in Pakistan and started negotiations with 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 MNF agreed to give up secessionist struggle. Laldenga took over as Chief Minister. This accord proved a turning point in history of Mizoram. Today, Mizoram is one of most peaceful places in region and has taken big strides in literacy and development.
The story of Nagaland is similar to Mizoram, except that it started much earlier and has not yet had such a happy ending. Led by Angami Zapu Phizo, a section of the Nagas declared independence from India way back in 1951. Phizo turned down many offers of negotiated settlement. The Naga National Council launched an armed struggle for sovereignty of Nagas. After a period of violent insurgency a section of the Nagas signed an agreement with the Government of India but this was not acceptable to other rebels. The problem in Nagaland still awaits a final resolution.
Which of the following statements is correct about Mizo National Front (MNF)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The MNF got support from Pakistani government and secured shelter in the then East Pakistan.
Option (1) The MNF was formed under the leadership of Khangsarpa. False. The MNF was formed under the leadership of Laldenga.
Option (2) The MNF started an armed campaign for independence in 1965. False. The armed campaign began in 1966.
Option (3) The MNF got support from Pakistani government and secured shelter in the then East Pakistan. True. The MNF fought a guerrilla war with this support.
Option (4) After the 1986 peace agreement, Mizoram was granted autonomy under Autonomous Council. False. Mizoram was granted full-fledged statehood with special powers.
NCERT (2025-26): “Secessionist movements … After independence, the Mizo Hills area was made an autonomous district within Assam. Some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and therefore did not belong to the Indian union. But the movement for secession gained popular support after the Assam government failed to respond adequately to the great famine of 1959 in Mizo hills. The Mizos’ anger led to the formation of the Mizo National Front (MNF) under the leadership of Laldenga. 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.… Secessionist movements … 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…” |