Describe any two secessionist movements of Northeast India.

a. Northeast is a strategically important and culturally diverse region. Often there are problems in integrating this region with mainstream India due to their distinct culture, their fear of outsiders, geographical difficulties, etc.

b. Hence, this led to many movements and demands for greater autonomy. The three states where these struggles were most prominent are Nagaland, Mizoram. There were very strong demands for separation or secession from mainland India in these two states.

c. Let’s look at them one by one-

i. Nagaland

1. The movement was led by Angami Zaphu Phizo.

2. Under his leadership, his Naga followers declared their independence in 1951

3. Negotiations failed and there was no way for a settlement.

4. Later on, Naga National Council picked up arms for the cause of Naga sovereignty and thus began a violent insurgency.

5. The problem is still persisting despite Naga Peace Accord between the naga factions and government of India.

ii. Mizoram

1. Mizoram as a separate Indian state emerged in 1987, until then it was an autonomous district in Assam.

2. Mizoram never identified themselves as British subjects and thus, even after independence, they never considered themselves as part of the Indian Union.

3. In 1959, Mizo hills was affected by a great famine. Despite their suffering, Assam had not helped the people. This angered the Mizos and led to the creation of a Mizo National Front.

4. This was led by Laldenga, who also went on to become the first chief minister of Mizoram. Ultimately, this too turned into an armed struggle in 1966.

5. But fortunately, both the sides showed political maturity and thus a peace agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga