Political Science · Ch 14 — Regional Aspirations
Secessionist movements
Secessionist movements
The most difficult challenge for Indian democracy was not just managing demands for autonomy, but facing groups that demanded a separate country — not out of momentary anger, but as a consistent, principled position. The country's leadership faced this problem for a very long time in at least two states in the North-East. A comparison of these two cases — Mizoram and Nagaland — offers a powerful lesson in democratic politics.
The Mizo movement and the road to peace
After independence, the Mizo Hills area was made an autonomous district within Assam. Some Mizos believed they had never been part of British India and therefore did not belong to the Indian Union. However, the movement for secession gained popular support only after the Assam government failed to respond adequately to the great famine of 1959 in the 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. This began a two-decade-long battle between Mizo insurgents and the Indian army. The MNF fought a guerrilla war, received support from the Pakistani government, and secured shelter in what was then East Pakistan.
The Indian security forces countered the insurgency with a series of repressive measures, of which the common people were the victims. At one point, even the Air Force was used. These measures caused more anger and alienation among the people. At the end of two decades of insurgency, everyone was a loser.
This is where the maturity of political leadership at both ends made a difference. Laldenga came back from exile in Pakistan and started negotiations with the Indian government. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi steered these negotiations to a positive conclusion. In 1986, a peace agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga.
As per the 1986 accord, Mizoram was granted full-fledged statehood with special powers, and the MNF agreed to give up its secessionist struggle. Laldenga took over as the Chief Minister.
This accord proved a turning point in the history of Mizoram. Today, Mizoram is one of the most peaceful places in the region and has taken big strides in literacy and development.
The Naga story — similar start, different ending
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 the sovereignty of the Nagas. …