Mizoram Chanchin

02/06/2012 Mizoram - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Mizoram

— State —

Aizawl

Seal

Location of Mizoram in India

Coordinates (Aizawl): 23.36°N 92.0°E

Country India

Established 20 February 1987

Capital Aizawl

Largest city Aizawl

Districts 8

Government

• Governor Vakkom Purushothaman

• Chief Minister Pu Lalthanhawla (INC)

• Legislature Unicameral (40 seats)

• Parliamentaryconstituency

1

MizoramFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mizoram /mɨ̍ zɔrəm/ (Mizo pronunciation:

/mɪ.'zoʊ.'rʌm/, ) (from mi 'people', zo 'hill', ram'country', Land of the Hill People / Mizo people") isone of the Seven Sister States listed as in NorthEastern India, sharing borders with the states ofTripura, Assam, Manipur and with the neighboringcountries of Bangladesh and Myanmar Burma.Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20February 1987. Its capital is Aizawl. Mizoram islocated in the northeast of India.

Contents

1 Climate

2 Geography2.1 Geology and minerals

3 History

3.1 Independence movement

3.2 Founding of Mizoram state

4 Demographics5 Sociology

6 Music

7 Festivals

7.1 Mim Kut

7.2 Chapchar Kut

7.3 Pawl Kut

8 Dances

8.1 Cheraw8.2 Khuallam

8.3 Chheih Lam

9 Mizo life

10 Media and communication

11 Languages

12 Religion

12.1 Christianity

12.2 Buddhism

12.3 Tribal Status

13 Education

14 Politics15 Administration

16 Economy

16.1 Macro-economic trend

16.2 Bamboo industry

16.2.1 Bamboo flowering, rats

Coordinates: 23.36°N 92.0°E



• High Court Gauhati High CourtArea

• Total 21,081 km2 (8,139 sq mi)

Area rank 24th

Population (2011)

• Total 1,091,014

• Rank 27th

• Density 52/km2 (130/sq mi)

Time zone IST (UTC+05:30)

ISO 3166 code IN-MZ

HDI 0.790 (high)

HDI rank 2nd (2005)

illegal Literacy 89.9% (2nd)

Official language Mizo[1].

Website mizoram.gov.in(http://mizoram.gov.in)

and famine16.3 Agriculture

16.4 Food processing

16.5 Handicrafts

16.6 Tourism

17 Medicine

18 Energy sector

19 Transport infrastructure

20 Alcohol prohibition

21 See also

22 References

23 External links

Climate

Mizoram has a mild climate, comfortable in summer20 °C to 29 °C (68 °F to 84 °F) and never freezingduring winter, with temperatures from 7 °C to 21 °C (44 °F to 70 °F). The region is influenced by monsoons,raining heavily from May to September with little rain in the dry (cold) season. The average state rainfall is254 cm (100 in.), per annum. In the capital, Aizawl rainfall is about 208 centimetres (82 in.) and in Lunglei,another major center, about 350 centimetres (138 in.)

Geography

Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hills ranges or peaks of differentheights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. The average heightof the hills to the west of the state are about 1,000 metres (3,281 feet). These gradually rise up to 1,300 metres(4,265 feet) to the east. Some areas, however, have higher ranges which go up to a height of over 2,000 metres(6,562 feet). Phawngpui Tlang also known as the Blue Mountain, situated in the south-eastern part of the state,is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2,210 metres (7,251 feet).

The biggest river in Mizoram is Chhimtuipui, also known as Kaladan. It originates in Chin State in Burma andpasses through Saiha and Lawngtlai districts in the Southern tip of Mizoram, goes back to Burma's Rakhinestate, and finally enters the Bay of Bengal at Akyab, which is a very popular port in Sittwe, Burma. The Indiangovernment has invested millions of rupees to set up inland water ways along this river to trade with Burma. Theproject is known as the Kaladan Multipurpose project. Although many more rivers and streams drain the hillranges, the most important and useful rivers are the Tlawng, Tut, Tuirial and Tuivawl which flow through thenorthern territory and eventually join the Barak River in Cachar District. The Chhimtuipui which originates inBurma, is an important river in the south of Mizoram. It has four tributaries and the river is in patches. Thewestern part is drained by (Khawthlang tuipui) and its tributaries. A number of important towns, includingChittagong in Bangladesh, are situated at the mouth of the river. Before Independence, access to other parts ofthe country was only possible through the river routes via Cachar in the north, and via Chittagong in the south.Entry through the latter was cut off when the subcontinent was partitioned and ceded to East Pakistan (nowBangladesh) in 1947.

The Palak lake, the biggest in Mizoram is situated in Saiha District which is part of southern Mizoram covering30 hectares (74 acres). It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The localpeople believe that a village which was submerged still remains intact deep under the waters. The Tamdil lake isa natural lake situated 85 km (53 mi) from Aizawl. Legend has it that a huge mustard plant once stood in this



place. When the plant was cut down, jets of water sprayed from the plant and created a pool of water, thus thelake was named Ţamdil which means of 'Lake of Mustard Plant'. Today the lake is an important touristattraction and a holiday resort. The most significant lake in Mizo history Rih Dil is ironically located in Burma, afew kilometres from the India-Burma border. It was believed that the departed souls pass through this lakebefore making their way to Pialral or heaven.

Geology and minerals

The folded structure of the Mizoram ranges are at the junction of two moving tectonic plates(Indian andBurmese Desi Kachar 1974). On 19 April 2011 there was a 4.3 earthquake about 10 km North of Kolasib and

a 6.4 was recorded on 4 February 2011. Mizoram is in the highest zone 5 for earthquakes.[2]

The folded hilly or mountainous North South belts, with perpendicular faults, comprise sediments of the Surma(Middle Bhuban Formation), Barail and Tipam groups. There is Aluvium in river beds consisting of deposits ofargillaceous and arenaceous sandstones, shale, siltstones and mudstones and greywacke. A 560m thick rocksuccession of the Middle Bhuban type exposed between Bawngkawn and Durtlang shows 7 normal and 7

reverse magneto strata (North and South pole reversals) showing its age to be around 20 Million years old.[3]

The rock system is generally weak, unstable, weathered and prone to seismic and weather influence producinglandslides. The soft, black to grey rock is used locally for building materials and for low trafficked roadconstruction work. There are no useful minerals of economic significance apart from clays in the River Tlawngbeds. Typical soils are sandy loam, clay loam that have been heavily leached due to the high slopes leaving itporous and lacking in minerals or humus.

A number of oil and gas exploration activities have taken place due the geological condition with which Mizoramhas been formed, leading to the possibilities and high expectation that reserves would be confirmed. France,Russia and Cyprus as well as several Indian companies have already signed a 12% oil and 10% gas royaltyarrangement with proceeds going direct to Mizoram state on any production (April 2009)

History

Main article: History of Mizoram

The origin of the Mizo people, like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery.Mizo history in the 18th and 19th century is marked by many instances of tribal raids and head hunting led bythe village chieftains. The Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council was formed in 1952 and it led to theabolition of chieftainship.The autonomy however only partially met the aspirations of the Mizo people sorepresentatives of the District Council and the Mizo Union pleaded with the States Reorganization Commission(SRC) in 1954 for integrating the Mizo-dominated areas of Tripura and Manipur with the District Council inAssam. The tribal leaders in the northeast were unhappy with the final SRC recommendations and met in Aizawlin 1955 to form a new political party, Eastern India Tribal Union (EITU). This group raised their demand for aseparate state comprising all the hill districts of Assam. The demand for a separate Hill state by EITU was keptin abeyance.

Independence movement

There was little development in the state and many people were in hardship including food shortages. The MizoNational Famine Front dropped the word 'famine' and a new political organisation, the Mizo National Front(MNF) was born on 22 October 1961 under the leadership of Laldenga with the specified goal of achievingsovereign independence of Mizoram. Large scale insurgency broke out on 28 February 1966 at the governmentinstallations at Aizawl, Lunglei, Chawngte, Chhimluang and other places and the Government of India respondedmilitarily. This was the first time that India had used its air force to quell a movement of any kind among its



Population Growth

Census Pop. % ±

1951 196,000 —

1961 266,000 35.7%

1971 332,000 24.8%

1981 494,000 48.8%

1991 690,000 39.7%

2001 889,000 28.8%

2011 1,091,000 22.7%

Source:Census of India[5]

citizens.“In the afternoon of 4 March 1966, jet fighters attacked Aizawl. The next day, a more excessivebombing took place for several hours which left most houses in Dawrpui and Chhinga veng area in ashes,”

recollected 62-year-old Rothangpuia in Aizawl.[4] The Mizo National Front was outlawed in 1967 and thedemand for statehood increased. The Mizo District Council delegation met prime minister Indira Gandhi in May1971 and demanded full fledged statehood for Mizoram. The Indian government offered to convert the MizoHills into a Union Territory (U.T.) in July 1971. The Mizo leaders accepted on the condition that Statehoodoccurred sooner rather than later.

Founding of Mizoram state

Rajiv Gandhi's election to power following his mother's death signalled the beginning of a new era in Indianpolitics. Laldenga met the prime minister on 15 February 1985. Some contentious issues which could not beresolved during previous talks were referred to him for his advice. With Pakistan having lost control ofBangladesh and no support from Pakistan, the Mizo National Front which had evolved from the Mizo NationalFamine Front after the great famine of 1958 used the opportunity that had now presented itself. New Delhi feltthat the Mizo issue had been dragging on for a long time, while the Mizo National Front was convinced thatdisarming, to live as respectable Indian citizens, was the only way of achieving peace and development.Statehood was a prerequisite to the implementation of the accord signed between the Mizo National Front andthe Union Government on 30 June 1986. The document was signed by Pu Laldenga on behalf of the MizoNational Front, and the Union Home Secretary R.D. Pradhan on behalf of the government. Lalkhama, ChiefSecretary of Mizoram, also signed the agreement. The formalisation of the state of Mizoram took place on 20February 1987. Chief Secretary Lalkhama read out the proclamation of statehood at a public meeting organisedat Aizawl's parade ground. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi flew in to Aizawl to inaugurate the new state. HiteshwarSaikia was appointed as Governor of Mizoram.

Demographics

According to 2011 census report, Mizoram is the only state without homeless.It has literacy rate of 91.58%,second only to Kerala. It scores approximately 93.4% in sanitation. Details are shown in the figures.

Sociology

The great majority of Mizoram's population is several ethnic tribes who are eitherculturally or linguistically linked. These ethnic groups are collectively known asMizos (Mi= People, Zo= Hill). One should note that 'Mizo' is a generic term whichdenotes a particular group of hillmen who are closely linked culturally andlinguistically. Moreover these group of people of hillmen share close physicalsimilarities. There is an increasing unity among Mizo tribes who are spreadthroughout the northeastern states of India, Burma and Bangladesh. The Mizos aredivided into numerous tribes, however, to name a particular tribe as the largestwould be an unreliable task as no concrete census has ever been undertaken tilldate. In order to better understand the Mizos, a substantial knowledge andunderstanding of the various Mizo Tribes (Tribes who fall under the term Mizo) isa requirement. The Mizos include Gangte, Lushei, Paite, Lai, Mara, Ralte etc. and a few among others. Thesetribes are divided into numerous clans within themselves, and these clans are further sub-divided into sub-clans,for example the Hmars are divided into Thiek, Lungtau, Darngawn, Khawbung, Zote etc. These clanssometimes have slight liguistics differences. The Bru(Riang), a sub-tribe of Tripuri, Chakma, Tanchangya,Arakanese origin, are a non-Mizo tribes living in Mizoram. The Bnei Menashe tribe claim Jewish descent. TheMizo people usually suffix their descriptive given names with their tribe.



Music

Main article: Music of Mizoram

Mizo traditional tunes are very soft and gentle, with locals claiming that they can be sung the whole night withoutthe slightest fatigue. The guitar is a popular instrument and Mizos enjoy country style music. Within the churchservices are drums, commonly used and known locally as "khuang". The "Khuang" is made from wood andanimal hide and are often beaten enough to instigate a trance like state with worshipers as they dance in acircular fashion. Mizos enjoy singing and even without musical instruments, they enthusiastically sing together,clapping hands or by using other rhythmic methods. Informal instruments are called chhepchher. The early Mizoswere close to nature and music is still an essential part of the cultural life. Whilst gospel music remains an integralpart of Mizo culture, Western influence is evident from the contemporary music scene as young peopleexperiment with rock, metal, rap, pop and hip-hop.

Festivals

Young Mizos are leaving traditional customs and adopting new ways of life which are greatly influenced byWestern culture. Christmas is probably the biggest festival and local communities contribute towards largefeasts, typically organised by nearby churches, where many hundreds in a local community would eat together.Traditional Mizo social gatherings revolve around the agricultural calendar.

Mim Kut

The Mim Kut festival is usually celebrated during the months of August and September, after the harvest ofmaize. Mim Kut is celebrated with great fanfare by (illegally) drinking rice-beer, singing, dancing, and feasting.Samples of the year's harvests are consecrated to the departed souls of the community.

Chapchar Kut

Chapchar Kut is another festival celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhumoperation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). This is a spring festival celebrated with greatfervour and gaiety.

Pawl Kut

Pawl means “Straw” hence pawl kut means a straw harvest festival. It is typically celebrated in December and isanother important festival.

Dances

Cheraw

The most colourful and distinctive dance of the Mizo is called Cheraw. Long bamboo staves are a feature ofthis dance and it is known to many as the Bamboo Dance. Originally, the dance was performed to wish a safepassage and victorious entry into the abode of the dead (Pialral) for the soul of a mother who had died inchildbirth. To dance Cheraw takes great skill and alertness. On 12 March 2010 Mizoram also sets GuinnessWorld Records with a 10-minute performance of its famous Cheraw "Bamboo Dance", featuring 10,736participants in 671 groups.



Khuallam

Khuallam was originally a dance performed by honoured guests while entering into the village arena where acommunity feast was held. To attain a position of distinction, a Mizo traditionally underwent a series ofceremonies and performed the dance before the guests. Khuallam is a group dance performed in colourfuldress to the tune of gongs and drums.

Chheih Lam

Chheih Lam is the dance done over a round of rice-beer in the cool of the evening. The lyrics in triplets areusually spontaneous compositions, recounting their heroic deeds and escapades and also praising the honouredguests present in their midst.

Mizo life

The fabric of social life in the Mizo society has undergone tremendous change over the last few years. Previouslythe village and the clan formed units of Mizo society. The Mizo code of ethics or dharma focused on"Tlawmngaihna", an untranslatable term meaning that it was the obligation of all members of society to behospitable, kind, unselfish, and helpful to others. Tlawmngaihna to a Mizo stands for that compelling moralforce which finds expression in self-sacrifice for the service of others. The old belief, Pathian, is still used tomean God. Mizos often gather together to help in disaster management like landslides or famine.

Mizos are a close-knit society with no class distinction and no sexual discrimination. 90% of them are cultivatorsand the village functions as a large family. Birth, marriage, and death in the village are important occasions andthe whole village would typically become involved. In time of death, the whole local community, as well as allfamily members of the deceased, mourn together, in the residence of the deceased. This particular process ofmourning together lasts anywhere from a few weeks to over 3 months.

There are a few community establishments in urban centres that frequently arrange various social events, musicalconcerts, comedy shows, reality TV shows, discussion groups, and scientific or technological conferences.However, generally speaking the region is lacking in Western-style social meeting establishments. Much of thesocial life often revolves around church. An active church life is perhaps one of the reasons why Mizos are sucha tight-knit community.

Media and communication

Mizoram’s media is growing quickly. Internet access is average, and private television cable channels arepopular. Doordarshan, the national television service of India provides terrestrial broadcasting services and AllIndia Radio broadcasts programs related to the indigenous culture and local news. Broadband access isavailable.

Languages

Mizo is the official language but English, being important for education, administration, formalities andgovernance is widely used. The Mizo community is an amalgam of several indigenous tribes who have uniqueidentities and distinctive dialects. The Duhlian dialect, also known as the Lusei was the first language of Mizoramand has come to be known as the Mizo language. The language is mixed with other dialects like the Mara, Laiand Gangte. Christian missionaries developed the Mizo script. Writing is a combination of the Roman script andHunterian transliteration methodology with prominent traces of a phonetics based spelling system. There are 25letters in the alphabet: A, AW, B, CH, D, E, F, G, NG, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, Ṭ, U, V, Z. Mizo is



ATC, Mizoram

an official language of the Republic of India. 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. Hindi is a compulsorysubject for all students till Class VIII. In spite of this, it's still not a popular spoken language. Nepali is alsospoken by the Nepali immigrants in the state.

Religion

The majority (87%) of Mizos are Christian.[6] in various denominations, predominantly Presbyterian and thechurch forms an important part of Mizo culture. Hindus form a small minority (3.6%) and there are also around

8.3% Buddhists according to the 2001 census, mostly made up from Chakma settlers of Arakan origin.[6] Thereis a tribal group called the Bnei Menashe of about 8,000 considered Jewish, with Muslims make up about 1.1%of the state population.

Christianity

The major Christian denomination is the Presbyterian Church. The churchMizoram Presbyterian Church was established by a Welsh Missionarynamed Rev. D.E. Jones and is one of the constituted bodies of theGeneral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India, which has itsheadquarters at Shillong in Meghalaya (India). The administration of thePresbyterian Church is highly centralised. The Synod, with itsheadquarters at Aizawl, is the highest decision making body of the churchwith considerable influence. The financial operation, personnel (includingselection of missionaries), administration, management and operation ofthe church are directly or indirectly controlled by the SynodHeadquarters. Other Christian churches include the Baptist Church of Mizoram, United Pentecostal Church, theSalvation Army, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kohhran Thianghlim, Roman Catholic, Lairam Jesus ChristBaptist Church(LIKBK), and the Evangelical Church of Maraland, Independent Church of India (ICI) andEvangelical Free Church of India (EFCI. There also exist a church in the capital, located in mission veng, namedENGLISH CONGREGATION CHURCH which is conducted in ENGLISH and where people belonging todifferent parts of India as well as the world come to praise the lord. It was established in 1978 and is stillconsidered as one of the reputed churches of mizoram. There are also a few number of Mizos who practiceJudaism.

Buddhism

According to 2001 census report there are more than 70,494 people who follow Buddhism in Mizoram. TheChakmas and Tongchangya or Tanchangya have been Buddhist since historical times and there areapproximately one hundred monasteries (known as vihara in Pali) in Mizoram. Of the many schools ofBuddhism that existed in ancient times only Theravada Buddhism exists in Mizoram today.

Tribal Status

All indigenous Mizos are scheduled as tribal. Chakma, Tongchangya or Tanchangya and Tuikuk (Riang/Brus)form a minority.

Education

Until 1894, when the missionaries introduced elementary education, Mizos were illiterate without any writtenlanguage. The first primary school was set up in 1898 at Aizawl. In 1901 it was thought that literacy was only0.9% but by 2005 census had reached 89%. Today Mizoram is second only to Kerala for literacy in India at



Distrists of Mizoram

95%. There are several educational establishments under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, includinguniversities, colleges and other institutions. Within Mizoram University, there are 29 undergraduate collegesincluding 2 professional institutions affiliated with the university. The total enrollment in these institutions isapproximately 5200 students. The National Institute of Technology for Mizoram is currently operating underNIT Nagpur and is expected to function in Mizoram soon. Indian Institute of Mass Communication has alsoplans to start a campus. ICFAI Mizoram University also offers Business studies in Aizawl. Plans are underwayto start a Medical College by the Mizoram Government.

The College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram[7] is the premier institute ofVeterinary Medicine catering the needs of north-eastern states of India.

Politics

Originally land tenure was invested with the head of the tribe or chief assisted by a council that ruled locally.After annexation by the British in the 1890s, Mizoram was administered as the Lushai Hills district of Assam.The colonial power introduced inner line regulation, restricting access to any outsiders. It was renamed as thedistrict of Mizo Hills within Assam State in 1954 and in the same year the Young Mizo association was formedwhich is still an important institution in Mizoram. In order to protect ethno-cultural identity, and with variouspolitical differences, friction developed with mainland India and insurgency started with an armed revolt in 1966.The region was subsequently declared Mizoram after the insurgency, receiving status as a Union territory in1972. It became a State of India in 1986, formalised the following year.

Administration

Main article: List of districts of Mizoram

After the 1986 signing of the Historic Memorandum of Settlement between the Government of India and theMizo National Front, Mizoram was granted Statehood on 20 February 1987 (as per the Statehood Act of1986). Mizoram became the 23rd State of the Indian Union.

As in other Indian states, the ceremonial head of the state government is agovernor appointed by the Union Government. The appointment is largelyceremonial. The Chief Minister, who holds executive power in the state, isthe elected head. The governor appoints the cabinet ministers on the adviceof the Chief Minister. Mizoram has a unicameral legislature like most otherIndian states. The Lais, Maras and Chakmas have separate autonomousDistrict Councils. The present Chief Minister of Mizoram is Pu Lalthanhawla

Assembly election results of Mizoram

The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has 40 seats and the VillageCouncils are the grassroots of democracy and leadership in Mizoram.

There are three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) for ethnic tribes inMizoram, namely Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) for ethnicChakmas in South-western Mizoram bordering Bangladesh, LaiAutonomous District Council (LADC) for Lai people in Southern part of thestate, and Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) for Mara people inthe Southern-eastern corner.

Economy



Mizoram lags behind economically within India with little development due to the geographical lack of marketsand raw materials. Cottage industry and other small-scale industries play an important role in the economy.Forest products are being encouraged (see bamboo below) and the 9th Five Year Plan (1997–2002) givespriority to "agro-based industries." Around 70% of the population is engaged in agriculture.

The Industry Department actively promotes the following:

Zoram Industrial Development Corporation. (ZIDCO)

Mizoram Khadi and Village Industry Board. (MKVIB)

Zoram Handloom and Handicraft Corporation Limited. (ZOHANCO)

Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation Limited. (MIFCO)Zoram Electronics Development Corporation. (ZENICS)

Macro-economic trend

Below is a chart of trends in gross state product of Mizoram at market prices estimated[8] by Ministry ofStatistics and Programme Implementation with figures in millions of Indian rupees.

Year Gross State Domestic Product

1980 680

1985 1,810

1990 3,410

1995 9,370

2000 17,690

Mizoram's gross domestic state product for 2004 is estimated at $685 million in current prices.

Bamboo industry

There are at least 20 identifiable species of bamboo indigenous to mizoram. Some 30% of the state is coveredwith wild bamboo forests, many of which are largely unexploited. Mizoram harvests 40% of India's 80million-ton annual bamboo crop. The current state administration wishes to increase revenue streams frombamboo and aside from uses as a substitute for timber, there is research underway to utilise bamboo morewidely such as using bamboo chippings for paper mills, bamboo charcoal for fuel, fertiliser and the manufactureof pressed wall panels.

Bamboo flowering, rats and famine

Mizoram has always suffered from famine known locally as 'mautam' or 'thingtam' every few decades. Theproblem is caused by the synchronous flowering of bamboo species which naturally flower and then die atregular intervals. When bamboo has flowered it produces many seeds and fruit causing rodent feeding frenzies.The mautam always leads to dramatic increases in local rat populations as well as producing swarms of insects,which then spread to the human food storage areas after the natural harvest is expired – destroying stocks andfood crops. Historically it led to death by starvation (102 in 1859) and even today presents much hardship tomany rural communities whose very survival depends on a successful harvest.

The famines are called after the name of the bamboo that flowers. Meloccana baccifera is called "Mautak" inmizo and the famine that is caused by its flowering is named "Mautam". When Bambusa Tulda flowers, called



"Rawthing" in mizo, the consequent famine is known as "Thingtam". The first Thingtam famine in 1739 wasfollowed by a Mautam in 1769. A Mautam famine occurs 30 years after a Thingtam famine and the latter occurs18 years after a Mautam. This gives a cycle of around 48 years. There was a Mautam famine in 2006–2007and so a Thingtam is expected in 2025. The next more severe Mautam famine is expected in 2055.

It was in October 2005 that the initial heavy flowering of the bamboo was first noticed at Chawngtlai bambooforest in the southern district of Champhai. It then spread rapidly in 2006–2007 throughout the state. After theMautam, desperate to control the rising rat population, the state government announced a reward of one rupeefor every rat-tail taken. During 2006 alone more than 221,636 rats were killed.

The famines have played their part in Mizoram's history. The famine in 1958 led to the formation of the MizoNational Famine Front which lobbied for and set up relief to villagers by mobilising the youth to distribute riceand provisions. The MNFF later changed its name to the MNF and operated as a political unit to fight for therights of Mizo people. Under the then Chief Minister Laldenga together with his supporters including the exChief Minister Zoramthanga, the group fought a bitter separatist struggle for twenty years against the IndianArmy for self rule.

Agriculture

The agro-climatic conditions of Mizoram having both temperate and semi tropical climates with tropic andtemperate zones,is conducive to a wide variety of crops. Mizoram has well-distributed rainfall of 1900 mm to3000 mm (75 to 118 inches) spread over eight to ten months in the year and agriculture is the mainstay of theMizos. More than 70% of the total population is engaged in some form of agriculture. The age-old practice of

Jhum cultivation is conducted by most people living in rural areas. Recently, Godrej Agrovet Limited[9] hasentered into a new venture wherein Oil Palm and Jatropha cultivation, for biofuels is being promoted. A lowcalorie sugar substitute, Stevia rebaudiana, known as 'sweetleaf', has also recently been grown to improveeconomical agricultural diversity.

Food processing

Attempts to add value in food processing are ongoing and MIFCO have canned local bamboo shoots and alsothe tasty edible spadix of Alocasia fornicata, known as Baibing . The total production of fruits, vegetables, andspices increase yearly but attempts to wean local farmers away from shifting cultivation known locally as Jhumcultivation have been met with mixed success.

Handicrafts

Mizo women use hand loom to make clothing and cloth handicrafts.The local products are even fused with othermaterials to give them a fashionable and stylish designs. Mizos are fond of colourful hand woven wrap-aroundskirt called puan chei, and a matching beautiful top called Kawr chei. A multi colour Mizo traditional bag calledKhiang kawi, which is creatively knitted out of bright coloured wools, is a welcome possession. A typical Mizoblanket known as Pawnpui is also used.

Basket weaving is also common. Baskets known as Em, are used and Thlangra – a plate for cleaning rice etc.are made from bamboos. In fact, a typical Mizo house is crafted out of bamboos, dry grasses, mud and wood.A traditional Mizo village has been reconstructed at Reiek – a few kilometres away from Aizawl. Thoughmodern houses made with bricks, concrete and tin sheets are now the norm.

Tourism

Mizoram is considered by many as a beautiful place due to its dramatic landscape and pleasant climate. There



have been many attempts to increase revenue through tourism but many potential tourists find the lack ofamenities to be a hurdle. However the State continues to promote itself and many projects have been initiated.The tourism ministry continues to maintain or upgrade its tourist lodges throughout the state. Foreign tourists arerequired to obtain an 'inner line permit' under the special permit before visiting. The permit can be obtained fromIndian missions abroad for a limited number of days or direct from Mizoram Government authorities within

India. The state is rich in bird diversity, which has the potentiality to make it a major birding destination.[10] For

Mrs Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae, Mizoram is a stronghold.[11] There is also a rare record of the Wild

Water Buffalo from the state.[12] There are several past records of the Sumatran rhinoceros from Mizoram, then

Lushai Hills.[13] The small population of wild elephants can be seen in Ngengpui and Dampa Sanctuaries.[14]

For tourists who are interested in Cultural Heritage, the eastern part of Mizoram is more attractive. Mostinteresting sites are Mizo Poets' Square [also knawn as Mizo Hlakungpui Mual in Mizo]], the Great Megalithslocally known as 'Kawtchhuah Ropui', Lamsial Cave and so forth.

Medicine

Mizoram Hospitals are well equipped and most medicines are available off the shelf without prescription. Therural communities use local herbal medicines gathered from the wild and obtain from Mini Hospital, like Sub-Centre, Public Health Centre, etc. In line with the growing use of all herbal medicines gathered internationally,many local species are now becoming rare. Attempts to sustainably promote and harvest local medicines havemet with limited success.

Energy sector

Mizoram is not self sufficient in power. Despite having a rich potential in hydropower, it is yet to be developed.Some communities use solar power – at least for light. There are 22 diesel power stations for power backup(26.14 MW)and 9 mini/micro hydel (hydroelectric) plants producing 8.25 MW. As per the 16th Electric PowerSurvey of India under CEA, Government of India, the restricted peak load demand of the state during the2002–2003 year is 102 MW.

Transport infrastructure

Road Network: Mizoram has a road network of around 4,000 km (2,500 mi) or minor or village roadsand a small number of national highways. The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks

that are typically lightly trafficked. The State is connected to the Indian network through NationalHighway 54. Another highway, NH-150 connects the state with Seling Mizoram to Imphal Manipur and

NH-40A links the State with Tripura.A road between Champhai and Tiddim in Burma has beenproposed but the Burmese authorities are unwilling to complete the link.

Airport: Mizoram has an airport, Lengpui Airport, near Aizawl and this is linked from Kolkata – a 40

minute flight. Inclement weather conditions mean that at certain times the flights are unreliable. Mizoramcan also be reached from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is about 200 km. (124 miles, around 6

hours) from Aizawl.

Railway: There is a rail link at Bairabi rail station but it is primarily for goods traffic. The nearest practicalstation to Mizoram is at Silchar in Assam, some 6 hours drive from Aizawl. Bairabi is about 110 km

(68 mi) and Silchar is about 180 km. (112 miles) from the state capital.

Water Ways: Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab Sittwe in

Burma along Chhimtuipui River. India is investing $103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma's



northern coast, about 160 km (99 mi) from Mizoram. Military government of Burma has committed $10

million for the venture, which is part of the Kaladan Multipurpose project,[15] though the connection is

arguably of limited use.

Alcohol prohibition

In 1996 the Synod totally banned liquor under the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition (MLTP) Act. The churchleaders or Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee continue to insists that state government keeps the state freeof alcohol. Critics are of the opinion that the Liquor Ban Act, imposed in the Christian-dominated state from1996, has totally failed and has only proliferated bootlegging of poor quality liquor, resulting in fatalities andincreased prices of smuggled liquor. "If a law fails, it is either to be lifted or amended. We have experimentedwith the Liquor Ban Act for more than ten years, and witnessed that it has failed to stop what it is meant to stop.It only made Mizoram the wettest dry state. One can find plenty of liquor, only the prices are extraordinarily

high," said former Mizoram chief secretary M. Lalmanzuala.[16]

The retired IAS officer further blamed the wrong teaching of the European missionaries for the Church'snegative attitude towards liquor which he claimed had never been a problem, but part of religious rituals beforethe Missionary era. The missionaries instruction, he said in his research paper, was compounded by the war-likeconfrontation between the well-to-dos and the poor in the pre-Christian Mizo society.

"Only the well-to-dos afforded Zu or rice beer which was brewed from surplus rice. The poor people who didnot afford the Zu were the first to adopt Christianity and these people started hating the Zu which was a statussymbol of the well-to-do people," he said in his research paper Mizo Culture and Liquor.

Some have argued that the complete ban on alcohol has led young people to search for other stimulants resultingin a growing drug abuse problem in the state. Although locally made alcohol is available and often in poor qualityand taste, prohibition has checked the movement of liquor.

Early missionaries had directly attacked liquor and converts felt that liquor consumption ravaged the community,occupying an unwelcome position in Mizo society. Many Mizos, especially the church elders, support the ideaof prohibition though there is increasing discontent.

See also

Aizawl

ChamphaiLunglei

Mizo languageMizo music

Mizo National FrontPhawngpui TlangSeven Sister States

References

1. ^ Commissioner, Linguistic Minorities, 41st report: July 2002 - June 2003(http://web.archive.org/web/20070224124226/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/23.htm) , p. paras 28.4,28.9, archived from the original (http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/23.htm) on 2007-02-24,http://web.archive.org/web/20070224124226/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/23.htm, retrieved 2007-07-16



2. ^ http://virthli.com/2011/04/20/quake-measuring-4-3-on-richter-scale-jolts-mizoram/

3. ^ http://www.verticalnews.com/newsletters/Journal-of-India/2008-03-31/67596JI.html

4. ^ http://www.newslink.in/2007/03/06/memories-of-inferno-still-remain-fresh

5. ^ "Census Population" (http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf) (PDF). Census of India.Ministry of Finance India. http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf. Retrieved 18 December2008.

6. ̂a b THE SCHEDULED TRIBES Census of India 2001(http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/dh_st_mizoram.pdf) , p. 4

7. ^ シャークスチームポータブルみんなの口コミ (http://www.vetcolcau.org)

8. ^ National Accounts Division : Press Release and statements, M/O Statistics & PI(http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_nad_main.htm)

9. ^ Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) – Top Diversified Agribusiness Company (http://godrejagrovet.com)

10. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2008) A pocket guide to the birds of Mizoram. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation forNature in North East India, Guwahati, India. 122pp. [Supported by Oriental Bird Club, UK]

11. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2002). Survey of Mrs Hume's pheasant in North East India. Technical Report No. 5. TheRhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, India. 30pp. [Final report to the Oriental Bird Club, UK]

12. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2010). The vanishing herds : wild water buffalo. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundationfor Nature in NE India, Guwahati, India. 184pp. [Supported by CEPF & Taiwan Forestry Bureau]

13. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (1997) The status of the Sumatran rhinoceros in north-eastern India. Oryx 31(2):151–152

14. ^ Choudhury, A.U. (2001) The wild elephant Elephas maximus in Mizoram. J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 98(3):439–441

15. ^ Govt to spend $100 million on linking Mizoram to Burma(http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=153748)

16. ^ Mizoram Church no to liquor ban Act amendment(http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090606/1269373.html)

External links

Official website (http://mizoram.gov.in/)

Mizoram Government Portal (http://mizoram.nic.in/)Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Govt. of Mizoram (http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/)Tourism of Mizoram (http://mizotourism.nic.in/)

Mizoram Latest News (http://www.sinlung.com/)Mizoram travel guide from Wikitravel

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Categories: Mizoram Northeast India States and territories of India Seven Sister States

States and territories established in 1987

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