Statehood Day of Mizoram

• 21 Feb 2022

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India extended his wishes to the people of Mizoram on its 36^th Statehood Day (20^th February).

• The formalization of Mizoram State took place on 20^th February, 1987 after the 53^rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1986.

What do we know about Mizoram?

• Historical background: The Mizo hills area became the Lushai Hills district within Assam at the time of independence. Further, in 1954 it was renamed the Mizo Hills District of Assam.
  • Mizoram was granted the status of a Union Territory in 1972 after signing an accord with the moderates of the Mizo National Front (MNF).
  • The Union Territory of Mizoram was conferred the status of a full state in 1986 after signing of a memorandum of settlement (Mizoram Peace Accord) between the Central government and the MNF.
• Geographical Location:
  • International Border: Myanmar and Bangladesh
  • State Border: Tripura (northwest), Assam (north) and Manipur (northeast).
• Demography: Mizoram population in 2022 is estimated to be 1.27 Million and is the second least populous state in India after Sikkim.
  • The Sex Ratio is 975 female per 1000 male (National: 943).
  • The Literacy rate of the state is 91.58 % (National: 74.04%).
• Biodiversity: According to India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2021 Mizoram has the maximum forest cover as a percentage of their own geographical area at (84.53%) from the North eastern region of the country.
  • State Animal: Saza (serow)
  • State Bird: Vavu (Hume Bartailed Pheasant).
• Protected Areas:
  • Dampa Tiger Reserve
  • Murlen National Park
  • Phawngpui National Park
  • Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tribals: It has the highest concentration (percentage) of tribal population among all states of India.
  • Mizos consist of 5 major and 11 minor tribes known as Awzia. The 5 major tribes include: Lushei, Ralte, Hmar, Paihte and Pawi.
  • The Mizos are a close- knit society with no class distinction and discrimination on grounds of sex, status or religion.
  • Mizos are agriculturists, practise “Jhum Cultivation” or slash- and- burn system of cultivation.
• Festivals and Dance: The Mizos have two main festivals- Mim Kut and Chapchar Kut.
  • Mim Kut: It is a Maize festival that is celebrated during the months of August and September, after the harvest of maize.
  • Chapchar Kut: It is a Spring Festival, most popular and celebrated after completion of the task of jungle clearing for “jhum” operations.
  • The most colourful and distinctive dance of the Mizo is called Cheraw. Long bamboo staves are used for this dance, therefore many people call it ‘Bamboo Dance’.

Source: PIB