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Insurgency in the Northeastern region of India has taken on many different forms since the country’s independence in 1947. Violent and democratic expressions of desires of self-governance and determination have been emanating from a large number of tribal societies in the region. Mizoram’s struggle to become an equal partner in India’s Union of states has been characterised by a concerted effort at political engagement with New Delhi, as well as armed insurgency targeting critical infrastructure, and centrally appointed state officials. This paper charts the history of the Mizo insurgency from the 1960s, and traces the process through to amicable resolution in the 1980s.

The paper first begins with a detailed exploration into the various forms of conflict management, and the psychology of third party involvement in negotiations. It examines the concepts of “outsider-neutral” and “insider-partial” and suggests that in cases like the Mizo insurgency, third party interventions have a greater propensity of success if this mediator already has close ties with both sides (insider-partial). By starting from a point of trust and cultural understanding, the author argues that the negotiations can be very successful because even the mediator has a vested interest.

The paper then examines the various causes immediately after independence in 1947 which led to the emergence of separatist sentiments in Mizoram, and these include:

• no adequate initiative by Union Government of India to bring the Mizos into the mainstream of Indian life
• local leaders took advantage of situation to exploit mass sentiment and consolidate power and control of resources
• great famine of 1950s aggravated people’s suffering, exacerbating conditions of poverty and placing strain on inadequate health, agriculture, and education systems

The paper traces the many negotiation attempts made between 1970 and 1985, with all manner of civil society involved in initiating and compelling parties to negotiate peacefully. These negotiations took place in the context of a changing political atmosphere, and the author concludes that each set of negotiations resulted in greater integration into the Indian union, as well as guarantees of greater autonomy for the Mizo people. The various stages of political autonomy for Mizoram identified by the paper therefore include the following periods:

• Excluded Area status (1935 – 1951)
• Autonomous District Council status (1951 – 1971)
• Union Territory status (1972-1985)
• India’s official 23rd State (1986)

Summary originally provided by GDNet, an Eldis content partner

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