1965: Call for Independence

In the wake of India's independence from the British Empire in 1947, Mizoram was merged to India as part of the state of Assam.

However, with rising disappointment under the Assamese governance, a new political party APHLC, was formed to assert the Mizos right to secede from the union. The uprising was caused by several contributing factors which caused Mizos to fear their racial and ethnic distinctiveness being supplanted by the Assamese state.

The dissatisfaction against the Government of India grew as Mizoram was engulfed by the bamboo famine in 1950s. There were people dying of hunger as no crops could be grown during the famine and yet, the Centre sent insufficient food and supplies. It was from these hardship days that the Young Mizos organized Mizo National Famine Front which later transformed to the Mizo National Front. The MNF was formed with clear objectives to preserve and protect Mizo ethnic, cultural, religious and social practices. While the APHLC demanded a separate State for Mizos, the MNF were in favor of carving out a sovereignty not just from Assam but also from India.

On Oct 30, 1965, the Mizo National Front sent a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri.

It boldly opens with -

"This memorandum seeks to represent the case of the Mizo people for freedom and independence, for the right of territorial unity and solidarity, and for the realization of which a fervent appeal is submitted to the Government of India."

....

"During the fifteen years of close contact and association with India, the Mizo people had not been able to feel at home with Indians or in India nor have they been able to feel that their joys and sorrows have really ever been shared by India. They do not therefore, feel Indian."

....

"For this end, it is in goodwill and understanding that the Mizo Union voices her rightful and legitimate claim of full self-determination through this memorandum. The Government of India, in their turn and in conformity with the unchangeable truth expressed and resolved among the text of HUMAN RIGHTS by the United Nations in its august assembly that in order to maintain peace and tranquillity to formulate her own foreign policy, among mankind every nation, large or small, may of right be free to work out her own destiny, to formulate her own internal and external policies and shall accept and recognize her political independence. Would it not be a selfish motive and design of India, and would it not amount to an act of offence against humanity if the Government of India claim Mizoram as part of their territory and try to retain her as their possession against the national will of the Mizo people simply because their land is important for India’s defence strategy?"

This memorandum is vital to the Mizo history, not just because of the valiant call for independence but also because the events following it is deeply rooted even still in the Mizos today. After nearly 4 months of sending this memorandum, there was still no response from the Government of India. On March 1, 1966, the MNF made a Declaration of Independence and launched attacks on Government offices and security posts. Thus, began the 20 year insurgency period, 'Rambuai'.

The full text of the Memorandum can be found here.