Statehood Day of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh

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• Every year, 21st February is celebrated as the Statehood Day of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
• On this day in 1987, both of them became full-fledged states of the Indian Union with the Fifty-Third Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1986.

Mizoram

• Situated in the southernmost tip of the North-Eastern states, Mizoram derives its name from Mi (people), Zo (lofty place, such as a hill) and Ram (land), and thus implies “Land of the hill people“.
• Capital: Aizawl
• Mizoram covers an area of approximately 21,087 square km and about 91% of the state is forested and is the  2nd least populous state in the country.
• Historical References
  • There is no known recorded history, however, oral tradition reveals that the Mizo people migrated from China about three centuries ago in search of new pastureland and settled in these remote Mizo Hills also known as Lushai Hills.
    • About 95% of the current Mizoram population is of diverse tribal origins who settled in the state, mostly from southeast Asia.
  • Mizoram was absorbed into British lands during the Raj between 1891-95 and from the 19th century, the Christian missionaries played a dominating role in the state and were greatly responsible for the westernisation of its social life.
• Statehood
  • The area of Mizo hills became the Lushai Hills district within Assam at the time of independence, which was later renamed as the Mizo Hills in 1954.
  • In 1972, the Indian government signed an accord with the moderates of the Mizo National Front (MNF) and established Mizoram as a Union Territory.
    • The MNF started and intensified the movement for the secession of Mizo Hills from Assam.
  • In 1986, Mizoram Peace Accord was signed between the Central government and the MNF which ended the insurgency.
  • Mizoram was granted statehood on 21st February 1987 under the State of Mizoram Act, 1986.
• Borders
  • It is bounded by Myanmar to the east and south, Bangladesh to the west, Tripura to the northwest, Assam to the north and Manipur to the northeast.
• Flora
  • The richly forested Mizo hills with their thick bamboo jungles running north to south direction, rise sharply from the Cachar Plains in Assam.
  • The highest amongst its several peaks is the Phawngpui (the Blue Mountain).
• Fauna
  • Mammal species observed in Mizoram forests include Sahuai, Saza, Sathar, Sakei, Keite, Kelra, etc.
  • Mizoram is host to numerous species of birds, and many reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
• Protected Areas: Murlen National Park, Phawngpui National Park, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
• Main Rivers: Tlawng, Tiau Lui, Chhimtuipui, Tut, Tuivai, Tuichang, Tuirial, Mat, Tuivawl, Tuirini, Serlui.
• Tribes
  • Mizo comprises 5 major tribes and 11 minor tribes known under the common name Awzia.
  • The 5 major tribes are Lushei, Ralte, Hmar, Paihte, Pawi (or Poi).
  • While major tribes maintained their respective dialects, the 11 minor tribes either lost their distinctive dialects as a result of association with larger tribes.
• Important Festivals: Chapchar Kut, Christmas Festival, New Year Festival, Anthurium Festival, Lyuva Khutla Festival.

Arunachal Pradesh

• Situated in the northeastern part of India, Arunachal Pradesh, which translates to “land of the dawn-lit mountains” is also known as the Orchid State of India or the Paradise of the Botanists.
• Capital: Itanagar in Papumpare district, which is named after Ita fort meaning fort of bricks, built in the 14th century AD.
• Arunachal is the largest state area wise in the north-eastern region, even larger than Assam which is the most populous.
• Historical References
  • Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata.
  • This place is the Prabhu Mountains of Puranas.
  • It was here the sage Parashuram atoned for his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhismaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini.
• Statehood
  • It was formerly known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and was integrated into Assam at the time of independence.
  • The Chinese presence on an unsettled border made it strategically significant for India and it was upgraded to a Union Territory in 1972.
  • It was finally granted a full-fledged statehood on 21st February 1987 by the State of Arunachal Pradesh Act, 1986.
• Borders
  • States of Assam and Nagaland to the south, and international borders with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east and China in the north.
  • China claims the northern part of the state as a part of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
• Flora
  • Evergreen forests cover more than 82 per cent of the state, which varies from the subtropical to the alpine in the upper regions of the northwest.
  • This vast canopy of rainforest with its dynamic blend of an amazing plethora of flora and fauna is one of the world’s 17 Biodiversities Heritage sites.
• Fauna
  • It is the only state that can claim to have four major varieties of the big cats in its jungles viz. the tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and snow leopard.
  • More than 500 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state, such as the white-winged duck, Sclater’s Monal and Bengal florican.
  • It is also home to three species of antelopes amongst which the Takin is found in Arunachal Pradesh alone.
  • The majestic ox-like Mithun of deep religious significance and socio-cultural importance is indigenous to the state.
• Protected Areas: Talle Wildlife Sanctuary (Protected area), Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
• Main Rivers: Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit and Tirap.
  • The mightiest of these is Siang, called Tsangpo in Tibet, which becomes the Brahmaputra after it is joined by the Dibang and the Lohit in the plains of Assam.
• Tribes
  • Monpas, Sherdukpens, Khamtis, Singpos and Tangsas, Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Mishis, Nyishis, Mijis, Tagins, Galo, Mishmis, Noctes, Wanchos etc.
• Important Festivals: Tawang Festival, Solung, Losar, Torgya, Dree, Murung, Chalo Loku, etc.

                                                   (Image Courtesy: The Economist)

Source: TH