Identity Politics In Mizoram, India

Abstract

Identity politics in Mizoram presents three perspectives. One is the movement for abolition of chieftainship with the goal of acquiring democratic self-government. Second is ‘Greater Mizoram’ under the banner of the Mizo and the full independence from India. The third is tribe-based politics against the dominant tribe of the Mizo in general. The genesis in the Mizoram context was the failure of the Indian government to provide a genuine political template which would accommodate the immense differences and the second is due to the fluid nature of Mizo identity. Through democratic process, the Mizo abolished Chieftainship system. To achieve independence from India, they undertook armed rebellion against the Indian government. But, they are still struggling to accommodate the wished of other minorities under the Mizo fold. This paper delves all these issues in details.