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{{short description|ethnic group native to northeastern India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Mizo
| image = Mizo girls in Mizo traditional dress.jpg
| caption = Mizo girls in traditional dress
| population = {{circa|4,000,000}}<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BYwpt38dYIIC&q=Mizo+people+population&pg=PA191|title=Indirect Rule In Mizoram 1890-1954|last=Zorema|first=J.|date=2007|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=9788183242295|language=en}}</ref>
| regions =
| region1 = {{flag|India}}
| pop1 =
| ref1 =
| region2 = {{flag|Myanmar}}
| pop2 =
| ref2 =
| languages = [[Mizo languages]]
| religions = [[Protestantism]] ([[Presbyterian]] majority, large [[Baptist]] minority, others)
| related_groups = [[Tedim people|Zomi]] {{·}} [[Kuki people|Kuki]] {{•}} [[Kachin people|Kachin]] {{·}} [[Mara people|Mara]] {{•}} [[Yaw people|Yaw]]
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
}}

The '''Mizo people''' ([[Mizo language|Mizo]]: ''Mizo hnam'') are an ethnic group native to [[Northeast India|northeastern India]]. This term covers several ethnic peoples who speak various [[Mizo-Kuki-Chin languages]].

The Mizos are [[Hill tribes of Northeast India|indigenous people]] in the [[Indian state]] of [[Mizoram]] and its neighboring areas. All Mizo tribes and clans claim in their folk legends that [[Sinlung]] (alternatively called Chhinlung or Khul) was the [[cradle of civilization|cradle]] of the Mizos. Sinlung means 'enclosed with a rock' in the [[Mizo languages]]. The present Indian state of Mizoram (literally "Mizoland") was historically called the [[Lushai Hills]] or Lushai District. The Lushai Hills area was defined as an excluded area during the [[British Raj]], and as a district of [[Assam]] in independent India.<ref>Govt. Of India (Excluded & Partially Excluded Areas) Order, 1936</ref>

The term Mizo does not refer to a single tribe or clan; rather, it is an umbrella name for all the different tribes. There are still some groups who refuse to be termed Mizo and have thereby caused minor conflicts with those who identify with the term. These dissenting groups are mostly from outside the State of [[Mizoram]] and live in neighboring territories.

The Mizo people in Mizoram and the [[Chin people|Chin]] people of the [[Chin State]] in [[Burma]] are both [[Zo people]], and share a common history with each other. The difference in name and dispersal across international borders are the result of [[British Raj|British colonial policy]] that drew borders on political grounds rather than ethnic ones.

The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to the 1959–60 [[mautam]] famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the [[Mizo National Front]] (MNF) in 1961.<ref name="Braja1998">{{cite book | first=Braja Bihārī | last=Kumāra | title=Small States Syndrome in India | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA75 | access-date=28 August 2013 | date=1 January 1998 | publisher=Concept | isbn=978-81-7022-691-8 | pages=75 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142829/http://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA75 | archive-date=31 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> A period of protests and [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|armed insurgency]] followed in the 1960s, with the MNF seeking independence from India.<ref name=dommen>Dommen, A. J. (1967). Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India. Asian Survey, Vol. 7, No. 10 (Oct. 1967), 726-739</ref> In 1971, the government agreed to convert the Mizo Hills into a Union Territory, which came into being as Mizoram in 1972. Following the [[Mizoram Peace Accord]] (1986) between the Government and the MNF, Mizoram was declared a full-fledged state of India in 1987.<ref name = "AlfredJuan2011">{{cite book | first1 =Alfred | last1 =Stepan | first2 =Juan J | last2 =Linz | first3 =Yogendra | last3 =Yadav | title =Crafting State-Nations: India and Other Multinational Democracies | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=kGUuOdeCiXQC&pg=PA105 | access-date =28 August 2013 | date =20 January 2011 | publisher =JHU Press | isbn =978-0-8018-9723-8 | pages =105– | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142846/http://books.google.com/books?id=kGUuOdeCiXQC&pg=PA105 | archive-date =31 December 2013 | url-status =live | df =dmy-all }}</ref>

Of their languages, the official and most widely spoken is the [[Mizo language|Mizo ṭawng]], which is the common language of all Mizos, belonging to the [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] language family. The state has one of the highest literacy rates in India, at more than 90%.

==Etymology==
The term Mizo is derived from two Mizo words: ''Mi'' and ''Zo''. ''Mi'' in Mizo means 'person' or 'people'. The term ''Zo'' has two meanings. According to one view, ''Zo'' means 'highland'. Another meaning is 'cool' or 'crisp' (i.e., a sense/feeling of cool and refreshing air/environment of higher altitude. 'Zo' is never used to denote all cool/cold temperature; the term for such temperature is 'vawt'). ''Zo'', in its contemporary sense as well as its usage in terms like Mizo, is cultural and denotes an [[ethnolinguistic group]] and identity. Hence, while ''Mizo'' may be translated as 'highlanders' or 'people living in high hills,' the term specifically denotes a person with [[Zo people|Zo]] ethnic belongingness; that is, Mizo literally means "A Zo person". The term Mizo has a broad ethnic classification of subgroups inhabiting the regions then known as [[Lushai Hills]] in India, [[Chin Hills]] in [[Myanmar]] and [[Chittagong Hills]] in Bangladesh. Mizo generally refers to those residing in [[Mizoram]], and various subgroups of the Zo Family have joined and adopted 'Mizo' while others have not.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pachuau |first1=Joy |title=The Camera as Witness |publisher=Cambridge |isbn=9781107073395 |pages=8–9 |date=13 April 2015}}</ref>

Though the term Mizo is often used to name an overall ethnicity, it is also an umbrella term to denote the various clans, such as the [[Hmars|Hmar]], [[Ralte]], [[Lai people|Lai]], [[Lusei]], etc. A number of dialects are still spoken under the umbrella of these mentioned clans;<ref>{{cite web|last=KHAWTINKHUMA|first=VANTHUAMA|title=MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT BY MIZO UNION|url=http://zolengthe.net/documents/mizo-union-1947/|publisher=ZOLENTHE.NET|access-date=17 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207055552/http://zolengthe.net/documents/mizo-union-1947/|archive-date=7 February 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref> some of them are [[Mizo language|Mizo ṭawng]] (which is an official language of Mizoram), the [[Hmar languages]], the [[Paite language]]s, the [[Lai languages]], [[Ralte language]], [[Paang language]].

==Demography==
Sandwiched between [[Myanmar]] to the east and south and [[Bangladesh]] to the west, the Indian State of [[Mizoram]] and its surrounding areas are inhabited by the Mizo people. They are found in the Indian states of Mizoram, [[Manipur]], [[Tripura]] and the neighboring Bangladesh and Myanmar. According to Rev Liangkhaia, the clergyman and Mizo historian, in his book ''Mizo Chanchin'' – the first-ever published historical account of the Mizo – the Mizo people migrated from China in around 750 AD and stayed in western Myanmar. They then slowly began migrating towards the present-day Mizoram during the fourth decade of the 16th century. Most of the Mizos and their clans had completely migrated to their present location by the third decade of the 18th century.

Mizo people were influenced by British [[missionaries]] in the 19th century, as the [[British Raj]] subjugated the chieftainship under its dominance, which they later abolished by an [https://landrevenue.mizoram.gov.in/page/profile Act] called the Assam-Lushai District (Acquisition of Chief's Rights) Act in 1954. The spread of education by [[Christian missionaries]] led to a high literacy rate of 91.58% by 2011. Almost all the Mizos also adopted Christianity, and most continue to be so to the present day.<ref name="ReferenceA">Census of India 2011, Provisional Population.</ref>

===Religion===
====Lushai Animism====
Pre-colonialist Mizos were [[Animism|animists]], i.e they followed ''Lushai animism'' in which the Lushai tribes believed in nature based spirits and other natural living objects.<ref>{{citation |title=From Animism To Structured Beliefs: Socio-Cultural Changes In Lushai Hills With The Advent Of Christianity And British Administration In The Region |publisher=International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies |url=https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/From-Animism-To-Structured-Beliefs%3A-Socio-Cultural-Bhattacharjee/da52a0c9769474ff872b0f85dc04045fd9a739ca |page=37 |author=Srijani Bhattacharjee |date=November 2017 }}</ref>

====Christianity====
But once the [[British Empire|British]] colonized the area, the British Missionaries converted most of the population to Christianity from their practice of Animism, i.e. worshipping nature (e.g., the sun, the moon, rivers, mountains and spirits). As of today, more than 98% of Mizos claim themselves as Christians.

Khuma and Khara were the first to be converted into [[Christians|Christian]] among the Mizos. A great majority of ethnic Mizo people are Christians. The major [[Christian denominations]] in the area are [[Mizoram Presbyterian Church|Presbyterian]] (majority, influenced by the affiliations of the early missionaries), [[Baptist Church of Mizoram|Baptist]], [[Wesleyan Church|Wesleyan Methodist]], [[United Pentecostal Church International]], [[The Salvation Army]], [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]], and [[Roman Catholic]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Kima |title=Chp 149. Mizoram: The Denominations. |date=17 October 2007 |url=http://mizohican.blogspot.in/2007/10/chp-149-mizoram-denominations.html |publisher=Blogger |access-date=17 August 2012}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is to a personal blog, which is not reliable. If refers to a Statistic Handbook, which might be a reliable replacement.|date=December 2018}}
The Chin Baptist Church is in the Champhai area in the eastern part of the state.

====Bnei Menashe====
{{see also|Bnei Menashe}}
In the late 20th century, a rather small number of Mizo and related ethnic peoples in [[Assam]] and [[Mizoram]] began practicing Judaism, stating that they are descendants of [[Manasseh of Judah|Manasseh]], a [[lost tribe of Israel]].{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} They number, at most, several thousand in a population of more than 3.7 million in these states. Most Mizos do not agree with this identification. Several hundred have already emigrated to Israel, where they undergo complete conversion to be accepted as Jews.

==Historical perspective==
During the later part of British rule, the people in [[Lushai Hills]] as well as in [[Manipur]] hills held that the [[British raj|British administration]] was trying to exert control through the chiefs of the communities. There were several rebellions against the British rule as a result, and an anti-chief movement gained ground. In 1946, the Mizo Common Peoples' Union (MCPU) was formed. In the event of India being independent, the [[Mizo Union]], as it was soon called, demanded that Mizoram should be with [[Assam]] rather than adjoined to [[Myanmar]], as the pro-chief party advocated.<ref>{{cite book|last=C Nunthara|title=Mizoram: Society and Polity|year=1996|publisher=Indus Publishing House}}</ref>{{page needed|date=August 2015}}

With the independence of India, a secessionist group in the Union favored joining with Myanmar, to which they were linked historically, ethnically and linguistically, with common roots to their languages. The separation of India from Myanmar in the year 1937, the partition of India in 1947, and the government's administrative extension over the Indian part of the area reduced the free mobility of the inhabitants. The rules to allow free passage across the [[India-Myanmar barrier|India-Myanmar]] and India-East Pakistan (now [[Bangladesh–India border|India-Bangladesh]]) international borders were not regularly honored. Chafing at the restrictions, many of the Mizo never accepted the new territorial boundaries; they rebelled in the [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising]].

==Sociolinguistic variance==
The multi-ethnic and pluralistic state of Mizoram has numerous communities, such as the Mizo (majority) {which includes the Lusei, [[Ralte people|Ralte]], Lawitlang, Renthlei, Pawi-Lusei (Fanai), Khiangte, Renthlei, Faihriam, Hauhulh, Pang, Bawm (Sunthla and Panghawi), Tlanglau, etc.}

=== Pawi-Lusei ===
The Pawi-Lusei people are the descendants of Thatinkuala and his fellowmen, who came from Daidin village near [[Gangaw]]. They have a hairstyle like the Muan tribes (people living in [[Mindat Township]], [[Chin State]]) in the front side, including the Lusei hair style at the back side. However, they lost their language and assimilated with other peoples of their surroundings. Their clan names are Bawitlung, Hlawndo, Hniarthul, Hniarcheng, Chenhrang, Fanai, Nihliap, Airawn, Ruahngai, Zakham, Suakling, and Tluangzachhawn. The Fanai have eight sub-clans: Chhuanchhir, Rilian, Khintin, Pakhup, Torel, Zarep, Thaai, and Hrangtling. Pakhup have three branches: Thathrang, Ralzatlung and Khawtinnawl. Khawtinnawl have three cadet branches: Aithangvung, Khualsawi, Khawtindal. Aithangvung have four family branches: Zadun, Lianchem, Zakap, and Pazik. Khualsawi have three family branches: Nochhum, Pahnun, and Lalthawm. Khawtindal have seven family branches: Lalchhum, Hleibawr, Dophung, Aiburh, Aitlawh, Sawithang, and Rothang.

=== Tlau ===
This tribe came to be known after establishing their first village at Tlauhmun, [[Chin State]], but due to a quarrel between their Chief and the Zahau Laizo chiefs, they migrated to a place called Bual/Bualhmun, Chin State. At this site, the various subtribes or clans formed. They are Bualchhuak, Bawlchhim, Vantawl, Thlengngam, Chawntung, Khukhau/Khukhan, and Vanling. The first four migrated to [[Mizoram]], while the last three stayed back.

=== Hualhnam ===
This tribe is also known as Vualnam/Gualnam. Main clans include Muansuan, Lamtun, Mitsum, Zuisang, Hangman, Melheu, Helbik, and Matsuan.

=== Khiangte ===
The Khiangtes are the descendants of Pu Thuantak. They have two brothers, Sizang/Siyin and Thaute. It is believed that they came to the present [[Mizo Hills]] along with the successive migrations of the Luseis between 1600 A.D. to 1700 A.D. Khiangte is composed of Khupthlang, Khupchhung, Tumchhung, Mualvum, Khello, Chhinghel and Chawngte (Tuichhung, Pamte, Lungte and Muchhipchhuak) clans. They spread throughout [[Mizoram]], [[Assam]], [[Manipur]] and [[Tripura]] in India; [[Chittagong Hill Tracts|Chittagong hills tracts]] in Bangladesh, and the [[Chin State]] and [[Sagaing Division]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Liangkhaia |first=Rev. |title=Mizo chanchin |year=2011 |publisher=L.T.L Publication}}</ref>

=== Paite ===
{{Main|Paite people}}
The Paites are indigenous tribes of [[Mizoram]] under the Greater Assam state since 1750 AD. The Tribal Research Institute of Mizoram in their published book,"[[Paite people|Paite]] in Mizoram" stated that the Paite people with their [[Guite]] chiefs entered the present Mizoram along with Palian Chief of [[Lushai]] around the first half of the 18th century. The Union Government has recognised Paite as one of the tribes in Mizoram via The Gazette of India Notice No. 10 of 2003 date 8 January 2003 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002.

The Paites are socially and culturally distinct from other tribes of Mizoram. Major Shakespeare, the first Superintendent of [[Lushai Hills]] said that [[Paite language|Paite dialect]] is unintelligible to Lushai. He also recorded that Paite have a distinct culture and customs. They now have a separate semi-autonomous body called the Sialkal Range Development Council in the northern part of Champhai, with headquarters at Mimbung. Most of the Paites in Mizoram belong to the Dapzar Paite or Lamjang tribe.

===Lai===
{{Main|Lai people}}
In 1953, India adopted a constitution defining itself as a Sovereign Democratic Republic. At that time, the Lai people of the southern part of Mizoram, a segment of the much larger population of Lai/Chin, were granted an [[Autonomous District Council]] under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution, to support their identity. [[Lawngtlai]] was created as the headquarters of [[Lai Autonomous District Council]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Pachuau|first=Rintluanga|title=Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography|year=2009|publisher=Northern Book Center}}</ref>

The people have maintained use of their language in the community and in their education. Maintenance of language as a symbol of identity has been inculcated up to middle school standard. The Lai Autonomous District Council manage their education from primary to middle stage, in which the state government (Mizoram) has no control or interference. Lai people speak both [[Lai languages|Lai]] and [[Mizo language]]s (the latter is official in the state).

=== Pang ===
The Pang are found largely in the Chamdur valley of Bungtlang South Rural Development Block and some villages in Chawngte, Tlabung and West Phaileng Subdivisions. They have no separate regional self-government or autonomous body of their own.

Together with the Bawm and Tlanglau, they have been struggling to be recognized as a separate tribe. Most of them dwell in Chamdur Valley of India and [[Chittagong Hill Tracts|Chittagong Hills Tracts]] of [[Bangladesh]].

=== Hmar ===
{{Main|Hmar people}}
The [[Hmar people|Hmar]] tribe occupy a large area in the [[Northeast India|northeast of India]]: Pherzawl District of [[Manipur]], various places across [[Tripura]] and [[Cachar district|Cachar]], [[Hailakandi district|Hailakandi]], [[Karimganj district|Karimganj]], and the NC Hills District of [[Assam]]. In Mizoram, the Hmar are found in the [[Aizawl district|Aizawl]], [[Kolasib district|Kolasib]], [[Champhai district|Champhai]] and [[Lunglei district|Lunglei]] districts. A majority of Hmars who live in Mizoram speak the Duhlian language, while few of them who live within Sinlung Hills District Council (SHDC) speak the Khawsak/Darngawn dialect, which is accepted by some as 'the' [[Hmar language]].

In July 1986, after the signing of the [[Mizo Accord]], some Hmar leaders here formed Mizoram Hmar Association, later renamed the Hmar People's Convention (HPC). The HPC spearheaded a political movement for self-governance of the Hmar in Mizoram, demanding an Autonomous District Council (ADC) to cover the Hmar-dominated areas in the north and northwest of Mizoram.

The HPC activists formed an armed wing, the Hmar Volunteer Cell (HVC). The State Government forced them to take up arms until 1992, when representatives of the HPC and the Government of Mizoram mutually agreed to hold ministerial-level talks. After multiple rounds of talks, they signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) in [[Aizawl]] on 27 July 1994. Armed cadres of the HPC surrendered along with their weapons in October 1994. The government established the [[Sinlung Hills Development Council]] (SHDC) for the Hmar. Some of the HPC leaders and cadres rejected Memorandum of Settlement, breaking away and forming the Hmar People's Convention – Democratic (HPC-D).

Sub-tribes or clans:{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}
:The Hmar tribe comprises numerous sub-tribes or clans (Pahnam in Hmar language) such as Changsan, Chawngthu (Lersia, Khuntil and Vanchiau) Chawhte, Khawzawl, Vankal, Darlong, Darngawn, Faihriem, Hrangchal, Hrangkhawl, Khawbung, Lawitlang, Leiri, Lungtau, Neitham, Ngurte, Hekte, Hrangate, Varte, Lungchuang, Sialhnam, Tlawmte, Suamte, Tuahlawr, Chhinghel, Khello, Mualvum, Tumchhung, Khupchhung, Khupthlang, Pakhumate, Selate, Sanate, Pakhuang, Banzang, Tamte, Thiek, Zote, etc. In the past, these tribes had their own villages and their own dialects. However, today the majority of the Hmar population use [[Hmar language]].

The Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC) has now been renamed as Sinlung Hills Council as per 2018 agreement.

=== Renthlei ===
Even though the Renthleis may not seem numerous and ancient. In fact, they are a very ancient tribe as compared to the Luseis (descendants of Thlapaa, son of Ngaite). They are a very brave tribe who also settled at Muchhiptlang and Mulen along with Chawngte, Tochhawng and Vanchhawng clans. Their clans include Lianhlun, Zachhing, Tinkulh, Chhing thlang, Chho nghek, Thangthlawl, Sohnel, Thuandum.<ref>{{cite book|last=Liangkhaia|first=Rev|title=Mizo chanchin|year=2011|publisher=L.T.L Publication}}</ref>

=== Ralte ===
{{Main|Ralte people}}
The [[Ralte people|Ralte]] tribe consisted of 4 main clans, divided into a number of smaller clans. The 4 main clans are Siakeng, Kawlni (Colney), Lelhchhun and Khelte. They are descended from Thahdo,<ref>{{cite book|last=Zawla|first=K.|title=Mizo pi pute leh an thlahte chanchin|year=2011|publisher=Lalnipuii, Mission veng}}</ref> the son of Aisan Pa (Sektak), who was the son of Nuaimangpa Songthu and his wife Neihtong. 1.Siakeng clans - Engkhai, Siakhang, Haizang (Chawnthang & Chawnchhin), Chawngtual, Thangbur, Khumchiang, Hilki, Chhakawm, Engkhung, Khelhau, Darkim, Kipawm, Manglut, Hnawtkhel, Khumtung, Hilthang (Thangsiam, Damphut & Tukhum), Lehvung, Lehvung, Aite, Hauhniang & Hualkheng. 2.Kawlni clans - Arte, Lawisut, Helhlah, Thasûm, Saphaw, Khawnghawr, Bhal eng, Thangkawp, Chuaungeng, Holat, Hlamvel, Zahuat [Chalbawk (Kawlvawm, Chalsawp, Chalchiang, Chaltum, Kawltung, Chalchung) & Doubul {(Renghang-Rengsi, Rengngo), Bungsut & Thangchhuan}].<ref>{{cite book|last=Zawla|first=K.|title=Mizo pi pute leh an thlahte Chanchin|year=2011|publisher=Lalnipuii, Mission veng}}</ref> 3.Lelhchhun clans - Chhunthang, Chhiarkim, Vawngsual, Tunglei, Leihang, Chuanglawk, Thangbung, Hratchhum, Hangdem, Hauphut, Selpeng, Haudim & chungleh. 4.Khelte clans - Vohang, Hausel, Vangtual, Chhinghlu, Hauvawng, Lawnghau, Chiangthir, Tualthang, Chiangkhai, Zaucha, Vohlu, Thatchhing, Chhiarchuang, Zahlei & Keulak.<ref name="Liangkhaia 2011">{{cite book|last=Liangkhaia|first=Rev.|title=Mizo Chanchin|year=2011|publisher=L.T.L Publication}}</ref>
They also have there own dialect *[[Ralte language|Ralte]]
=== Chawngthu ===
The [[Chawngthu people|Chawngthu]] are said to be the descendants of Lersia Saivate. Two main clans are present in Mizoram, they came to Mizo hills along with the Zahmuak chiefs. The two main clans are 1.Khuntil-Khunsut, Khunthlang, Haukawi, Saithleng. 2.Vanchiau- Maluang, Chingruam, Thangchuang.<ref name="Liangkhaia 2011"/>

=== Hualngo ===
Hualngos are recognised as a separate tribe in Myanmar, but in Mizoram they are mostly clubbed under the tribe Lusei. Main clans include: Bochung, Chalthleng, Cherput, and Khupno.

==Political, linguistic and economic situation==
After Indian independence, the democratic change in the administrative set-up of [[Mizoram]] led to an anti-chief movement. The feeling was widespread against the autocratic chiefs and for the [[Mizo Union]]. In 1955, at a meeting of representatives of various Mizo villages held in [[Aizawl]], the demand arose for a separate hills state. The local people felt they had been ill-served by the [[Assam Government]] during the Mautam famine.

When in 1960 the government introduced [[Assamese language|Assamese]] as the official language of the state, there were many protests against the Official Language Act of 1961. This was followed by the [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising]],<ref>{{cite book |last=Joshi |first=Hargovindh |year=2005 |title=Mizoram History Past and Present |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtX52F_qcWgC&pg=PA11 |publisher=Mittal Publications |pages=11– |isbn=978-81-7099-997-3}}</ref> resulting in the attack of the military installations in [[Aizawl]], [[Lunglei]] and other towns. The [[Mizo National Front]], formerly known as Mizo National Famine Front, declared independence.

The Indian government designated Mizoram as a Union Territory on 21 January 1972. [[Pu Laldenga]], the President of Mizo National Front,<ref>{{cite book |last=Chatterjee |first=Suhas |year=1994 |title=Making of Mizoram: Role of Laldenga |volume=1 |location=New Delhi |publisher=M.D. Publications |page=73 |isbn=978-81-85880-38-9}}</ref> signed a [[Peace accord]] in 1986 with the Government of India, stating Mizoram was an integral part of India. Pu Laldenga came to the ministry in the [[Interim government]] which was formed in coalition with Congress in 1987. The Statehood of Mizoram was proclaimed on 20 February 1987.

===Present demand for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule===
With 91.58%<ref name="ReferenceA"/> literacy, the 2nd highest in Indian states, Mizoram is a leader in the national emphasis on education. Because of this, its people have demanded that Mizo ṭawng be recognized as an official language in the [[Eighth Schedule to the Constitution]].<ref name="Includes Mizo">{{cite news |title=Requests to include 38 languages in Constitution pending: Govt |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article58221.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |date=1 December 2009 |access-date=17 August 2012}}</ref> The demand is important and expressed in various aspects of social and political life.

The English language is widely used in the state, especially in the fields of education, official matters and other formal domains, as it is in other parts of India. English had already penetrated the life and blood of the Mizo people for a long time along with the spread of education.

[[Christian missionaries]] in the 19th century developed the current alphabetic system adopted for a written form of the [[Mizo language]]. Adoption of the [[Latin script]] has facilitated people's learning English as a second language. The admiration and demand for the use of English in Mizoram is no different from the same attitude in other parts of India.

The Mizo have conducted a long, drawn-out socio-political struggle for identity and recognition, and succeeded in gaining political power from the central government in New Delhi. They fear being [[Cultural assimilation|assimilated]] with other communities, and continue to insist on their separate identity and use of traditional languages to help maintain that.

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120908030103/http://www.webindia123.com/Mizoram/People/People.htm Webindia123.com]
{{Mizoram}}
{{Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes}}
{{Scheduled tribes of India}}
{{Hill tribes of Northeast India}}
{{Ethnic groups in Bangladesh}}
{{Ethnic groups in Burma}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Mizo people| ]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Northeast India]]
[[Category:Sino-Tibetan-speaking people]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in South Asia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Manipur]]
[[Category:Mizo clans| ]]
[[Category:Headhunting]]
[[Category:Languages of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Manipur]]

Mizo people - Revision history

Hafilhafi: fix

imported>Lancepark: Undid revision 1040297642 by 2402:3A80:1968:C0B5:4A11:2814:5336:6200 (talk)