Salome Phelamei
Whereas insurgency plays a crucial problem in other Northeastern states, Mizoram is the only peaceful region amongst the ‘seven sisters’ of the country. Predominantly a Christian populated state, it ranks first in India with a literacy rate of 91.1%. Bordering Burma on the east and south, Bangladesh and Tripura in the west and Assam and Manipur to the north, Mizoram goes to polls on December 2 2008 to elect its 40 legislators.
It is being speculated that the polls would be a triangular fight between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), seeking a third consecutive term against its 10-year rule, the main opposition Congress and the new coalition, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), formed by Mizoram People`s Conference (MPC), the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) and the Zoram Kuthnathawktu Party (ZKP), a civic organization.
Local issues have greater sway during the election time. The church also plays a vital role, making alcoholism an issue. Some of the major current issues in the state are illegal immigration, unemployment, development, corruption, etc.
Illegal Immigration from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar, which is a time bomb that will explode eventually, has shot up drastically in Mizoram and Nagaland. Latest reports put the illegal migrants at 10,000, but looking at sheer settlements of aliens, one can say the demographics of the land has been changed by Bangladeshis, as also those from other states who come here to find work. Mizoram’s neighbouring Assam saw some violence over migrants issue and has become an electoral plank for the local parties fighting for a separate state.
Youth unemployment is an acute problem in Mizoram. Although ranking first in literacy, many youngsters are jobless in the state. This is mainly because of the lack of local industry. The manufacturing sector, especially if it is labour intensive, provides for good deal of blue collar opportunities. Also, the service sector that has been a major growth driver in the Indian economy has also not developed sufficiently in the state.
Development is one of the main issues in the state as more than 70% of the people of Mizoram are dependant on Agriculture. And the main pattern of agriculture followed in the state is Jhum or shifting cultivation. Paddy, maize, mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes are the prominent crops in the state. About 30% of the state is covered with wild bamboo forests, bamboo chippings being used in paper mills, bamboo charcoal for fuel, and a type of ‘bamboo vinagar’ and also used as a fertiliser.
Although bamboo held a central role in Mizo life, the mauve and crimson flowers of the plant spell disaster. It so happened that in 1959, a famine called ‘Mautam’ was triggered by the flowerings of the plant, leading to rapid increase in the local rat population, which in turn resulted in the destruction of paddy fields throughout the Mizo Hills. To overcome this dearth, the Mizo National Front (MNF), which is the present ruling government, was formed to bring relief to the people. The MNF approached the Indian government for aid, but unfortunately, their demand was unfulfilled. Then the party fought for a separate state from the country due to its negligence to the assistance, triggering a twenty-year insurgency. So, this naturally blessed plant is somehow said to have brought insurgency to the state. Therefore, the political leaders, particularly the government should adapt crucial measures and modernize farming, replace Jhum cultivation with horticulture and floriculture by introducing new land laws.
Corruption
Like any other Indian state, Mizoram is troubled by rampant corruption. The delay and suspension of several projects by the government has gained huge criticism from the public. With a strong anti-incumbency factor for the ruling MNF and corruption cases against Congress leader and former Chief Minister Lalthanhawla, political parties in the state are taking all possible steps to project a clean image of their CM candidates.
The electorate seems to be extremely displeased with the performances of successive governments. Educated youth of Mizoram are seething with frustration over lack of jobs and economic growth.
The Congress, readying for a comeback this year, hopes to cash in on the MNF’s lapses. Amidst the call for a new outlook, the current insistence is on more young candidates as well as on greater women participation.
Perhaps Mizoram is facing cultural degradation due to immense influence of outside world, which has become a much talked about ‘ill’ for long. The state is also disturbed by the strife between different tribes and the dominant Mizos calling the shots, while a few smaller tribes feel insecure. Taking notice of the prevailing issues, it is the need of the hour for the political leaders to get their act together and meet the needs of the people swiftly.
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