Mizoram

Mizoram mĭzôrˈəm [key], state (2001 provisional pop. 891,058), c.8,000 sq mi (20,720 sq km), NE India, in the Mizo Hills, bordered on the east and south by Myanmar, on the west by Bangladesh and Tripura, on the northeast by Manipur, and on the north by Assam. The capital is Aizawl. The Mizos, the main ethnic group, are closely related to the Chins of Myanmar. More than 80% of the population is Christian. Mizoram is governed by a chief minister and a cabinet responsible to a unicameral elected legislature and by a governor appointed by the president of India.

Once part of Assam state, Mizoram became a union territory in 1972 and a state in 1986. Secessionist factions have been active in Mizoram; before the creation of Bangladesh, India accused Pakistan of aiding secessionist movements in the area. The Mizo rebellion was officially ended by negotiated settlement in 1985. Smaller ethnic groups have complained of domination by the Mizos, which has fueled armed anti-Mizo movements in the state.

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