Mizo National Front facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mizo National Front
Abbreviation	MNF
President	Zoramthanga
Rajya Sabha leader	K. Vanlalvena
Founder	Laldenga
Founded	1961; 64 years ago (1961)
Headquarters	Zarkawt, Aizawl, Mizoram
Youth wing	Mizo National Youth Front
Women's wing	Mizo National Women Front
Ideology	Mizo nationalism Conservative Christianity Zo Unification Anti-CAA
Colours
ECI Status	State Party
Alliance	NDA (2014-2023) (National level) INC+ (2021-present) (Autonomous Councils)
Seats in Lok Sabha	0 / 543
Seats in Rajya Sabha	1 / 245
Seats in Mizoram Legislative Assembly	10 / 40
Election symbol
Elections

The Mizo National Front (MNF) is an important political party in Mizoram, India. It started as the Mizo National Famine Front. This group was formed by Pu Laldenga to speak out against the Government of India. They felt the government wasn't doing enough during a big famine in the Mizo areas of Assam in 1959.

Later, the MNF led a major uprising in 1966. This was followed by many years of secret activities. In 1986, the MNF signed the Mizoram Accord with the Indian government. This agreement meant they stopped trying to break away and ended the violence. After that, the MNF started taking part in elections. They have formed the state government in Mizoram three times. Currently, they are the main opposition party in the state. Their president, Zoramthanga, used to be the Chief Minister of Mizoram.

How the MNF Started

In 1959, the Mizo Hills faced a terrible event called the Mautam. This happens when bamboo plants flower, which causes a huge increase in rats. These rats eat crops, leading to a severe famine.

Before this, in 1955, a group called the Mizo Cultural Society was formed. Laldenga was its secretary. In March 1960, this society changed its name to 'Mautam Front'. During the famine of 1959–1960, this group played a big role in asking for help. Many people paid attention to them. In September 1960, the group became the Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF). The MNFF became very popular. Many young Mizo people helped carry food and other important items to villages far away.

The Secret Movement

The MNFF was first created to help people during the Mautam Famine. But on October 22, 1961, it changed into the Mizo National Front (MNF). The first leaders chosen were President Laldenga, Vice President JF Manliana, General Secretary R. Vanlawma, and Treasurer Rochhinga. Many people felt disappointed with how the Indian government handled the famine. This led to a strong desire among the Mizos for independence and armed action.

In 1966, the MNF led a big uprising against the government. However, they could not take control of the Mizo district. This movement for independence continued for about twenty years.

Peace Agreement

This period of conflict finally ended when the Mizoram Accord was signed. This happened on June 30, 1986. The agreement was made between the Mizo National Front's secret government and the Government of India. As part of this peace deal, Mizoram became a full state in February 1987.

MNF as a Political Party

Party Representative Flag

After the 1987 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election, Laldenga became the Chief Minister. But he soon lost power because some party members left. In the next election, the Congress party won. The MNF then stayed in opposition until 1998.

In 1990, Laldenga passed away. His former secretary and Finance Minister, Zoramthanga, took his place. In 1998 and 2003, the MNF won the state assembly elections. Zoramthanga served as Chief Minister for ten years. In the 2003 elections, the MNF won 21 out of 40 seats.

The Congress party defeated the MNF in the 2008 state election. The MNF won only 3 seats that year. In the 2013 state elections, the MNF teamed up with the Mizoram People's Conference. They won 5 seats, while Congress won 34. In the 2018 state assembly elections, the MNF won 26 seats and formed the government again. However, the party lost power to the Zoram People's Movement in the 2023 state assembly elections.

Role in National Elections

For the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the MNF formed a group called the United Democratic Front. This group included seven other parties, like the BJP. They worked together to win the only seat in Mizoram. The MNF was part of the National Democratic Alliance from 2014 until 2023.

Election Results in Mizoram

The Mizo National Front has taken part in many elections for the Mizoram Legislative Assembly. Here's a look at how they have performed over the years:

Year	Party leader	Seats won	Change in seats	Vote %	Vote swing	Outcome
1987	Laldenga	24 / 40	24	43.31%	New	Government
1989		14 / 40	10	35.29%	8.02%	Opposition
1993	Zoramthanga	14 / 40		40.41%	5.12%	Opposition
1998		21 / 40	7	24.99%	15.42%	Government
2003		21 / 40		31.69%	6.70%	Government
2008		3 / 40	18	30.65%	1.04%	Others
2013		5 / 40	2	28.65%	2.00%	Opposition
2018		26 / 40	21	37.70%	9.05%	Government
2023		10 / 40	16	35.10%	2.6%	Opposition

Leaders of Mizoram

Zoramthanga, Party President and former Chief Minister of Mizoram.

Here are the leaders from the Mizo National Front who have served as Chief Minister of Mizoram:

Current Party Leaders

MNF Office

As of the party elections in 2019, these are the main leaders of the Mizo National Front:

• President: Zoramthanga
• Senior Vice President: Tawnluia
• Vice Presidents: Vanlalzawma and Lalthlengliana
• Treasurer: K. Vanlalauva

See also

In Spanish: Frente Nacional Mizo para niños

• Mizoram People's Conference
• Zoram Nationalist Party
• Zoram People's Movement
• Indian National Congress
• Political parties in Mizoram
• List of political parties in India