January 21st, 2024, marks a momentous occasion for the northeastern region of India - the 52nd anniversary of statehood for Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Each state with its own vibrant culture, unique history, and breathtaking landscapes, together they contribute a rich tapestry to the nation's identity.
Statehood Day is celebrated with great fervor across all three states. Cultural programs, parades, musical performances, and traditional dances showcase the rich heritage of each region. People take pride in their shared history and the unique character that each state brings to the Indian union.
As we celebrate their Foundation Day, let us also remember the challenges these states face. From issues of infrastructure development and economic growth to the preservation of their delicate ecological balance, there are many areas where continued efforts are needed.
On Manipur’s Statehood Day, my best wishes to the people of the state. Manipur has made a strong contribution to India’s progress. We take pride in the culture and traditions of the state. I pray for the continued development of Manipur.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2024
Happy Statehood Day to the people of Meghalaya! Today is an occasion to celebrate the incredible culture of Meghalaya and the achievements of the people there. May Meghalaya scale new heights of progress in the times to come.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2024
Heartfelt wishes on Statehood Day to the people of Tripura. May this day celebrate the unique history and rich heritage of the state. Wishing prosperity and harmony to the people of Tripura.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2024
North East India comprises seven states and so is also known as the "Seven Sisters" namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura. India’s North East region has hills and plains with a green cover and various varieties of rare and exotic flora and fauna. Let us study in detail the formation of Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya.
Formation of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya states
On 21 January 1972, the states of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971.
The princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in October 1949. Let us study in detail the State Reorganisation of the Northeast.
At the time of independence, the regional composition of the North East consisted of the Assam plains of the old Assam Province, the hill districts, and the North Easter Frontier Tracts (NEFT) of the North-Eastern border. Also, the princely states of Manipur and Tripura were merged in 1949 in India.
In 1949, Manipur and Tripura states were granted the status of Union Territories. Nagaland was granted statehood on 1 December 1963. According to the sixth schedule of the Indian constitution, within Assam, Meghalaya was made an autonomous state through the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act 1969.
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Finally, in 1972, Tripura, Meghalaya was granted full statehood by the North East Reorganisation Act of 1972. Further, the region of the Mizo hills of Assam and NEFA was converted into a Union Territory.
According to the Mizo Accord of 1986, Mizoram emerged as a full-fledged state of India in 1987. Also, in 1987, the NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh) was granted full-fledged statehood.
About Tripura
Tripura covers around 10.491 km2. It is bordered by Bangladesh (East Bengal) to the north, south, and west and the states of Assam and Mizoram to the east. The Hindu Bengali people form the ethno-linguistic majority in Tripura. The scheduled tribes (indigenous communities) form about 30 percent of Tripura's population. The tribes who speak the Kokborok language are the major groups among 19 tribes. The climate of Tripura is a tropical savannah climate and receives seasonal heavy rains from the southwest monsoon. Forests cover more than half of the area. It has the highest number of primate species. People of Tripura perform several forms of dance and celebrate religious occasions, weddings, and festivals. The Ujjayanta Palace situated in Agartala was the former royal abode of the Tripuri king.
About Manipur
The capital of Manipur is Imphal and is also called by several names like Kangleipak or Sanaleibak. To the north, it is bounded by Nagaland, to the South by Mizoram, to the west by Assam, and to the east by Myanmar (Burma). It has 22,327 square kilometers of area and a population of almost 3 million including Meetei, Kuki, Naga, and Pangal peoples who speak Sino-Tibetan languages. Manipur was also under British Rule and the negotiations were cut short with the outbreak of World War II. Maharaja Budhachandra on 21 September 1949 signed a Treaty of Accession and merged the kingdom into India. Around 53% of the population of Manipur state is Meetei ethnic group. The main language of the Manipur state is Meeteilon or Manipuri. Indigenous tribal people constitute 20% of the state population. It has an agrarian economy with significant hydroelectric power generation potential. This state is also the origin of Manipuri dance.
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About Meghalaya
In Sanskrit, Meghalaya means "the abode of clouds". The state covers an area of about 22,430 square kilometers. It is bounded to the south by the Bangladesh divisions of Mymensingh and Sylhet. To the west by the Bangladesh division of Rangpur and to the east by Assam. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Earlier, Meghalaya was part of Assam, but the districts of Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia hills became the new state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972. The languages spoken are Khasi, Pnar, Garo, and English. Meghalaya is the wettest region of India and around 70% of the state is covered with forests.
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