All you need to know about MNF, the single largest party in Mizoram Election 2018

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TNT News | December 11, 2018

As counting to the 2018 Assembly Elections came to a close in Mizoram on December 12, 2018, the ruling Congress has been reduced to only 5 seats from 34 in 2013 while the Mizo National Front (MNF), which has been in the Opposition for 10 years, is now catapult to the seat of power, having emerged as the Single Largest Party in the state, winning 26 seat out of the total 40.

ALSO READ | Mizoram Results 2018: MNF is single largest party, Cong reduced to 5 from 34 seats in 2013

It may recalled that earlier, MNF won elections and formed state government in Mizoram twice, first under Laldenga (1986–88) and then under Zoramthanga (1998–2008). In 2008, it suffered a strong incumbency wave and won only 3 seats in the elections.

IN PICTURES | MNF supporters, winners celebrate after party emerges victorious in Mizoram

Currently, it is a part of North-East Regional Political Front consisting of political parties of the northeast which has supported the National Democratic Alliance (India).

Here is all you need to know about the victorious party in Mizoram Election 2018, the Mizo National Front

## MNF emerged from the Mizo National Famine Front, which was formed by Pu Laldenga to protest against the inaction of the Indian central government towards the famine situation in the Mizo areas of the Assam state in 1959. It staged a major uprising in 1966, followed by years of underground activities

## The Mizo National Famine Front, which was originally formed to help ease the immense sufferings of the people during the severe Mautam Famine in Mizoram, was converted into Mizo National Front (MNF) on 22 October 1961

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## The first OB leaders elected were, President Laldenga, Vice President JF Manliana, General Secy. R. Vanlawma, and Treasurer Rochhinga

## In 1966, MNF led a major uprising against the Central government, but failed to gain administrative control of the Mizo district. The secessionist movement held on for about two decades. During that time, they invaded Burma claiming chin state and Tahan belong to Mizoram since most of the resident in Tahan are Mizo

## The chapter of insurgency in MNF's history came to a close with the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord on 30 June 1986 between the underground government of the Mizo National Front and the Government of India. Under the terms of the peace accord, Mizoram was granted statehood in February 1987. Laldenga became Chief Minister, but soon lost power due to defections in the party

Historic signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord by then Home Secretary RD Pradhan and MNF chief Laldenga. (Source: Chief Minister Online)

## Former guerrilla leader Pu Zoramthanga became party leader following the death of Laldenga in 1990. In 1998 and 2003 MNF won the state assembly elections, and Pu Zoramthanga was chief minister for 10 years. In the 2003 elections MNF won 21 out of 40 seats in the state assembly, and got 132 505 votes (31.66%). MNF was part of the National Democratic Alliance, but later withdrew in 2007

## For the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it formed an alliance called United Democratic Front with seven other parties including BJP, to contest the only seat in Mizoram