Communication Strategies adopted for Peace Negotiation during Insurgency in Mizoram
Abstract
On 1st March 1966, Mizo National Front, a political party in Mizoram declared ‘Independence’ from India. It attacked security posts and took over communication systems and it replaced Indian Tricolour with MNF flag. An underground Government of the MNF called ‘Mizoram Sawrkar’ was formed. Violence broke out in once a peaceful society, chaos and confusion spread like wildfire, thus began the twenty years of Insurgency in Mizoram. The beginning of Insurgency also marked the beginning of peace mission initiated by Churches, Civil Societies and various political parties. This paper traces the communication strategies adopted by various actors for peace agreement. Mediators were adopted to negotiate on behalf of the involved parties. The mediation initiative in Mizo insurgency exemplifies how effective mediation from the third party is in preventing further escalation of the political crisis and how an understanding was formed through communications. The role of mediator in Mizo society historically is very important. So, for peace talks, the church representatives, various NGOs, political parties and Human Rights Committee each appointed mediator to communicate on behalf of each party and resolve conflicts in peaceful ways. Mediation, delegation, negotiation, agitation, total bandh and peace march all played a crucial role in bringing the actors to the negotiating table.
Keywords: Insurgency, Peace, Mediation, Negotiation, Communication
