Tribal Communities in Mizoram

Context: Mizoram’s efforts to amend its reservation rules have been complicated by a Supreme Court ruling that supports the right of states to sub-classify Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

• Prior to this ruling, the Mizoram Government had paused the sub-classification of the state’s ST quota in higher education and initiated changes to the rule that allowed for it.
• According to the 2011 census, almost 95% of Mizoram’s population belongs to STs, the highest percentage in India.
• These communities include Zo-ethnic tribes such as the Mizo (Lushai), Hmar, Pawi, Lai, Mara, and Gangte, as well as non-Zo-ethnic groups like the Chakma tribes.
• Mizoram celebrates tribal festivals such as Mim Kut, Pawl Kut, and Chapchar Kut.

Zo-ethnic People: This indigenous community resides along the India-Myanmar frontier, sharing cultural similarities and a common ancestor known as Zo.