Lushai Hills (Mizo Hills)
Why in News?
On March 13, 2026, the Supreme Court dismissed a decade-old plea by the Mizo Chief Council. The council sought enhanced compensation for lands acquired by the State under a 1954 law, claiming absolute ownership of the erstwhile Lushai Hills.
Key Information
- Location: Situated in the northeastern state of Mizoram, these hills are part of the larger Patkai-Arakan Yoma mountain range system.
- Topography: Characterized by a series of parallel north-south ridges separated by narrow valleys, with an average elevation of 900 to 1,200 metres.
- Highest Peak: The highest point is Phawngpui (also known as Blue Mountain), reaching an elevation of 2,157 metres.
- Flora & Fauna: The hills are primarily covered with dense bamboo jungles and evergreen forests. They support diverse wildlife, including elephants, clouded leopards, and numerous orchid species.
- Inhabitants: Primarily home to the Mizo people, along with other tribal communities like the Hmar, Chakma, Mara, and Lai.
- Historical Evolution:
- Originally the Lushai Hills district of Assam under British rule.
- Renamed Mizo Hills in 1954.
- Became a Union Territory in 1972 and attained full statehood on 20 February 1987.
- Economy: Shifting cultivation, known locally as Jhum farming, remains a major agricultural practice among the tribal communities.
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