The Final Leap

Abstract

Abstract As the number of Christians rose, the practice of bawis came down drastically. But Lushai society became highly stratified, being divided into chiefs and commoners. It was Hmar Khawbung Bawichuaka, who was instrumental in getting rid of the discriminatory institution of chieftainship. Bawichuaka was aware that commoners were being treated virtually like bawis by oppressive chiefs. He, therefore, demanded the abolition of the institution of chieftainship itself. He mobilized the commoners against the chiefs, and was instrumental in forming the political party called Mizo Commoner Union Party. Indian Independence and the integration of the Mizo Hills with the Indian Union did not signify peace or stability. The abolition of chieftainship required legislation that in turn required time. It was only in 1954 that the Assam Assembly abolished chieftainship in the Lushai Hills by enacting the Lushai Hills Act (Acquisition of Chief’s Rights). The last blow was the Lushai Hills Reorganisation of Chiefs’ Rights Act 1954 by which the power and privilege of the chiefs were taken away.