Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura: How 3 States Joined Northeast's '7 Sisters' on Jan 21, 1972

• January 21, 1972, marked a historic day as Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura achieved full statehood, becoming integral parts of India's '7 Sisters' of the Northeast.
• Manipur, initially a princely state, transitioned from monarchy to a Part 'C' state, then a Union Territory, finally gaining full statehood after a long struggle.
• Tripura, another princely state, merged with India in 1949, became a Union Territory, and achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972, fulfilling its people's democratic aspirations.
• Meghalaya's formation was unique, stemming from a peaceful movement by Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities within Assam to protect their cultural identity, leading to autonomous status in 1969 and full statehood in 1972.
• The North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act of 1971 was crucial, granting full statehood to these three states and strengthening the federal structure by acknowledging regional aspirations.

Why It Matters: Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura achieved full statehood on January 21, 1972, marking a significant milestone for Northeast India.