The Mizo movement for secession gained popular support because the Assam government failed to respond adequately to the great famine of 1959 in Mizo hills. It lead to the formation of the Mizo National Front (MNF) under the leadership of Laldenga. In 1966, the MNF began an campaign for freedom. The MNF fought a guerrilla war and got support from Pakistan government and secured shelter in the East Pakistan.
