YEAR 1972, all the THREE states became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971. The erstwhile princely states of Tripura and Manipur were merged with India in 1949 and became full-fledged states in 1972. Meghalaya was a part of Assam before it was CARVED out as a full-fledged state under the North Eastern Region (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971.