Mizoram Fuel Strike Called Off After Government Talks

Aizawl: Mizoram avoided a fuel crisis Wednesday. The Mizo Zirlai Pawl student group and the All Mizoram Petroleum Dealers Association scrapped plans for a statewide petrol station shutdown. State Home Secretary Vanlalmawia brokered the peace deal during a meeting held to address the dispute between the two parties.

The trouble started when the dealers association threatened an indefinite strike starting September 17. They accused student members of shaking down managers for cash. The association claimed some managers were pressured to pay 1.20 lakh rupees each to the organization. MZP president Dr. C. Lalremruata denied the intimidation claims. He stated, "The money collected from one filling station was a voluntary contribution from its owner towards the organisation's forthcoming assembly."

Tensions flared when the MZP countered with its own call to shut down stations operated by non-tribal owners or those hiring outsiders. While both sides dropped the strike plans, the student body remains focused on the growing number of businesses allegedly run by non-Mizos. They plan to address these concerns at an assembly running September 23 to 25. The group intends to push for tougher laws and a formal investigation into these business arrangements.

Lalremruata warned locals against renting their names or land to outsiders for quick profit. He insists these business setups threaten the community. For now, the pumps stay open.