Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: The Mizo National Front demanded a public apology from Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma by August 15. The opposition party claims he must retract recent comments on the Inner Line Permit system and the 1986 Mizoram Peace Accord. The MNF caucus reviewed his July 31 speech at Mizoram Law College and labeled his statements false and harmful to state security. They warned of future agitation or a statewide bandh if the chief minister refuses to correct the record.
Lalduhoma argued the Centre holds the power to revoke the permit system. He warned that strict enforcement against non-locals could trigger judicial scrutiny. He also challenged the legitimacy of the 1986 agreement, claiming it was merely a deal between the Union Home Ministry and a political group, not the state itself. He maintained that the Centre must consult the state but does not require its consent for changes.
The youth wing of the Mizoram Congress joined the fray on Tuesday. Protesters gathered outside Vanapa Hall to denounce the chief minister. They even displayed a photo of him wearing a traditional women's garment. Congress secretary Rosiamngheta attacked the remarks for ignoring the history of the state. He said, "The peace and stability that Mizoram enjoys today were achieved only because of former chief minister and veteran Congress leader Lal Thanhawla and his colleagues surrendering their posts for the sake of Mizoram. Such hard-earned peace should never be spoken of lightly."
Congress leaders allege the chief minister wants to make entry easier for outsiders. They fear this shift will threaten the indigenous population. Both major opposition parties remain locked in a heated struggle against the chief minister. They insist he must answer for his words.
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