Photo Courtesy: nenews
Aizawl: The Mizo National Front (MNF) has issued a deadline. They want Chief Minister Lalduhoma to issue a public apology and retract his recent comments by August 15. The demand follows a July 31 speech at Mizoram Law College. During that event, Lalduhoma questioned the 1986 Mizo Peace Accord and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
Lalduhoma argued that the 1986 agreement was not a pact between the Government of India and the state of Mizoram. He claimed it was merely a document signed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and a local political group. He also suggested the Centre retains the authority to revoke the ILP system. He warned that arbitrary enforcement against non-locals could lead to court challenges. He urged for reasonable restraint.
The MNF branded these statements as false. They argue the remarks threaten the Mizo community, Christianity, and state security. The party is now considering a statewide bandh if the Chief Minister fails to comply.
Tensions flared further on Tuesday. The youth wing of the Mizoram Congress staged a protest outside Vanapa Hall in Aizawl. Demonstrators carried a composite image of the Chief Minister wearing a traditional Pawnfen garment to show their disdain. MPCC general secretary Rosiamngheta claimed the CM is weakening protective mechanisms for indigenous people. He warned that the remarks could make entry into the state easier for numerically larger populations from outside.
Rosiamngheta pushed back against the Chief Minister’s interpretation of history. "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," he said. The Congress youth wing expects an apology within the week.
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