Photo Courtesy: nenow
Aizawl: Opposition protesters swarmed the Chief Minister’s Office in Aizawl on Saturday. Members of the Mizo National Front Youth Wing carried black flags and wore traditional Pawndum shawls. The garment signifies mourning and grief. They demanded an immediate apology from Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
The demonstrators targeted recent remarks regarding the 1986 Mizoram Peace Accord and Inner Line Permit regulations. Lalduhoma allegedly claimed at Mizoram Law College on July 31 that the term Mizoram Accord is technically inaccurate. He argued the pact was signed between the Union Home Ministry and the MNF, not the state government and India. He also warned the Centre holds the power to revoke the Inner Line Permit system at will.
Former fighters from the Mizo National Army and the Peace Accord MNF Returnees Association joined the chorus of criticism. Vanlalbia, who chairs their coordination committee, pointed to Clause 8 of the peace pact. He asserted that the Inner Line Permit cannot be altered without state consultation. He accused the Chief Minister of being overly accommodating to the Centre.
"If the Chief Minister cannot properly understand or utilise the Peace Accord, and cannot safeguard it, he should hand over the power he currently holds to others," Vanlalbia said during a news conference.
Protesters expected to greet the Chief Minister upon his return from Delhi. Lalduhoma remained absent from his office throughout the demonstration. MNF Youth Wing president Gogo Lalremtluanga claimed the CM’s words mislead the younger generation. The opposition set an August 15 deadline for a public apology and retraction. They warned of further action if the deadline passes. Police reported no violence during the event.
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