MNF Accuses Mizoram Govt of Having Links With Militants

Aizawl, Dec 3 : Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) today accused the Congress Government of having links with an insurgent group operating in north and north eastern parts of Mizoram by allowing the ultras continue various activities like extortion.

The MNF in a release alleged that the militant group forcibly collected Rs 2,49,400 last year from the people of many villages in northern part of the state and state home minister R Lalzirliana admitted this in the assembly on October 20 last year.

The home minister then said a Congress legislator was also not spared by the group that extorted money from government contractors too, the statement said.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had assured the assembly that the militants would not be allowed to indulge in extortion, the statement said, “However, extortion continued in the areas unabated till date.”

Though the MNF did not mention the name of the militant group, it was clear that the party was talking about the Manipur-based Hmar People’s Convention - Democrats which held talks with the state government here on November 11.

The state government and the HPC-D signed and agreement on the Suspension of Operation to ensure cessation of hostilities for a period of six months during which the Hmar militants would be allowed to move freely in the state without arms and the state police and para-military forces would refrain from launching operations against them.