MNF Cries Gross Fund Misuse in Chakma Area

Aizawl, Jul 7 : The Chakma district Mizo National Front today alleged gross misuse of public money by the Congress-ruled Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in southern Mizoram.

Addressing a public meeting at CADC headquarters Kamalanagar, MNF district headquarters president and member of district council (MDC) Rasik Mohan Chakma accused CADC chief executive member (CEM) Kali Kumar Tongchoya and his younger brother and MDC Hiranand Tongchoya of siphoning off crores of rupees meant for development of the Chakma area.

According to Rasik Mohan, Rs 3.40 crores had been released against construction of a cultural hall-cum-museum at Kamalanagar whereas the works done by the contractor can hardly be of Rs 60 lakh.

''The materials used were of substandard and even before commencing the works, the contractor was made to purchase 15,000 bricks locally manufactured by Kali Kumar Tongchoya, which was a clear misuse of power and position,'' Rasik Mohan alleged.

Moreover, the CEM allegedly diverted Rs one crore against the work, which was actually sanctioned for payment of arrear to the CADC employees. '' It is surprising that this contractor has been given undue favouritism by the CEM even at the expense of his own employees,'' he said.

The MNF leader further alleged that since 2008-2009 fiscal, Rs 103.8 lakh has been spent on maintenance and blacktopping of Kamalanagar town road. However, hardly half a km of road has been blacktopped during the last three years, he said.

It was also alleged that the K K Tongchoya-led Congress government in CADC has sanctioned since 2008 Rs 200 lakh for procurement and distribution of fish breeds, Rs 50 lakh for coconut seedlings, Rs 80 lakh for areca seedlings, Rs 10 lakh for orange seedlings and Rs 200 lakh for potato seeds. He alleged that gross violations of rules have been committed in these procedures and the state planning board and district council affairs of the state government were also involved.

The district MNF also rapped the Congress-led Chakma council for remaining a 'silent spectator' to encroachment on government lands such as Kamalanagar Children Park and teak plantation at Kamalanagar by private parties who fell trees against the Supreme Court order.