Aizawl, June 13: Mizoram Opposition leader and PCC chief Lalthanhawla has accused chief minister Zoramthanga of being responsible for the presence of Manipur militants in the state. Lalthanhawla, who toured Zoramthanga’s constituency, Champhai, last week, said the Zomi Revolutionary Organisation (ZRO) and members of its armed wing were present in the state, especially in Champhai constituency bordering Manipur, because they enjoyed the support of the chief minister.
During his tour, the Opposition leader alleged that the MNF owed the ZRO money for “services rendered”, which the ZRO was collecting from the people of Mizoram through extortion.
According to recent reports from constituencies where the ZRO is active, the rebels had started demanding donations from government employees.
During the run-up to the Assembly elections in November, several members of the ZRO were arrested with arms from Champhai on charges of campaigning for the MNF.
The Opposition leader, who enjoys the status of a cabinet minister, convened a meeting of the government officials in Champhai where he instructed the deputy commissioner to probe the allegation that funds meant for development were not being handed over to the village councils.
Lalthanhawla said the district authorities should probe the charge that the MNF-appointed welfare committees were appropriating the funds.