AIZAWL, May 30 – Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has offered to quit as facilitator of peace talks with Naga rebels following attacks by Congress and other political parties over his involvement in peace process. “It would would be a great relief without being involved in the peace processes if and when some people objected to it. I want peace and if some other person, can deliver it, I welcome it,” he said. He was reacting to statements made by Congress leaders including former State Chief Minister and PCC chief Lal Thanhawla who said that unconditional talks between the Centre and Naga rebels was a 'political blunder' and that Zoramthanga should not be involved in the peace process.
“I did not want to counter what some of the leaders said against me, but what I wanted to say is that running a State is a tough job even without being distracted by other engagements,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) today criticised the Opposition Congress for issuing veiled threats that the Congress-led government at the Centre would overthrow Chief Minister Zoramthanga-led State government.
“No Union Government worth the name would just overthrow a State government which received overwhelming public mandate just because it is a government of another party,” Lalhmingliana, the lone Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram told PTI.
“Unless there is a serious constitutional crisis, the Centre would never overthrow a State government which received the people's mandate to rule,” Lalhmingliana said.