PRISM demands resignation of Mizoram CM

Newmai News Network

Aizawl | September 2

 

Corruption watchdog turned political party People’s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) on Monday demanded the resignation of Mizoram Chief Minister, Zoramthanga for allegedly failing to take measures to resolve the boundary dispute between Mizoram and Assam.

 

Addressing a meeting at the party office in Aizawl on Monday, PRISM president, Vanlalruata said that the chief minister should step down from his post for "failing to protect" Mizoram boundary. He alleged that the state government as well as the chief minister failed to take any concrete measure to resolve the long pending border dispute despite pressures from civil society organizations. Vanlalruata also said that Mizoram has been silent for a long time over border issue to prevent further tension.

 

The PRISM leader then alleged that the Assam government has made continuous encroachment by constructing illegal structures on the disputed land even though Mizoram "sticks" to status quo.

 

 “It is a big embarrassment on the part of the chief minister for failing to take measures to resolve the border dispute. He must resign if he has no courage to take measures,” the PRISM leader also said.

 

The border dispute between Mizoram and Assam is a long pending issue. The Mizoram government has been claiming that a stretch of 509 square miles of the Inner Line Forest Reserved area, declared in 1875 under the Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873, is the actual boundary of Mizoram.

 

In March 2018, a border standoff took place at Zophai near Bairabi town along the inter-state border when student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) functionaries attempted to construct a resting shed there. The border tension was diffused when the Centre intervened.

 

Recently, both the state governments held district administration level talks after reports of the alleged construction of a mosque at Zophai area by Assam. In that meeting, both sides agreed to maintain status quo.