MNF wary of BJP's beef row, seeks implementation of Mizo Accord

New Delhi, Sept 9: The Mizo National Front (MNF) chief and former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said that his party is determined to fight the Lalthanhawla-led Congress government in the state in next year's polls but he remained wary of BJP's 'anti-beef' image. "Political situation and other conditions favour change of government in Mizoram next year. We are determined to oust the Congress," Mr Zoramthaga told UNI here. The MNF leader was here with a few party colleagues to participate in the day-long conference of North East Democratic Alliance, an off shot of BJP-led NDA. Asked to comment on BJP's beef eating endeavours and how it matches with MNF politics as Mizoram is a Christian-stronghold state and locals do eat beef, Mr Zoramthanga sought to stay clear of the controversies concerning the BJP and their controversial agenda on food habits. "We are associated with NEDA and NDA and not an associate of the MNF," said Zoramthanga, who was once an associate of legendary Mizo rebel leader Laldenga. Meanwhile, MNF sources said that during their stay in the capital the party delegation took up with the BJP central leadership and the central government to take urgent steps to implement the Mizo Accord of 1986 in letter and spirit. "The Mizo Accord was signed 31 years back when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister. But as many as four major promises made in the historic accord are yet to be fulfilled," a MNF source said adding the issues were specifically also taken up with the Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju. The MNF has also send a memorandum to this effect to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, sources said. The four promises made by the Government of India in the Mizo Accord that have remained to be fulfilled up to this day are – a separate High Court for Mizoram, withdrawal of criminal cases against three underground ex-Mizo National Army cadres, compensation to two women allegedly raped by forces in 1966 and payment of rent to the owners of land occupied by the Indian Army during the 20-year-long insurgency. According to BJP sources here, the request from the MNF delegation would be looked into with priority. Moreover, Kiren Rijiju has personally assured all possible assistance from his end. There are at least three former MNA (underground) members who face criminal cases. "One of them, Lalzarliana, has become mentally sick due to fear of arrest and legal wranglings," a senior leader said. In Mizoram, the Congress seems to be on comfortable footing as Lal Thanhawla remains the undisputed ‘local leader’ who has led the Congress to success. In December 2013, Lalthanhawla became chief minister of Mizoram for a record 5th term. For Congress, Mizoram offered an exception in 2013 elections when the Congress party lost power to BJP across western and central India in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and to the AAP in Delhi. But Lalthanhawla has problems too. The state administration is reeling under an acute financial crunch. More over, there has been rebellion building up in the Congress as well. UNI