Mizoram Oppn moves no trust motion

The entire Opposition in Mizoram moved a no confidence motion against the ruling Mizo National Front, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House till Monday.

Zoram Nationalist Party legislator Lalduhawma moved the motion during the Zero Hour on Friday. It was supported by 12 legislators, including Congress and Mizoram Peoples' Conference besides ZNP.

The MNF has 27 legislators in the 40-member Mizoram Assembly.

The Opposition alleged that the law and order situation in the state had been gradually deteriorating while a number of banned militant outfits of the northeast had made Mizoram a corridor for arm smuggling.

Finally, Speaker Lalchamliana adjourned the house till Monday and announced

the schedule of discussion on the motion on that day.

Meanwhile, the youth wings of the Congress, MPC and ZNP submitted a joint memorandum on Friday to Governor Lt Gen (Retd) M M Lakhera demanding imposition of President's rule in the state.

They alleged that the MNF had supplied 12 AK series rifles to the proscribed Hmar National Army, operating along the Mizoram-Manipur border, so that the chief minister could retain his chair.

The memorandum also alleged that the insurgents groups from other northeastern states had made Mizoram their homes, occupying rented premises and having telephone connections.

"Insurgents feel so safe in Mizoram that gun-running has become a thriving business here," they said.