Gauhati HC moved against Mizoram CM

Aizawl, Oct 12 (UNI) The Gauhati High Court has issued a show cause notice to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga following a PIL submitted by Prism (People's Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram) against him.

Prism president Vanlalruata here today said the PIL was submitted to the high court on June 14 against the Chief Minister's misuse of power and possessing disproportionate assests.

Mr Vanlalruata have stated that before becoming an MLA in 1987, Mr Zoramthanga was the member of MNF, a militant outfit, and his wife was a lower division clerk (LDC) in the PWD.

''He had nothing then,'' the Prism president said, adding that for the last few years, after he became chief minister, he had accumulated assets uneven to his source of income.

He also alleged that while Mr Zoramthanga was the agriculture minister he had bought the infamous Aii Puk farm worth Rs 10 lakh.

However, the chief minister said the property was worth Rs 2 lakh.

Moreover, farming materials worth Rs 37 lakh were diverted from the Agriculture and Minor Irrigation's district agriculture office in Aizawl West to the Aii Puk Zau Cooperative Farming Society owned by Mr Zoramthanga, the Prism alleged.

Based on Mizoram Salaries and Allowances of Ministers Act 1999, Mr Zoramthanga's total remuneration added upto Rs 25,500 per month but the assests declared before filing the nomination for 2003 Assembly poll was over Rs 47,72,378, Prism pointed out.

Among others, Prism mentioned that the Chief Minister even owned a Rs 18.65 lakh worth Maruti Grand Vitara and was constructing a huge mansion at Chaltlang area here.

UNI