Congress to look after former rebels

Aizawl, Jul 3 : Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and Opposition leader Lalthanhawla said his party would look after the welfare of the former Mizo National Front (MNF) rebels as soon as it comes to power.

Speaking at the Congress headquarters here today, Lalthanhawla spoke of how the MNF rebellion had started and said the MNF leader Laldenga had summoned a MNF senate meeting on February 28, 1966 where he wanted to rescind the decision to come out in an armed rebellion against the Indian government.

''We will always remember those who laid down their lives for their cause and those who are still with us now. We are proud of them and as soon as we hold the reins of power, we will fulfill all the promises broken by the present MNF government'', he said.

Alleging that Mizoram had become a heaven for insurgents, Mr Hawla said the peace that he had ushered in was no longer there now.

Mr Hawla also alleged that the state provided shelter to insurgents of all kinds and people no longer feel secure in Mizoram.

Lalthanhawla had said much the same thing while declining an invitation from Chief Secretary Hauzel Haukhum to the government-organised function for the Peace Accord Day celebrations.

He had said the state was being overrun by insurgents and gun smugglers and that people could no longer sleep in peace.

UNI