Congress to retain power in Mizoram : Hawla

Aizawl, Nov 14 (UNI) Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Lalthan Hawla today asserted that his party will retain power in the 2008 assembly elections in Mizoram.

Talking to the mediapersons here he said famine funds known as Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme (BAFFACOS), provided by the Centre, had been grossly misused by the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) cadres but revenge-seeking would not be the priority once his party comes back to power.

''The Central Bureau of Investigation would not be called to look into the MNF affairs though the party is indulging in huge misappropriation of funds and organised corruption,'' he said.

Mr Hawla said his main thrust would be poverty alleviation and allocation of house sites in urban areas for those without a home and the state government would initiate necessary investigation by it's own agency against corruption.

''There is mismanagement in the maintenance of law and order in the MNF government necessitating the involvment of NGOs. They may help in maintaining law and order but they can in no way take the responsiblity of law and order,'' Mr Hawla maintained.

He further stated that the Congress brought peace in the state and the MNF could not complete the full term due to squabbles within the party even after winning the elections in 1987.

He reiterated the accusation that Chief Minister Zoramthanga had been 'giving' hospitality to various rebel groups who ''feel more at home in the chief minister's bungalow'' than residents of Mizoram.

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