Mizoram Opposition moves no confidence

Aizawl, Mar 30 (UNI) The entire Opposition in Mizoram Assembly moved a no confidence motion against the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) government today forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for the day.

Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) legislator Lalduhawma moved the motion during zero hour and it was supported by 12 legislators, including Congress and Mizoram Peoples' Conference (MPC) besides ZNP.

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 North East made Mizoram a corridor for arm smuggling.

Finally, Speaker Lalchamliana adjourned the House till Monday.

Meanwhile, Congress, MPC and ZNP youth wings submitted a joint memorandum yesterday to Governor Lt Gen (Retd) M M Lakhera demanding imposition of President's rule (Article 356) in the state, alleging that the MNF had supplied 12 AK series rifles to Hmar National Army (HNA), an underground outfit, operating along the Mizoram-Manipur border.

The memorandum also alleged that the insurgent groups from other NE states had made Mizoram their home, occupying rented premises and having telephone landline connections adding, ''Insurgents feel so safe in Mizoram that gun-running has become a thriving business here.'' On the other hand, state home minister and senior MNF leader Tawnluia submitted an application to the Speaker today urging to conduct parliamentary inquiry into the Opposition's allegation.

UNI