Hmar outfit warns Congress MLA in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 31 (UNI) Manipur-based Hmar National Assembly (HNA) today warned Congress MLA R Lalzirliana following his allegation that the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) had given them AK-47 rifles.

An HNA statement here said, ''Lalzirliana has told the Mizoram Assembly an outright lie, which was contempt to the House as well as to the people of Hmar and unless he is able to provide witness, he will be responsible for any consequence.'' Lalzirliana had alleged that the Mizoram government had handed over 12 AK-47 rifles to the banned-outfit at Zilthawchhuah, a Manipur village near Mizoram border, on January 13. The arms were transported in a Bolero car with registration number MZ-01B-3645.

The HNA will leave no stone unturned to reveal the truth to the people, the statement said, adding, ''The vehicle went to Parbung (Manipur) from Aizawl on January 13 which can proved by the Assam Rifles check-gate on the road.'' Meanwhile, Home Minister Tawnluia yesterday submitted a petition to the Assembly Speaker to constitute a 'House inquiry committee' to probe into the allegation.

''I was not aware of the 'giving of 12 AK-47 rifles to Hmar outfit' until Mr Lalzirliana mentioned it in the House. The police immediately investigated into the allegation but, an inquiry committee is necessary because the people of Mizoram should know the truth,'' he said.

Adding fuel to the issue, youth wings of the three opposition parties, MPCC, MPC and ZNP, came out with a joint press release today, lashing out at the HNA statement.

The HNA leaders were summoned by the MNF government through its CID personnel on the night of March 29 following which the statement was made, the joint press release said, adding the meeting included the outfit's president Thansung, the vehicle owner and driver.

The press release also said the MLA had more information, which he did not disclose in the House, such as the registration number of the police van through which the arms were passed on to the Sumo and the name of the police officer involved.

Expressing solidarity with the MLA, the release warned that if any negative consequence befalls him, because of revealing the truth, the HNA would be held responsible.

UNI