Opposition parties criticise Inquiry Committee

Aizawl, Apr 17 (UNI) The Opposition parties in Mizoram today expressed disappointment over the composition of the inquiry committee to probe the alleged supply of arms to Hmar insurgent groups.

''Looking into the composition of the House Inquiry Committee, it seems that the committee will be controlled by the ruling MNF,'' Zoram Nationalist Party MLA Andrew Lalherliana said.

The inquiry committee, formed by the Mizo Assembly, is headed by Chairman Kawrthah MLA Saikapthianga of the Mizoram Congress Party.

The members include Lalchhandama Ralte and Lalthlengliana of the MNF, Andrew Lalherliana of the ZNP, H Liansailova of the Congress, and Sailothanga Sailo of the MPC.

According to an MLA Andrew, the period of six months given to the committee to submit its report is 'very limited'.

''I have very little hope in the inquiry committee, since the Suangpuilawn kidnap case still remains unsolved even after more than three years,'' he said.

Supporting him, Congress MLA Lalzirliana said, ''We have not made any comment as a party. But personally speaking, it looks like the House is not keen enough to unearth the truth.'' ''On behalf of the Opposition parties, I have said in the House that we would not accept any inquiry committee chaired by the ruling MNF,'' ZNP President Lalduhoma informed.

However, Assembly speaker Lalchamliana said it was a 'precedence of the House' to have a ruling MLA as Chairman of any House committee.

The opposition parties have been accusing the Zoramthanga government of providing arms to the Manipur-based insurgent groups such as the Hmar National Army, the Zomi Revolutionary Army and Bangladesh's Shanti Bahini, in exchange for their support during the elections.

UNI