Congress links blast to attempt on Thanhawla

Aizawl, Apr 18 (UNI) The Congress party today alleged that the blast, near the Lawngtlai tourist lodge yesterday, was targetted at their state president Lal Thanhawla, who was then staying at the lodge.

The opposition leader was on his way back from Mara district, where he had campaigned for the upcoming polls and made a night halt at Lawngtlai. He stayed back to overview the present political development in the Lai district on Monday night.

The Congress has even identified the culprits behind the gelatine blast.

''The son of MNF Chief Executive Member Thanghluta and his friend were the culprits behind the blast. They have been arrested by police and being interrogated,'' Congress MLA R Lalzirliana told UNI.

''In the ongoing fight between Congress and MNF for the Lai council, there is lesser hope for the MNF, which was why they planned to attack the state party chief. However, the police had been informed of the conspiracy, because of which Mr Hawla was given a 24-hour security,'' Mr Lalzirliana added.

He even alleged that the explosives were made at the MNF CEM's house.

He said the duo headed for the lodge on a bike, but on seeing the police and Congress workers guarding the lodge, they did not dare to approach and so failed to accomplish their mission.

UNI