Total bandh paralyses Mizoram

Aizawl, Apr 27 (UNI) A dawn-to-dusk Mizoram bandh, jointly called by youth wings of the state's opposition parties, brought life to a standstill in urban parts today.

Youth wings of the Congress, Mizoram People Conference and Zoram Nationalist Party called the bandh to protest alleged misuse of the centrally-sponsored Bamboo Flowering and Famine combat Scheme (Baffacos) funds, deteriorating law and order and the ruling Zoramthanga-led Mizo National Front's nexus with underground groups.

The youth wings decided to organise the bandh despite stiff opposition from human rights activists here who said the worst-hit people would be the poor daily earners.

However, the bandh organisers said they understood the condition of the daily earners but had no option in view of the 'deteriorating' socio-political situation in Mizoram. They also claimed they had the support of the Zoram Kuthnathawktute Pawl (farmers' association).

The bandh is on in all districts, except Saiha, which had been exempted since the Autonomous District Council is going to polls shortly.

No untoward incident had taken place as the government did not oppose the bandh. All ministers and government officials were staying indoors. The only presence on roads were a few policemen, bandh organisers and children playing on streets.

UNI