Ex-MNF rebels on fast-unto-death demanding rehabilitation

Aizawl, July 8 (UNI) At the age of 82, Mr H Lalthanga, former MP, is still living a life not much better than the jungle life, without a home to call his own, struggling hard for the next day's meal.

Lalthanga is among the 36 ex-MNF rebels who are undertaking a fast-unto-death demanding rehabilitation as promised by the MNF-India historic peace accord 1986.

The ex-rebels alleged that the MNF-India peace accord has not been implemented in regard to the resettlement of the surrendered rebels About 500 MNF rebels surrendered following the 1986 peace accord.

They alleged that the present MNF ministry's negligence on them added salt to their wounds.''We are not demanding rehabilitation funds from the state government, but we only urge the state government to make a plan to the Central government for our rehabilitation. The MNF government has refused to do this during these two successive terms,'' lamented former self-styled Colonel R Lalrawnliana.

Lalrawnliana, who had been an MLA in the early MNF ministry, joined the hunger strike from Saturday, which coincided with the 17th death anniversary of MNF founder president Laldenga. The MNF leadership, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, paid floral tribute to the tomb of Laldenga at the War Memorial here yesterday while their former followers in their fight for independence were undertaking a fast-unto-death a few metres away.

Former chief minister and state pradesh Congress chief Lal Thanhawla accused the MNF leaders of neglecting the rehabilitation for their cadres during the peace talks with the Indian government.

''Actually, the MNF leaders were not interested in the rehabilitation for their cadres in their demands during the peace talks as long as they could become ministers under the India Union. It was then Mizoram chief secretary Lalkhama who brought up the rehabilitation issue,'' Lal Thanhawla, who surrendered his chief minister's throne for the sake of the peace accord in 1986, said at a press conference at his Zarkawt residence here.

''We did not know what exactly was included in the MNF demands during the peace talks. What we knew were our leaders promised us all kinds of rehabilitation- houses, jobs, etc. only after which we surrendered our arms and came overground. Otherwise, we would never have surrendered,'' the former SS colonel Lalrawnliana added. ''What we demand is rehabilitate us as you had promised.'' As the fast-unto-death entered day four on Sunday, the ex-MNF rebels are planning to organise poster campaign, rally and total bandh against non-Mizos as required along with the fast.

UNI