MNF to abstain from Prez polls

Aizawl, July 18 (UNI) The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) Legislature party has decided to abstain from voting in the Presidential elections in protest against the proposed 103rd Constitutional amendment to redefine the minorities status.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga today said the MNF Legislators had unanimously agreed to abstain from voting in the Presidential elections in protest against the UPA government's move to ''oppress'' the minorities of India.

Mr Zoramthanga said once the 103rd Constitutional amendment was passed, Mizo Christians and other minorities would loss the minority status.

The much-opposed Bill is to be brought in the coming monsoon session of Parliament in August which would redefine the status of minorities once again.

'' In protest against the UPA move to oppress the minorities, we have decided not to vote for UPA candidate Pratibha Patil. Neither will we vote for Independent candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat considering his past life, '' he said.

He stated that the two MNF MPs - Lalhmingliana (Rajya Sabha) and Vanlalzawma (Lok Sabha) - had been requested to abstain from the Presidential polls.

The other Legislature parties, Congress, Zoram Nationalist Party, Mizoram People's Party and Mizoram Congress Party are yet to announce their stand.

MNF has 26, Congress 7, MPC 3, ZNP 2 and MCP 2 MLAs in the 40-member Mizoram House.

UNI