Mizo organisation impose curfew, more than 798 non-Mizos ousted

Silchar, Jul 24 (UNI) A Coordination Committee of 23 organisations today staged dharna in front of the Cachar District Commissioner's office to sent a memorandum to Assam governor demanding withdrawal of 'curfew' in Mizoram.

Assam police here today said several Mizo organisations have imposed the curfew following killing of a Mizo youth and injuring of another at Dholai area of Cachar district in Assam on July 18.

''So far 798 non-Mizos have arrived in Cachar from Mizoram following harassment by the Mizos,'' a senior police official said.

The Mizoram authorities had arranged the safe arrival of these people near Lailapur checkgate in Assam border under tight security, he said.

However, according to unofficial sources the number is more than 2000 and their names had not been registered by Mizoram or Assam authorities.

A 24-hour bandh in Vairengte sub-division of Mizoram in this regard, called by Joint Action Committee, ended peacefully on Tuesday afternoon.

The committee had demanded Rs 16 lakh as compensation by Assam government to the deceased and arrest of the culprits.

''If our demands are not fulfilled within July 26 we will go for wide agitation,'' Committee chairman Martin Zothanfala said.

Meanwhile, economic blockade, called by Bam (southern Cachar) Regional Merchants Association on NH 54 connecting Silchar with Aizawl continued for the second day today protesting against the 'curfew' and harassment of non-Mizos in Mizoram.

Electricity and water supply to the non-Mizos had been stopped and they were even prevented from coming out of their residences to purchase essential commodities.

UNI