Non-Mizo curfew lifted after retaliation threats
Aizawl, Jul 25 (UNI) The six-day non-Mizo(Vais) 'curfew' in Mizoram was lifted yesterday after retaliatory threats from several non-Mizo organisations outside Mizoram.
The Mizo Students' Union (MSU) had imposed indefinite 'curfew' on non-Mizos. However, it called off the 'curfew' following requests from the government, public and the churches.
Meanwhile, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the more influential students' body, held a meeting with the home minister yesterday, discussing the call-off. Later, the MZP, in a statement, said the 'curfew' was called off from last evening, adding that it was not enforced but only a request to non-Mizos to stay indoors for their own safety.
''The request to non-Mizos not to go out to avoid possible backlashes has been misinterpreted as curfew. As the situation appears to return to normal and following appeals from the churches, the people and the government, the MZP has decided to shorten the period advised for the non-Mizos to stay indoors,'' MZP president P C Laltlansanga said.
The MZP also apologised to non-Mizos who might have faced problems due to non-availability of essential commodities during the 'curfew' period. It appealed to both the Mizos and non-Mizos to forget their disputes and live together peacefully as before.
Yesterday, the All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students' Association (ACKHSA), supported by Business Advisory Committee of Dholai Constituency and Silchar Truck Owners' Association, threatened a counter-curfew and economic blockade unless the 'non-Mizos curfew' in Mizoram was lifted.
Similarly, other non-Mizo associations reportedly wrote a letter to the Mizoram chief minister on July 23, threatening retaliation against Mizo communities outside the state in protest against the ''inhumane non-Mizos curfew to which the Mizoram government remained a silent spectator.'' Sources said the Mizoram House at Kolkata was yesterday gheraoed by local people which, however, was prevented from snowballing into a major problem due to police intervention.
UNI