Mizo students oppose railway link to Sairang

Aizawl, Aug 29: The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), a students' body, has decided to oppose the proposed Northeast Frontier Railway link to Mizoram's Sairang, about 30 kms from Aizawl.

MZP president P C Laltlansanga here today alleged the railway link to Sairang would pose assimilation threat to Mizos adding that they would object to it.

"We apprehend that a railline would mean easy access for illegal immigrants. It will be impossible to inspect all the passengers and many illegal immigrants would be able to slip into Mizoram,'' he said.

''The apprehension is about assimilation which the Mizo society has been guarding against at all times. Being very few in number, Mizos could be easily assimilated socially and economically,'' the president added.

Sources said survey for the new railway line from Bairabi to Sairang had been completed and the proposal had been processed for necessary clearance.

Meanwhile, Brig T Sailo-led Mizoram People's Conference was also against the railway connection.

Besides the railway agenda, the MZP was contemplating to organise a statewide protest against the air strike of the Indian Air Force at Aizawl in 1966 against the Mizo National Front-led insurgency.

''The Centre would be asked to apologise for the air attack, which is known to be the first and only air attack launched against its own people,'' Mr Laltlansanga said.

UNI