Home minister condemns blast

Aizawl, Mar 26(UNI) Mizoram Home Minister Tawnluia today condemned the blast that rocked Hnam Run (Mizo National Front general headquarters office) here last night.

Making a statement in the Assembly, the minister reported that the blast partially damaged the party office and the adjoining buildings such as Vanapa Hall, the city's largest auditorium, a hotel, a PCO, a restaurant, hawkers' sheds and a public lavatory.

''My government strongly condemns such attempt to destroy peace and tranquility in Mizoram. My government will try every effort to ensure that such incident does not take place anymore,'' Tawnluia said in his statement.

The blast did not cause any major damage, police said today.

The Assembly session was in progress when the blast took place, and Chief Minister Zoramthanga, a few ministers and MLAs also inspected the spot soon after the blast.

It occurred when the entire city was in a blackout due to power outage.

A case had been filed with the Aizawl police station and an FIR submitted by the ruling MNF party.

The police were investigating into the matter.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress today alleged that the blast was the handiwork of the MNF to divert people's attention from its 'weak' performances which were being highlighted in the ongoing assembly session.

UNI ZS PL RD 1341