Ousted MCP leaders refuse to quit

Aizawl, May 13 (UNI) The ousted leaders of the Mizoram Congress Party (MCP) have refused to leave the party, claiming that they were the ''legitimate office-bearers'' of the party.

MCP president John Lalsangzuala had expelled three of his party's office-bearers for their alleged anti-party activities.

The dispute arose after the MCP decided to return to its parent party - Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee - after three years of existence as a separate party.

''We will not allow the MCP to fade away, we will instead strive to achieve what had been laid down in the party's constitution with all of its aims and objectives,'' Mr H Lalengvela, who claimed he was the ''newly appointed MCP general secretary'', told UNI here today.

''Majority of the party's members are not willing to return to the MPCC, led by Mr Lal Thanhawla,'' he added.

He also said he had informed the Election Commission of India of the ''change of guard'' in the party's general headquarters.

Talking to mediapersons, outlawed general secretary of the party L T Zothankhuma said the leaders had been ousted from the party without any valid reasons.

The MCP was floated in August 2005 by then MPCC vice-president John Lalsangzuala and other senior Congress leaders following a dispute with Mr Thanhawla.

Later, it formed an alliance with the ruling Mizo National Front with two MLAs.

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