Tense situation in Hnahthial as govt refuses to create new district

Aizawl, Jun 3(UNI) Tension gripped Hnahthial sub-division following the Zoramthanga Cabinet's refusal to create any new district.

Several blasts rocked the southern Mizoram town last night even as the Hnahthial District Demand Committee called an indefinite blockade on National Highway 54 that passes through the town.

The road blockade started immediately after the Cabinet meeting's decision, which went against the wishes of the people of Hnahthial who had been demanding district status.

Police said around midnight last night an irate mob burnt down a vehicle, coming from Lunglei, allegedly passed through the town defying the blockade.

However, the people in the vehicle remained unharmed, the source added.

Lunglei SDO (Sadar) and additional SP rushed to Hnahthial today but the road blockade prevented them from entering the town.

Chief Secretary Haukhum Hauzel said creation of a new district is not feasible for the state government. Moreover, population of Hnahthial and its area is too small for a district.

'' Besides our non-plan expenditure has already exceeded 58 per cent whereas a new district will mean increased non-plan expenditure,'' Hauzel told newspersons here.

UNI ZS KK RL AS1837