The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) on Tuesday demanded that Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma publicly apologise and withdraw or correct his recent remarks on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and the 1986 Peace Accord, alleging that his statements were factually incorrect and harmful to the interests of the state and its people.
The demand followed a joint meeting of the MNF’s National Core Committee, Political Affairs Committee and party legislators, which reviewed the Chief Minister’s speech delivered at a freshers’ social and felicitation programme at Mizoram Law College on July 31.
In a resolution adopted during the meeting, the MNF accused Lalduhoma of making what it described as false statements regarding the ILP and the historic peace accord. The party claimed the remarks could adversely affect the interests of Mizoram, the Mizo community and Christianity, while also weakening ethnic unity and the state’s security safeguards.
The opposition party called on the Chief Minister to issue a public apology to the people of Mizoram and withdraw or correct his statements before August 15. It described his comments as offensive, misleading and deeply regrettable, and warned that it would continue political action over the issue. The MNF also indicated that it was preparing for further protests, including the possibility of a statewide bandh if its demands were not met.
The controversy arose from Lalduhoma’s address at Mizoram Law College, where he stated that the continuation of the ILP system ultimately rested with the Central government, which had the authority to revoke it. He had also said the permit system should be implemented with reasonable restraint and legal balance, cautioning that arbitrary action against non-locals could invite judicial scrutiny and even result in the system being struck down by the courts.
The Chief Minister had further questioned the commonly used term “Mizoram Accord”, arguing that the 1986 agreement was not technically a pact between the Government of India and the Government of Mizoram but an agreement signed between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and a political organisation based in the state. Referring to its provisions, he said the Centre was required to consult the Mizoram government before making changes to the ILP system, but the state’s consent was not mandatory.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the Mizoram Congress staged a protest on Tuesday against the Chief Minister, accusing him of diminishing the significance of both the ILP system and the historic peace accord. Demonstrators gathered outside Vanapa Hall, where they displayed a controversial composite image portraying Lalduhoma wearing a traditional women’s garment, known as the Pawnfen.
Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Rosiamngheta criticised the Chief Minister’s remarks, alleging that they weakened the state’s constitutional safeguards and disregarded the sacrifices made to secure lasting peace in Mizoram. He said the peace and stability enjoyed by the state today had been achieved through the efforts and sacrifices of former Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his colleagues, and should not be treated lightly.
Rosiamngheta also alleged that Lalduhoma’s comments on the ILP implied making entry into Mizoram easier for people from outside the state, who, he claimed, were economically stronger and numerically larger than the indigenous Mizo population. He argued that such an approach could endanger the state’s future and erode the protections designed to safeguard indigenous communities.
Stating that the Chief Minister’s remarks had deeply hurt public sentiment, Rosiamngheta said the Congress youth wing was demanding a public apology within the week.
The protests by both the MNF and the Congress have intensified the political controversy surrounding Lalduhoma’s interpretation of the Inner Line Permit system and the 1986 Peace Accord, with both opposition parties insisting that he clarify or withdraw his remarks.
