Sit-in-demonstration against harassment of non-Mizos in Mizoram

 FROM OUR Special Correspondent

 SILCHAR, April 13: Political leaders and social activists cutting across party affiliations staged a sit-in-demonstration before the office of the deputy resident commissioner, Mizoram House at Soi Road of this town, against the intimidation and inhuman treatment, causing mental agony and threat to life and property of the non-Mizos in Mizoram today.

In a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lal Thanhawla, submitted through the deputy resident commissioner and signed by a number of the demonstrators called for immediate and effective steps to stop the mental and physical assault of the non-Mizos, engaged in various business and other activities in the interest of the local people. In order to ventilate the grievances of the affected people of Mizoram, the newly formed Forum for the Protection of Non-Mizos, a non-political platform of south Assam, while articulating their problems and difficulties stressed on the fact that it is in the true spirit of the Constitution and democratic tradition that the government of the state should ensure peaceful and harmonious living of all Indian communities and religious groups.

It was reminded that Mizoram and south Assam have been maintaining cordial and cultural affinity for ages. Mizo people have been carrying on their business in south Assam without any fear. Students from the state are pursuing their studies in different educatiol institutions and Assam University without any disturbances or bias towards them. The civil society, social organizations and intellectuals of this valley have been disturbed by the information about the unfortute happenings in Mizoram involving in non-Mizos.

The Forum for the Protection of Non-Mizos has taken up the issue seriously and impresses upon the state government for upholding the traditiol harmony between the Mizos and non-Mizos. The specific information as gathered by the Forum speaks of Bengali communities from this valley are being targeted and threatened and even asked to leave the state. Such intimidations are being carried out by student and youth bodies under the banner of MZP (Mizo Zirlawi Pawl) and MTP (Mizo Thalai Pawl), pointed out the Forum.

Of concern is that non-Mizo traders are forced to shut down their shutters without any justification. There are also incidents of shops and other business establishments being looted by the hooligans backed by MZP and MTP. All these are taking place under the very nose of the administration. Non-Mizo labourers are also targeted and not allowed to work in the state. As Indian citizens, they have every right to do their business and work anywhere in the country.

The Forum cites the brutality towards the non-Mizos which includes electric shocks, illegal detentions, extortion demands and at random notices on them. Not only that a curfew like situation is imposed for the non-Mizos. All this indicate that there is total breakdown of law and order in the state. The anti democratic and anti constitutiol activities of the student and youth organizations of Mizoram are fraught with dire consequences. All these must be contained by the government in power.

In view of the serious developments dovetailing in the state, the Forum while recording its deep resentment and anguish demands of the Mizoram Government to rein in the anti Indian activities of both the identified bodies. Failing which, the Forum would be forced to go for long drawn agitation in the valley to ensure the safety and security of the Bengalis in Mizoram. The Forum at the same time cautions the state government if no concrete steps are taken, it will wait for 7 days from the submission of the memorandum and launch mass movement in a democratic manner.