Aizawl: Mizo National Front (MNF) vice-president and former legislator D. Thangliana on Monday asserted that the MNF remains the only political party capable of protecting the interests, security and welfare of the Mizo people.
Addressing a meeting at Mizo Hnam Run, the MNF headquarters, Thangliana recalled the challenges the party faced following the signing of the peace accord with the Centre and its subsequent formation of the government. He said the MNF government was dismissed around 18 months after assuming office, triggering widespread criticism of the party and its leadership. Despite the setback, the party recovered from the crisis and returned to electoral politics, winning five of the 14 Assembly seats it contested, he added.
Reflecting on the MNF government’s 2018-2023 tenure, Thangliana said the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the economy and governance across the country, including Mizoram. He claimed that the state did not receive the anticipated budget allocation of Rs 2,371.90 crore, leaving the government grappling with significant financial constraints.
Despite imposing a lockdown lasting more than 700 days, Mizoram recorded one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates, which he attributed to the government’s efforts.Highlighting the implementation of the Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP), Thangliana said 220 families that opted for piggery received Rs 3 lakh each, while beneficiaries who selected poultry and sericulture were provided Rs 1.5 lakh each.“Despite not receiving the budget we were supposed to get, we distributed around Rs 975 crore under the SEDP. This was due to the efforts of God and our leaders,” he said.
Referring to the recent visit of MNF leaders to Manipur, Thangliana said the party had expressed concern over divisions among the Hmar, Paite and Kuki communities and appealed to them to maintain unity.He said the appeal had received a positive response and announced that the party planned to organise a joint meeting on October 23 as part of further efforts to promote reconciliation.
Thangliana also emphasised that the MNF maintained its distinct political position despite being a constituent of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).“Even though we are part of the NDA, our leaders will never support anything that threatens the security or interests of our land and people,” he said, reiterating that the MNF was the most dependable political force for safeguarding the security and welfare of the Mizo people.