Aizawl: The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) on Tuesday demanded that Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma publicly apologise and withdraw or correct his remarks on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and the 1986 Mizo Peace Accord, alleging that they were factually incorrect and detrimental to the interests of the state.
The demand followed a joint meeting of the MNF’s National Core Committee, Political Affairs Committee and party legislators, which reviewed Lalduhoma’s speech at a freshers’ social and felicitation programme at Mizoram Law College on July 31.
In a resolution adopted at the meeting, the MNF alleged that the Chief Minister had made “false statements” about the ILP and the peace accord. The party claimed the remarks could harm the interests of Mizoram, the Mizo community and Christianity, while weakening ethnic unity and the state’s security safeguards.
The MNF asked Lalduhoma to issue a public apology and retract or correct his remarks before August 15.
Describing the statements as “offensive, misleading and deeply regrettable”, the party said it would continue political action over the issue and was considering further agitation, including a statewide bandh, if necessary.
The controversy stems from Lalduhoma’s remarks at Mizoram Law College, where he said the continuation of the ILP system ultimately rests with the Centre, which has the authority to revoke it.
The Chief Minister had cautioned that the permit system should be implemented with “reasonable restraint” and legal balance, warning that arbitrary enforcement against non-locals could invite judicial scrutiny and potentially lead to the system being struck down by a court.
Lalduhoma had also questioned the use of the term “Mizoram Accord”, saying the 1986 agreement was technically not a pact between the Government of India and the State of Mizoram but between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and a political organisation in Mizoram.
He further said that while the Centre is required to consult the Mizoram government before making changes to the ILP system, the accord does not make the state government’s consent mandatory.
Meanwhile, the youth wing of the Mizoram Congress staged a demonstration on Tuesday, accusing Lalduhoma of downplaying the significance of the ILP and the historic peace accord.
The protesters alleged that his remarks could weaken Mizoram’s territorial safeguards and undermine the state’s peace settlement. During the protest outside Vanapa Hall, demonstrators displayed a composite image depicting the Chief Minister wearing a traditional women’s garment, or Pawnfen.
Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Rosiamngheta said Lalduhoma’s remarks undermined the state’s protective mechanisms and disregarded the sacrifices behind Mizoram’s peace process.
“The peace and stability that Mizoram enjoys today were achieved only because of former chief minister and veteran Congress leader Lal Thanhawla and his colleagues surrendering their posts for the sake of Mizoram. Such hard-earned peace should never be spoken of lightly,” Rosiamngheta said.
He also alleged that the Chief Minister’s comments on the ILP suggested making entry into Mizoram easier for people from outside the state, who, he claimed, were economically stronger and numerically larger than the Mizo population.
According to Rosiamngheta, such a position could weaken safeguards meant to protect indigenous communities.
“The chief minister has deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Mizoram. The Congress youth demand that he must issue a public apology for his remarks within this week,” he said.
The MNF and Congress protests have intensified the political row over Lalduhoma’s interpretation of the ILP system and the 1986 peace agreement, with both opposition parties demanding that he clarify or withdraw his remarks.