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Aizawl: The Assam Rifles recovered and seized heroin and contraband drugs worth Rs 130 crore in Mizoram in last 45 days, officials said. From January this year till February 15, the Assam Rifles recovered and seized contraband drugs worth Rs 130 crore in Mizoram. "From January 2024 to date, Assam Rifles in Mizoram have recovered 4.009 kg of Heroine No 4 and, 3,32,308 tablets of Meth-Amphetamine, with a total worth of Rs 123.49 crore and contraband items worth Rs 8.18 crore. Which makes the total recovered drugs and contraband items worth of Rs 130 crore, including recovery of exotic animals since January 2024," the Public Relations Officer of IGAR (East) said in a statement on Friday.
As per the statement, Assam Rifles recovered heroin weighing 480 grams worth Rs 3.36 crore and apprehended one individual in the general area crossing Point-I, Zokhawthar Champhai district, in Mizoram on February 14. The apprehended individual was handed over to the police. "The operation was carried out by a combined team of Assam Rifles along with representative of Police Department in Zokhawthar based on specific information. The entire consignment of Heroin No -4 and apprehended individual were handed over to Police Department Zokhawthar for further legal proceedings," it said. "Ongoing smuggling of contraband items is a major cause of concern for the state of Mizoram and India," it added.
—ANI

Assam Rifles seize heroin and contraband drugs worth Rs 130 crore in Mizoram. Ongoing smuggling concerns highlighted.

Drugs worth Rs 130 cr seized in Mizoram in last 45 days: Assam Rifles

Aizawl: Mizoram and Assam on Friday agreed to make joint efforts to resolve the long pending inter-state border dispute, an official statement said here.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma on Friday morning invited his Mizoram counterpart Lalduhoma, who is currently in Guwahati, over a meal and both leaders discussed the border issue.  During the meeting, Lalduhoma and Sarma agreed to make collective efforts to resolve the border dispute between the two northeastern states, it said.  Both leaders also agreed to maintain peace along the borders as long as the two neighbouring states hold border talks, it said.
Sarma told Lalduhoma that he will send the minister in charge of border to Mizoram when the ongoing budget session of the Assam assembly is over.  Three Mizoram districts - Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit - share a 164.6 km long border with Assam's Cachar, Karmganj and Hailankandi districts.  The border dispute between the two neighbouring states is a long-standing issue, which mainly stemmed from two colonial demarcations.  Mizoram claims that 509 square miles area of the inner line reserved forest, notified in 1875 under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, falls within its territory. Assam, on the other hand, regarded the border shown in a map prepared by the Survey of India in 1933 as its constitutional boundary.
Vast areas within the inner line reserved forest now fall under Assam. Similarly, a certain extent of the area, as per the 1933 demarcation, is now on the Mizoram side. There is no ground demarcation of boundaries between the two states.  The border dispute between Mizoram and Assam had taken an ugly turn in July 2021 when police forces of the two states exchanged fire at the inter-state boundary, leading to the death of six policemen and a civilian from Assam.
—PTI

Assam and Mizoram unite to resolve border dispute. Leaders commit to peace talks, diplomatic solutions, and preventing escalations.

Mizoram, Assam agree to resolve border dispute

Aizawl: At least 151 Myanmarese soldiers fled to Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after their camps in the neighbouring country were overrun by an armed ethnic group, an Assam Rifles officer said on Saturday.
The Myanmarese army personnel, also known as the 'Tatmadaw,' fled with their arms and approached the Assam Rifles at Tuisentlang in Lawngtlai district on Friday after their camps near the international border were overrun by the Arakan Army fighters, he said.  The officer said that there had been intense gunfights between the Myanmar army and the Arakan Army fighters for the past few days in areas close to the Indian border.  He said that some of the Myanmarese Army personnel, who entered Mizoram on Friday, were critically injured and first aids were administered to them by the Assam Rifles.
The Myanmar army soldiers are now in the safe custody of Assam Rifles at Parva in Lawngtlai district near the Myanmar border, he said.  The Myanmar soldiers will be sent back to their country in some days as talks are going on between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Myanmar military government, he added.  In November, a total of 104 Myanmar soldiers fled to Mizoram after their military camps along the Myanmar-India border were overrun by pro-democracy militia - People's Defence Force (PDF).  They were airlifted by the Indian Airforce to Moreh in Manipur, from where they crossed the international border and entered Tamu, the nearest border town in Myanmar.
—PTI

At least 151 Myanmarese soldiers fled to Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after their camps in the neighbouring country were overrun by an armed ethnic group

151 soldiers from Myanmar flee to Mizoram

Aizawl (Mizoram): Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) founder Lalduhoma took oath as Chief Minister of Mizoram at Rajbhavan here on Friday. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath of office and secrecy.
Earlier, Lalduhoma met the Governor on Thursday and staked claim to form the government in the state. "We talked about the formation of new government. He had asked me to form government which will be done on Friday and next week we'll have the first session. We are very happy and were very honoured by the Governor. Our priority is to buy agriculture products and we have selected four items for that," he said after meeting the Governor.  Further speaking on Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, Lalduhoma again said that they all are Indian citizens and there is no difference. "Yesterday, I talked to the Home Minister, I will go to Delhi and meet him and discuss the issue. They are all Indian citizens. There is no difference. Home Minister has assured of full cooperation," he said. Earlier, Lalduhoma also said that he would announce his government's priorities in a press conference after he is sworn in as Chief Minister. "This is the blessing of God &amp; the blessing of the people for which I am very happy and thankful. We had been expecting (such a big win) right from the previous year. We know the mood of the people. We know that they are in our favour...There is no contender at all...They had already selected me last year. It was already announced to the people that if ZPM returns to power Lalduhoma is going to be the CM. That is known by the people right from the previous year. There are many issues, as a government we have 45 departments looking after various things...After the swearing-in ceremony is over, I am going to have a press meeting for the first time as the CM. I am going to announce our top priorities" he said.  ZPM registered a landslide victory by winning 27 out of 40 assembly constituencies in Mizoram, of which results were declared on December 4. The ZPM, which was formed six years ago through a merger of six smaller outfits, swept the assembly polls, ending the decades-old trend of power alternating between the MNF and the Congress in the Northeast state. From being in charge of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's security detail to leading the ZPM to a historic win, Lalduhoma's journey has been all about battling against the odds. His journey as an IPS officer started in 1977. Interestingly, he served as a squad leader in Goa, tasked with cracking down on delinquent hippies and smugglers. His achievements were recognised by the national media. Lalduhoma quit his job to join the Congress and was elected from Mizoram's lone Lok Sabha seat in 1984.  Following his service, Lalduhoma founded the ZPM, a party which, in time, found a firm foothold in Mizoram and grew to become a key player in the state's political landscape.
—ANI

Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) founder Lalduhoma took oath as Chief Minister of Mizoram at Rajbhavan here on Friday.

ZPM founder Lalduhoma takes oath as Mizoram Chief Minister

Aizawl: Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) leader legislature party leader Lalduhoma will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram on Friday, a Raj Bhavan official said.
Besides Lalduhoma other members of his council of ministers will also be sworn in on Friday at 11 am in a function at the Raj Bhavan, the official said on Wednesday.  Earlier in the day Lalduhoma met Governor Hari Babu Khambampati at the Raj Bhavan and staked claim to form the government.  The governor invited him to form the government.  ZPM won 27 of the 40 seats of the Mizoram Assembly, election to which was held on November 7. The party emerged victorious on Monday trouncing Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Zoramthanga.
The ZPM advisory body will meet Lalduhoma on Thursday to discuss the structure of the new government, the general secretary of the ZPM media cell, Eddy Zosangliana Colney said.  The meeting will take the final decision on the formation of the council of ministers and other issues, he said.  Lalduhoma, an ex-IPS officer who had served as the security in-charge of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was unanimously elected the leader of the Zoram People's Movement legislature party at a meeting of its newly elected legislators on Tuesday evening. The party working president K Sapdanga was elected as its deputy leader, Colney said.
—PTI

Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) leader legislature party leader Lalduhoma will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram on Friday

Lalduhoma to be sworn in as new Mizoram CM on December 8

Aizawl (Mizoram) [India]: Mizoram CM Zoramthanga tendered his resignation to Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan on Monday and accepted the verdict of the people. The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has won 27 seats, surpassing the mandatory halfway mark in the 40-seat assembly required to constitute the upcoming government in Mizoram.
"Because of the anti-incumbency effect and the people not being satisfied with my performance I lost... I accept the verdict of the people and I hope that the next government will perform well... It (the reason) is the anti-incumbency and Covid onslaught," outgoing Mizoram CM Zoramthanga told reporters on Monday. According to the Election Commission of India, the ZPM secured victory in 27 seats while Mizo National Front - MNF won 10 seats. In a big blow for the ruling Mizo National Front, a constituent of the BJP-helmed NDA, Chief Minister Zoramthanga lost Aizawl East-I seat to Lalthansanga of ZPM by 2,101 votes. Mizoram's political landscape has been dominated by the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) since it attained full statehood in 1987. The President of the MNF and Chief Minister, Zoramthanga has stood out as one of the most prominent figures in this election. He became Chief Minister after the 1998 Assembly polls, ending Congress's 10-year rule. The MNF governed for a decade until Congress won in 2008 and 2013.  Deputy CM Tawnluia lost to ZPM candidate W Chhuanawma in the Tuichang seat by a margin of 909 votes. Lalduhoma, ZPM's Chief Ministerial candidate, has secured a clear victory in the Serchhip constituency. Lalduhoma has registered a decisive win in the Serchhip constituency, defeating MNF candidate J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng by 2982 votes. Lalnghinglova Hmar of ZPM emerged victorious in the Aizawl West-II constituency, defeating state cabinet minister Lalruatkima. In Tuichang, ZPM's W. Chhuanawma prevailed over the incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia. The elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly were held on November 7, with the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) facing a stout challenge from the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Congress, and the BJP.
—ANI

Mizoram CM Zoramthanga tendered his resignation to Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan on Monday and accepted the verdict of the people.

"I accept verdict of people," Mizoram CM Zoramthanga tenders his resignation

New Delhi [India]: Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), a six party alliance, is headed toward forming the government on it own in Mizoram. at 12 noon Election Commission trends showed the ZPM leading in 26 of the 40 seats. Among these ZPM has so far clinched 7 wins on Monday as the counting of votes proceeded further. According to the Election Commission of India, the incumbent the Mizo National Front (MNF) is trailing with 11 seats.
Kolasib- Lal Famikima, Tawi-Prof. Lalnilawma, Aizawl West-I-TBC Lalvenchhunga, Aizawl West-II- Lalnghinglova Hmar, Tuichang- W Chhuanawma, Hrangturzo-LALMUANPUIA PUNTE, South Tuipui- Jeje Lalpekhlua are the winning seats and candidates of the ZPM. ZPM's triumphs have been against prominent leaders of the MNF, including two sitting ministers, with Lalnghinglova Hmar defeating state cabinet minister Lalruatkima and W. Chhuanawma overcoming incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia in Tuichang. The ZPM's Lalnghinglova Hmar brought in the party's second win for the day from the Aizawl West-II constituency. He registered 10398 votes and won with a margin of 4819. ZPM Chief Ministerial candidate Lalduhoma said he would now meet the Governor on Tuesday to stake claim to form the government in the state  "Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow I will meet the Governor...Swearing-in will be within this month" Lalduhoma said. "Mizoram is facing financial crises... That is what we are going to inherit from the outgoing government...We are going to fulfill our commitment... Financial reform is necessary, and for that, we are going to make a resource mobilisation team" Lalduhoma added. While the ECI has not yet declared the result of the seat, trends indicate that incumbent Chief Minister Zoramthanga is set to lose his Aizawl East - I seat to ZPM's Lalthansanga. After three out of three rounds of counting, he is trailing by 2101 votes. The counting of votes in elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly began Monday morning at 8 a.m. Four major contenders were in fray in the northeastern state, which voted to elect its 40-member legislative assembly on November 7. These included the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), the Congress and the BJP.  Mizoram's political landscape has been dominated by the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) since it attained full statehood in 1987.
—ANI

Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), a six party alliance, is headed toward forming the government on it own in Mizoram. at 12 noon Election Commission

Mizoram: ZPM set to form government in state, CM aspirant Lalduhoma to meet Governor on Tuesday

New Delhi [India]: Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has secured its first victory in Tuichang, triumphing over the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA, according to the Election Commission of India. As per the ECI, W Chhuanawma, the ZPM candidate from Tuichang assembly constituency registered victory after defeating MNF candidate Tawnluia.
Early counting trends in Mizoram on Monday showed the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) edging towards victory with majority. As per the latest data available with the poll body, the ZPM was seen leading in 28 assembly constituencies, while the Mizo National Front (MNF) was leading in 7 seats.  The Indian National Congress (INC) is leading in one seat and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in three seats. The counting of votes in elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly began Monday morning at 8 a.m. Four major contenders are in fray in the northeastern state, which voted to elect its 40-member legislative assembly on November 7. These include the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), the Congress and the BJP. Mizoram's political landscape has been dominated by the Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) since it attained full statehood in 1987. The President of the MNF and Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, stands out as one of the most prominent figures in this election.The elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly were held on November 7, with the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) facing a stout challenge from the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Congress, and the BJP.  ZPM is positioning itself as the primary challenger in this election, has nominated their party vice president, Lalthansanga, as a contender against the three-time Chief Minister.
—ANI

Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has secured its first victory in Tuichang, triumphing over the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA

Mizoram Assembly Results: Zoram People's Movement claims first victory in Tuichang defeating incumbent Mizo National Front MLA

Aizawl: As the counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly elections is underway, trends on Monday showed the opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leading in 27 seats leaving far behind the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), which is ahead in nine seats.  The trends showed the opposition Congress leading in one seat while the BJP was ahead in three seats.  ZPM’s President and Chief Ministerial candidate Lalduhoma is leading in the Serchhip seat while most of the prominent nominees of the party were leading in their respective seats.  MNF candidate and Chief Minister Zoramthanga was trailing in the Aizawl East-1 seat while most ministers of the ruling MNF were leading in their respective seats.  The counting of votes for the Mizoram Assembly polls began at 8 a.m. amid elaborate security arrangements in all 11 districts of the state.  Additional Chief Electoral Officer H. Lianzela said that initially postal ballots were counted and then the counting of votes polled through the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was taken up.  Over 4,000 officials, including women, were engaged in the counting process. These officials are posted at 40 counting halls under 13 centres in 11 districts, the official told IANS.  Director General of Police Anil Shukla said that adequate security measures were in place for the smooth conduct of the counting process.  Adequate contingents of Central Armed Police Forces and Mizoram Armed Police have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order.  More than 80 per cent of the 8.57 lakh voters exercised their franchise to decide the electoral fate of 174 candidates, including 16 women.  The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the main Opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Congress have fielded candidates from all 40 seats while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is contesting four seats.  The BJP has fielded candidates on 23 seats with a special focus on linguistic minority inhabited areas, especially where the Reang and Chakma tribal communities are in good numbers in the voters' list.  Besides them, 27 independent candidates are also in the fray.
—IANS

As the counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly elections is underway, trends on Monday showed the opposition Zoram People’s Movement

Oppn ZPM strides ahead, ruling MNF trails in Mizoram

Aizawl: The initial trends from Mizoram on Monday showed a close contest between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) for the 40-member Assembly .  The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) was leading in 11 seats and the opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) candidates was ahead in 12 seats.  The opposition Congress was leading in five seats while the BJP was ahead in one seat (Saiha).  The counting of votes for the Mizoram Assembly polls began at 8 a.m. amid elaborate security arrangements in all 11 districts of the state.  Additional Chief Electoral Officer H. Lianzela said that initially, postal ballots were counted and then the counting of votes polled through the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was taken up.  Over 4,000 officials, including women, were engaged in the counting process. These officials are posted at 40 counting halls under 13 centres in 11 districts, the official told IANS.  Director General of Police, Anil Shukla said that adequate security measures were in place for the smooth conduct of the counting process.  Adequate contingents of Central Armed Police Forces and Mizoram Armed Police have been deployed across the state to maintain law and order.  More than 80 per cent of the 8.57 lakh voters exercised their franchise to decide the electoral fate of 174 candidates, including 16 women.  The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the main Opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Congress have fielded candidates from all 40 seats while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is contesting four seats.  The BJP has fielded candidates on 23 seats with a special focus on linguistic minority inhabited areas, especially where the Reang and Chakma tribal communities are in good numbers in the voters' list.  Besides them, 27 independent candidates are also in the fray.
—IANS

The initial trends from Mizoram on Monday showed a close contest between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)

Mizoram result: Close contest between ZPM & MNF

New Delhi [India]: The counting of votes in elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly began Monday morning. The counting process began at 8 am and postal ballots will be counted for the first half of an hour, a senior official with the election commission said.
According to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Mizoram, the counting will be conducted in 13 centres across the state and 40 counting halls. There will be 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables in 40 counting halls across the state. Nearly 4000 personnel will be involved in the counting of votes, as per the state election commission. After a saffron wave swept the Hindi heartland, taking the BJP to decisive mandates in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, and the Congress wrested Telangana from the BRS, all eyes have now shifted to the Northeast as Mizoram is to reveal its mandate on Monday.  The counting in the tiny Northeast state, which was initially scheduled for December 3, Sunday, along with four other states, was pushed back by a day following representations to the Election Commission by civil society, citing an important day in the religious calendar in the Christian-majority state. Considering appeals by political parties and civil society organisations, citing the special significance of Sunday for the people of Mizoram, the Election Commission on November 29 officially announced the deferment of the counting of votes in the state to Monday. Four major contenders are in fray in the northeastern state, which voted to elect its 40-member legislative assembly on November 7. These include the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), the Congress and the BJP. Earlier, on Sunday, the chief ministerial face of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and party candidate of Serchhip constituency, Lalduhoma, voiced confidence in the party forming a 'stable' government in the state.  He said the exit poll predictions, released on Thursday, were based on scientific methodology and were 'most reliable'. "All the exit poll results point towards us. We do not need any other political party," he said. Aizawl Deputy Commissioner Nazuk Kumar said on Sunday that all arrangements and preparations for the counting of votes in Mizoram on December 4 have been completed. According to exit-poll projections, the two regional players--MNF and ZPM--are in the race to form government in Mizoram, with most predictions stating that the ruling party, led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, has an advantage in the Northeast state, while there is also a possibility of a hung assembly. The elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly were held on November 7, with the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) facing a stout challenge from the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Congress, and the BJP.  Following the deferment of the counting of votes for Mizoram, the state's Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas said the Election Commission agreed to the request of social organisations and political parties as "Sunday was devoted to church duties and prayers". Meanwhile, a day ahead of the counting of votes for the Mizoram Assembly Elections, Chief Minister Zoramthanga offered prayers at the Zarkawt Presbyterian Church. The chief ministerial face of ZPM, Lalduhoma, also attended special prayers at a church in the Aizawl district on Sunday.
—ANI

The counting of votes in elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly began Monday morning.

Mizoram assembly elections: Counting of vote begins for 40 seats

Aizawl (Mizoram) [India]: As the Election Commission of India rescheduled the counting of votes for assembly elections in Mizoram to December 4, preparations are in full swing to ensure smooth conduct of operations. The state election department informed that all preparations and arrangements have been made for the counting scheduled to be held on Monday. 
On the rescheduling of the counting-day"&gt;counting day from December 3, the ECI on Friday said that the date has been revised for counting in Mizoram as several representations were received from various quarters of the state to change the vote counting-day"&gt;counting day. According to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Mizoram, the counting will be conducted in 13 centres across the state and 40 counting halls. There will be 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables in 40 counting halls across the state. Nearly 4000 personnel will be involved in the counting of votes, as per the state election department. Earlier, Mizoram DGP Anil Shukla told ANI that, all arrangements have been made to ensure an incident-free day of counting. Polling for the 40-seat Mizoram assembly was held on November 7 and 80.66 per cent of voter turnout was recorded in the state.  The exit poll results of Mizoram have indicated a neck-and-neck fight between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the political observers have also predicted the same. But, both the regional parties have kept their hopes high over winning an absolute majority to form the next government in Mizoram. "We are very much confident that, ZPM will get the absolute majority seats and form the government," ZPM Working President K Sapdanga who contested from Aizawl North-III constituency earlier told ANI. MNF led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, ZPM led by former IPS officer Lalduhoma and Congress contested in all 40 assembly seats, while BJP contested in only 23 seats in the state.
—ANI

As the Election Commission of India rescheduled the counting of votes for assembly elections in Mizoram to December 4, preparations are in full swing

13 centres, nearly 4000 personnel assigned: Counting day preparations in full swing in Mizoram

Aizawl: Months ahead of the Mizoram Assembly polls, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) have finalised their candidates while the opposition Congress would soon announce their nominees.The 40-member Mizoram Assembly will go to the polls towards the end of this year along with Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
MNF sources said that the party has finalised its nominees for 38 of the total of 40 Assembly constituencies while the candidates for Chalfilh and Aizawl South-II seats would be finalised soon.
The MNF would field its former student and present youth wing leader Lalremruata Chhangte in the Hrangturzo assembly seat as Home Minister Lalchamliana, who is the sitting MLA, is unwilling to contest election this time.
The ZPM, which had finalised its candidates for 39 assembly constituencies except for the Chakma-dominated Tuichawng seat, has earlier announced that the party would contest the upcoming elections in alliance with local party, the Hmar People's Convention (HPC).
To check the division of non-MNF votes, the ZPM and the HPC recently signed an agreement.
The HPC would not field any candidate and would support the ZPM nominees.
The Congress last month formed a ‘Mizoram Secular Alliance’ (MSA) with two local parties - the People’s Conference and the Zoram Nationalist Party.
Party's Mizoram President Lalsawta had said that the MSA was formed to unitedly fight against the BJP. The Congress leader, referring to the resolution adopted by the MSA, urged the other political parties to join the alliance for the survival of the Mizos and their religion.
The ruling MNF had won 28 seats in the 2018 Assembly polls, while the ZPM won six seats, the Congress five, and the BJP one.
Meanwhile, the full Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, visited Mizoram and during its three-day (August 29-31) stay in Aizawl reviewed the preparedness for the Assembly polls.&nbsp;
—IANS

Months ahead of the Mizoram Assembly polls, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM)

Months ahead of assembly polls, Mizoram parties ready for electoral battle

Kolkata: A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal over the death of migrant workers from the state killed in the rail-bridge collapse in Mizoram on Wednesday. Although the Mizo-ram government is yet to announce the exact death toll, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that of the 35 workers killed in the mishap, 24 were from West Bengal". However, as per sources on the day of the tragedy, at least 26 workers were killed and two others were injured after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near mountainous Sairang area of Mizoram. According to the leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, if the Chief Minister's claims are true, the incident exposes the lack of job opportunities in West Bengal which is forcing lakhs of migrant labourers from the state to travel outside in search of jobs. “Some of these jobs pose grave danger to their lives. These opportunities are offered to them by middlemen as they provide labour at cheap rates. But the risk always lurks as many of them do not possess the skills required for such jobs. But they are left with no choice as the West Bengal government has failed to create employment opportunities in the state,” Adhikari said. Reacting to Adhikari's comments, state Minister for Industries, Commerce &amp; Enterprises, Shashi Panja, termed them as totally untrue. “When lakhs of migrant workers were returning home on foot during the Covid pandemic in 2020, the Union government did not have any statistics on migrant workers. West Bengal is the only state which is deprived of Central funds under the MGNREGA scheme. "The leader of the opposition should know that many workers are associated with the 100-day job scheme under MGNREGA. The Union government has actually forced them to become migrant workers, since no Central funds under the MGNREGA scheme have been provided to the West Bengal government since 2021,” Panja claimed. She also said that the Union government should first answer why many people are leaving the country, even giving up their citizenship and escaping abroad in search of livelihood.—IANS

A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal over the death of migrant workers 

War Of Words In Bengal Over Death Of Workers From State In Mizoram Rail-Bridge Collapse

Aizawl: At least 18 workers were killed and five others missing after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Wednesday, police said.  Three persons were injured in the incident that occurred around 10 am in Sairang area, about 21 km from state-capital Aizawl, they said.  Most of the victims are believed to be from Pukuria, English Bazar and Manikchak in West Bengal’s Malda district, a senior official of the eastern state said.  “Sixteen bodies have been recovered from the debris so far, while two others are yet to be retrieved. Five workers are reported missing,” IGP (Law &amp; Order) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte said.  Rescue and relief efforts are underway, he said.  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she has instructed officials to coordinate with the Mizoram government for assistance in the rescue operation.  The Railways said the accident was due to the collapse of a gantry, which was being launched on the under-construction bridge over Kurung river.  A high-level committee has been constituted to probe the incident involving the under-construction bridge, one of the 130 bridges in the Bhairavi-Sairang New Railway Line project.  In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the family members of the deceased, and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the victims.  “Pained by the bridge mishap in Mizoram. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.  “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said on X.  Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said he was deeply saddened over the loss of lives in the incident, and expressed gratitude to all those who helped in the rescue operation.  “Under construction railway over bridge at Sairang, near Aizawl collapsed today; at least 17 workers died: Rescue under progress. Deeply saddened and affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Sending gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue operations,” he posted on X.  Earlier, Banerjee expressed “shock” over the bridge collapse, and said compensation for the families of the victims would soon be announced.  “Shocked to learn about the tragic collapse today of an under-construction railway bridge in Mizoram, leading to loss of lives of several site workers, including some belonging to our Malda district,” she wrote on X.  “Have instructed my chief secretary to coordinate with Mizoram administration at once for rescue/assistance operations. Malda district administration has been asked to reach out to the bereaved families for extending all possible help. We shall give due compensation asap to the next of kin of the affected families. Solidarity to the distressed, condolences to the families of the deceased. Situation under watch,” Banerjee added.  Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the workers.  He also announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries. PTI&nbsp;

At least 18 workers were killed and five others missing after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed

18 killed after under-construction railway bridge collapses in Mizoram

New Delhi: After 17 construction workers were killed in the collapse of a railway bridge in Mizoram on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and offered them of all possible help.
Around 35-40 people were present at the site this morning, and it is still thought that others are stuck there, near Sairang, 21 km from Aizawl.
Saddened by the news of the fatal crash in Mizoram. I've had conversations with the Governor and the Chief Minister of Mizoram and promised them my full support. Rescue efforts are being coordinated by the NDRF and the local government. My deepest sympathies go out to the grieving families. Shah posted on X (previously Twitter) that he was praying for the injured.—Inputs from Agencies

After 17 construction workers were killed in the collapse of a railway bridge in Mizoram on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Zoramthanga and offered them of all possible help.

HM Amit Shah speaks to Mizoram Governor, CM after 17 killed in bridge collapse

Aizawl: Months ahead of the elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, Congress, the main opposition party in the state, has formed a ‘Mizoram Secular Alliance’ (MSA) with two local parties - People’s Conference (PC) and Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP).
Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Lalsawta said on Saturday that the MSA was formed on Friday to unitedly fight against the BJP.
The Congress leader, referring to the resolution adopted by the MSA, urged the other political parties to join the alliance for the survival of the Mizos and their religion.
“It is alleged that ever since the saffron party and its allies came to power at the Centre in 2014, there have been concerted efforts to demolish the minority communities, especially the tribals, and to usher in a Hindu kingdom by a series of legislations, to which the Mizoram Secular Alliance does not want to remain a silent spectator.
“India has become one of the top countries where Christians are not safe,” the MSA resolution said.
In the current Assembly, the Congress has five members while the PC and the ZNP don't have any representation.
On the other hand, Mizoram Chief Minister and the President of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoramthanga, claimed that his party will retain power in the next Assembly polls, expected to be held later this year.
He said there are more than 10 seats where the MNF has a strong organisational base, while the party has substantial hold in the other seats.&nbsp;
The ruling MNF won 28 seats in the 2018 Assembly polls, while the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) won six seats, the Congress five and the BJP one.
Meanwhile, a 20-member team of the Election Commission is scheduled to visit Mizoram on August 29 to review the preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections.
— IANS

Months ahead of the elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, Congress, the main opposition party

Months ahead of Assembly polls, Congress forms secular alliance in Mizoram

Aizawl: In light of "anger among Mizo youths" over the event involving the parading and molestation of two women in the adjoining ethnically strife-torn state of Manipur, a group of ex-militants has asked Meiteis from Manipur to leave Mizoram for their "own safety."
Two women from one of the warring communities in Manipur were nakedly paraded by the opposing side and sexually assaulted in a video filmed on May 4 and released on Wednesday. On Thursday, police claimed to have apprehended the key suspect. The incident has been widely criticised by Americans everywhere.
Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) released a statement on Friday from Aizawl saying, "The situation in Mizoram has become tense and it is no longer safe for Meitei people from Manipur to live in Mizoram in the wake of barbaric and heinous acts committed by miscreants in Manipur." —Inputs from Agencies

In light of "anger among Mizo youths" over the event involving the parading and molestation of two women in the adjoining ethnically strife-torn state of Manipur, a group of ex-militants has asked Meiteis from Manipur to leave Mizoram for their "own safety."

For "own safety," ex-militants ask Meiteis to leave Mizoram

Imphal: Following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur, the state government of Mizoram asked the Union government to release funds for the relief of the displaced people of Manipur who have migrated to the state.
The union government is yet to respond to the request of the state.
The number of displaced individuals in Mizoram is estimated to be around 12, 200. The state government has sought Rs. 10 crore from the union government for their relief.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has written two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16 and May 23 and sought financial support of Rs 10 crore to provide relief to the refugees.
A delegation from Mizoram, led by Tourism Minister Robert Romawia, recently met with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, to ask for the release of the central fund to provide relief to the displaced people. The Mizoram Home Commissioner cum Secretary H. Lalengmawia made the statement.
“The response of the MHA officials’ was positive. But we are yet to receive any financial support. We are expecting fund from the MHA,” said Lalengmawia, who was also part of the delegation.
The displaced people of Manipur belong to Kuki-Hmar-Mizo-Zomi ethnic group, who shared close ethnicity with the Mizo people.
The government has built up 35 relief camps in 11 districts of Mizoram, while most people are still staying in rented accommodations or with relatives.
The most displaced persons are located in the Kolasib district, which borders southern Assam, followed by the Aizawl district with 4,050 and the Saitual district with 3,000.
Following the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021, thousands of people migrated to Mizoram. About 35,000 people from Myanmar currently reside in the state.
Meanwhile, 7,000 tribals have also settled in Mizoram after the troubles broke out in Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeast Bangladesh.—Inputs from Agencies

Following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur, the state government of Mizoram asked the Union government to release funds for the relief of the displaced people of Manipur who have migrated to the state

Mizoram seeks Center’s assistance for displaced people of Manipur

Aizawl (The Hawk): The next of kin of each person killed in the Mizoram stone quarry collapse will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.A PMO tweet attributed to Modi quoted him as saying, "My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones due to the tragic stone quarry collapse in Mizoram. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be given from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured would be given Rs 50,000."After a significant portion of a stone quarry collapsed on Monday afternoon at Maudarh village in southern Mizoram's Hnahthial district, a total of 11 bodies have been discovered as of Wednesday.Vijoy Gurung, additional superintendent of police for the Hnahthial district, reported that intensive search efforts were being made to find one more body.He claimed that late on Wednesday night, an excavator's cabin buried in debris was where the body of Ajoy Chakma, 25, was discovered.The rescue operation is becoming very challenging as stone boulders, mudslides, and other obstacles are seriously hindering them, according to Gurung, who spoke to IANS. "The search operation team members are confident that they would be able to recover the body," Gurung said.Twelve workers, the majority of whom were not from Mizoram, have been officially counted as having died in the accident that happened on Monday afternoon.Five of the 12 workers, three from Assam, two each from Jharkhand and Mizoram, and three from West Bengal were reported in a report by the Deputy Commissioner of the Hnahthial district.At least five earth excavators, a stone crusher, and a drilling machine, according to some residents of Maudarh village, were also completely buried beneath the debris.The stone quarry has been in operation for 2.5 years and is situated about 160 km from the state capital Aizawl.The State Disaster Response Force, Mizoram Armed Police, Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Young Mizo Association volunteers are all taking part in the rescue effort.Stones are taken from the quarry by a private company named ABCI Infrastructures Pvt Ltd, which is building a road between Dawn village and Hnahthial.(Inputs from Agencies)

The next of kin of each person killed in the Mizoram stone quarry collapse will receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.

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