In a fresh conflict between the Mizoram government and the Assam rifles, Mizoram's Power and Electricity Minister, F Rodingliana, on Thursday alleged that his convoy was halted by Assam Rifles personnel on the outskirts of Aizawl. The incident occurred as he was returning from Champhai district and led to a confrontation between the minister and the security forces.
On Thursday, Rodingliana claimed that his convoy was stopped at a barricade on National Highway 54, despite identifying himself as a minister. He described the situation, stating that shortly after passing the barricade, three soldiers approached and insisted they were instructed by their commander to halt his vehicle. "I told them that I was the Power Minister, but they delayed our passage," he told news agency PTI.
In response, the Assam Rifles denied any wrongdoing, saying that their actions were part of a routine security check. They clarified that a mobile checkpost had been set up approximately four kilometres from their Zokhawsang base along the Aizawl-Seiling road and that Rodingliana's convoy was allowed to continue without obstruction during the inspection. An officer from the Assam Rifles mentioned that the convoy had stopped voluntarily at a location designated for civilian vehicle checks.
Tensions escalated when Rodingliana’s personal secretary allegedly confronted the soldiers, using abusive language towards them. The Assam Rifles alleged that one of their officers was shoved and attempts were made to prevent the recording of the incident.
This is not the first time the Mizoram government has found itself in a conflict with the Assam Rifles. The two sides have been at loggerheads for decades over border and jurisdiction disputes. Presently Mizoram has a Zoram People's Movement government with former IPS Lalduhoma helming as the Chief Minister.
Mizoram Transport Officer Suspended
The Mizoram government took action on Thursday by suspending a transport officer involved in the illegal issuance of driving licences. This decision came in response to a complaint filed by the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), which alleged that driving and learner licences were being unlawfully granted by the Aizawl District Transport Office (DTO).
According to an official order from Transport Department Secretary Lalengthanga Hnamte, the district transport officer, who also serves as the licensing authority, has been suspended with immediate effect due to his suspected involvement in these unlawful practices. The order also mentioned that disciplinary measures are being considered against the officer, and a thorough investigation is underway, reported news agency PTI.
On Wednesday, CYMA leaders met with Transport Minister Vanlalhlana to present their findings, highlighting illegal activities related to the issuance of licences at the Aizawl DTO. CYMA claimed that they had uncovered evidence of these irregularities after interviewing local residents and refugees, some of whom admitted to possessing licences that had been obtained through illegal means.
The complaint further detailed that individuals without the necessary documents for applying for a driving licence would turn to middlemen. These middlemen, after being paid, allegedly bribed DTO staff to issue licences improperly.
(With PTI inputs.)