Aizawl, Jan 30: The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Thursday organised a ‘Kawngzawh Pui’ (mass protest march) in Aizawl, accusing the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government of remaining silent on issues affecting Christians in India, alleged irregularities in the Lengpui Airport land deal, and the Centre’s move to dilute MGNREGA.
The protest march began from Chanmari and culminated at Vanapa Hall, with Congress leaders and supporters demanding greater transparency, accountability and vocal opposition from the state government on what they termed serious public concerns.
Addressing the gathering, MPCC president Lal Thanzara criticised the ZPM government for not speaking out against alleged persecution of Christians in different parts of the country and for failing to oppose changes proposed by the BJP-led central government to the 100-day employment guarantee scheme under MGNREGA. He also questioned the state government’s silence over alleged irregularities and corruption in the sale of land near Lengpui Airport to the Indian Air Force.
Lal Thanzara said the Congress would stand firmly with churches and the public, alleging that both the ZPM and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) had failed to act decisively on these issues. He appealed to the public to support the Congress in its efforts to correct what he termed governance failures.
Earlier, speaking at Chanmari, MPCC treasurer Dr. Lalmalsawma said MGNREGA is a crucial lifeline for rural and economically weaker sections. He warned that replacing it with a grant-based scheme would severely impact poor families in Mizoram and across India. He also rejected claims by ZPM social media supporters that the scheme encourages dependency, stating that rural workers should not be stigmatised.
Dr. Lalmalsawma further alleged that there appeared to be large-scale corruption in the Lengpui Airport land transaction and demanded that the state government immediately make public all facts related to the deal. He also urged the ZPM and MNF leaderships to clarify whether any of their party leaders were involved.
The Congress leaders also raised concern over what they described as a sharp rise in incidents targeting Christians across India, including disruptions during Christmas celebrations. They demanded that the Mizoram Chief Minister, like other Christian chief ministers in the country, speak out strongly against such incidents.
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During the protest, the MPCC adopted three resolutions: opposing the replacement of MGNREGA with a new scheme, demanding full disclosure and accountability in the Lengpui Airport land deal, and urging the BJP-led central government to immediately stop alleged persecution of Christians and uphold constitutional religious freedom.
The Congress said the protest was aimed at safeguarding the rights of the poor, ensuring transparency in governance, and defending religious freedom in the country.
