Aizawl, Oct 20: A students’ organisation in Mizoram on Friday threatened to launch a massive protest against Congress for fielding a Mizo woman married to a non-Mizo for the upcoming assembly polls.
Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), a students’ organisation, has appealed to all political parties not to nominate tribal persons, specifically women, who are married to non-Mizos.
The Congress party in Mizoram decided to field Meriam L. Hrangchal from the Lunglei South constituency. She is married to a resident Gurkha who adopted Christianity and a Mizo identity.
Hrangchal is one of two female candidates fielded by Congress. The other is former Minister Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu, contesting the Aizawl South-I seat.
“We are committed to preserving the Mizo culture and identity apart from the customary laws. We shall organise protest rallies against the Congress candidate from Lunglei South until her nomination is revoked,” said MZP president, H. Lalthianghlima.
The ruling Mizo National Front and challenger Zoram People’s Movement have also fielded two women candidates each. The BJP has fielded four.
Mizoram has 8.51 lakh voters. Ruling MNF and BJP to contest separately in the upcoming assembly polls.
The voting for assembly elections in Mizoram will be held on November 7, and the counting of votes will take place on December 3.
The last date of filing nominations is October 20, scrutiny of candidatures will take place on the next day, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 23.
