Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) on Monday criticised Chief Minister Lalduhoma over his recent remarks on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Mizoram Accord, alleging that his statements could have adverse implications for the state and its people.
The criticism follows the Chief Minister’s address at the Mizoram Law College Freshers’ Social and Felicitation programme on July 31, where he said that Mizoram’s Inner Line Permit (ILP) system could be withdrawn by the Central Government if it chose to do so. He also stated that what is commonly referred to as the Mizoram Accord was not an agreement between Mizoram and India, but an agreement between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and a political party in Mizoram.
In a statement, the Youth Congress said it was concerned that the Chief Minister’s remarks on the ILP could weaken public confidence in one of the state’s key constitutional safeguards at a time when concerns over illegal immigration remain high.
The organisation also referred to Lalduhoma’s recent visit to the United States, alleging that after assuming office as Chief Minister, he had shared on his social media accounts that he had been awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, a post that was later deleted after questions were raised over the claim.
The Youth Congress further alleged that statements made by Lalduhoma during his US visit about India’s security situation attracted criticism from sections of the national media. It also accused him of portraying the security situation involving the Arakan Army in a manner that did not adequately reflect the interests of Mizoram and the Mizo people.
According to the MPYCC, the Chief Minister’s recent remarks on the ILP were particularly concerning because they came at a time when the state continues to face challenges related to illegal immigration. The organisation argued that comments perceived as downplaying the significance of the ILP could have unintended consequences.
The Youth Congress also alleged that during more than two years in office, the Chief Minister’s government had failed to deliver sufficiently on issues affecting Mizoram, and said the state required a government focused on implementing policies rather than making controversial public statements
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