Non-Mizo traders forced to close shops in Mizoram: Forum Urges immediate government intervention in Mizoram

Once again, a Mizo organisation issued a diktat on non-Mizos living in Mizoram which is believed to be a conspiracy to displace Bengalis and other communities from the state. Several organisations have warned that if the government doesn’t take any action against the diktat then they will take tougher measures with the help of people. From May 15, “Young Mizo Association” has served notices to non- Mizo traders for closing their shops in Aizawl town. 91 shops of Bengali and Hindi speakers have already been closed in Mizoram.

In view of this situation, members of “Forum for Protection of Non-Mizos” in an emergency meeting held at Silchar Press Club on Wednesday, sought the immediate intervention of Central Government, Mizoram Government and Assam Government to ensure that all the shops are opened again without any delay. Everyone expressed their exasperation at how organisations like YMA are running a parallel administration in Mizoram. A strong demand was made to the government to provide security to all non-Mizo traders and citizens.

The forum threatened that they will be bound to take strict measures alongwith other organisations and public if the government plays a passive role in the matter. Forum Chief Convener Shankar Dey, ACKHSA Advisor Rupam Nandi Purkayastha, BDYF Chief Convener Kalparnav Gupta, APCC Vice-President Sharifuzzaman Laskar, Forum Convener Prof. Subrata Dev and others spoke at the press conference.

Speaking to reporters Rupam Nandi Purkayastha said, “There is no rule of law in Mizoram. YMA is threatening the Indian citizens by forcing Bengalis and Hindi speaking people to close their shops. 91 shops have been closed till now. As citizens of India we have the right to settle in any part of the country and do business but YMA is running a parallel government. We want the intervention of the Prime Minister and Home Minister in this regard to establish the rule of law in Mizoram.”