MNF distances itself from newly formed MNF-IM in Manipur

Aizawl: Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition party in Mizoram, has distanced itself from the Mizo National Front-Integration Movement (MNF-IM) recently formed in Churachandpur, saying the party has no knowledge of formation of such organisation and was never consulted while forming the outfit in Manipur.A press statement issued by MNF on Wednesday said the party does not know the existence of an organisation which is called MNF-IM purported to be formed in Churachanpur, Manipur, on Sept 15 as announced in a press release on the next day.“The MNF general headquarters in Aizawl does not have any acknowledgement of the existence of such an organisation and has no connection whatsoever with the MNF-IM. The party also was not consulted about the objectives of the so-called MNF-IM which has been described as unity and integrity of the Mizos,” MNF secretary B Lalhmangaihzuala said.In a press release issued on Sept 16, MNF-IM said its main objective is to bring the Manipur hill areas inhabited by ethnic Mizos (excluding the Nagas) under a single administration under Mizoram or have a separate UT under the Indian Union. The press release said MNF-IM was formed after consulting politicians, former MNF underground personnel, intellectuals and civil society organisations in ‘Northern Mizoram’ (Manipur hill area). The leaders mentioned in the release are Lalhruaia president, Sainghaka vice-president, Manga treasurer and Demkhawsiaka secretary.Meanwhile, Mizo People Convention (MPC) president K Lalbiaksanga told TOI over phone from Churachandpur that MPC has no knowledge of MNF-IM holding consultations with civil societies in Manipur.