Mizoram polls likely to spring surprises

Mizoram polls likely to spring surprises
(STATESMAN: 14 March, 1984)

The Mizoram Assembly elections in April can spring many surprises. The possibility of various dissimilar elements coming together for limited purposes is not ruled out.

Laldenga's son Mr David Danmawia’s "hobnobbing" with the Congress (I) is an indication of this. Whether he has joined the party or not, he was prominent among the organizers at Aizawl for the recent general conference of the north eastern Congress (I) co-ordination committee which was addressed by Mr Rajiv Gandhi. Mr Danmawias had his college education in New Delhi during the years of protracted negotiations between the Centre and Laldenga.

The Mizo Church leaders, who met Laldenga in London sought a meeting with Mrs Gandhi. She apparently was not aware of their meeting with Laldenga. She is believed to have indicated to the Mizoram Congress president, Mr Lal Thanhawla that she welcomed initiatives to solve the Mizo problem. Mr Danmawias is close to his father and had undertaken important “missions” including an authorized visit to the MNF headquarters in the Chittagong Hill Tracts now looked after by Tawnluia. Laldenga's charisma is still relevant but hotheads like the ''tactical com¬mander" Lalrawna can create problems for him. Lalrawna's men have infiltrated into Mizoram and are in rural hideouts awaiting instructions which will include, almost certainly, threats to the ruling People’s Conference candidates and other measures to sabotage their prospects.

Apart from the underground factor, Brigadier Sailo, the Chief Minister, will have to contend with a sustained Opposition campaign against alleged corruption among his Ministers. It cannot be denied that the style of living and income levels among his Ministers and top party leaders are not what they were accustomed to.

Mr Rajiv Gandhi’s visit virtually helped to launch the party's poll campaign in the Union Territory. Meghalaya’s Captain Sangma, who went by road to Aizawl with the delegates, largely Garos (the Khasi leaders were busy with their dis¬trict council elections on March 15) addressed impromptu meetings at Vairengte, Kolosib and two other places between Silchar and Aizawl. According to party sources, the meetings were well attended with a good percentage of youths.

The Mizos are not demonstrative but are more critical than other tribals. It would appear that regionalism will be one of the issues. Brigadier Sailo, observers feel, will seek a mandate for a regional party rather than emphasize the anti-MNF line. Dr J.H. Rothuama of the Mizoram Convention, an amal¬gam of the old Janata and People’s Conference, "BBS" the breakaway group (Laldenga's brother Ngurchhina, an MLA belonging to the group) and Brigadier Sailo may come together in opposing the Congress (I), although nothing may be said formally. The Chief Minis¬ter brought Dr Rothuama into politics and he was elected to Parliament. He came under Laldenga’s influence and parted company with Brigadier Sailo. He was re-elected to the Assembly in 1979 on the P C "BBB" ticket. The Mizoram Peace Forum which consists of elements from the Mizo Zirlai Pawl and political lightweights is likely to harass both the Congress (I) and the ruling party.