Rift in Manipur-Mizoram relations, reweighing NDA alliance: Mizoram’s lone MP C Lalsoranga

The fallout of the crisis unfolding in Manipur has transgressed state borders. The violence in the northeastern state is impacting its relationship with neighbouring Mizoram, where thousands of Kukis have taken shelter to escape the conflict. 

Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha MP C Lalsoranga speaks to Newslaundry’s Pratyush Deep Koty on the difficulties befalling the northeastern states, the central government’s response to the crisis and its impact on the political dynamics.    

Lalsoranga says Mizoram chief minister M Zoramthanga has written several letters to the centre on the crisis in Manipur and its impact on Mizoram, but has not received “any response”. He accuses the central government of “apathy” towards the situation in Manipur.  

“Within our party, there have been expressions of personal feelings that if things are like this, in view of the situation in Manipur, should we continue to be in the NDA? When a member state of the NDA has not been able to do anything, has not been able to control law and order in their own state; and so many sufferings have taken place in that state, should we be an ally?” asks the leader of the Mizo National Front, an ally of the BJP-led NDA. 

“When our own brothers and sisters have come to harm in that state of Manipur. And when we feel that the state government has not been able to protect them. We will naturally feel very disappointed at the state government. So, the relationship has been affected, we can’t deny that,” he says.

Watch.

Listen to the conversation here.