Aizawl, Mar 5 : Security forces in Mizoram are on high alert following speculation that Hmar militant groups may be planning some “mischief” during Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s daylong visit to Aizawl on Saturday.
The UPA chairperson will fly to Aizawl amid stringent security measures which are now being elaborately laid down by the police and other security forces to deter any extremist action.
According to an official source here, the threat perception was reviewed at a high-level meeting in Aizawl yesterday, which was presided over by state chief secretary Vanhela Pachuau. State police director-general Lalrokhuma Pachuau and home secretary Lalmalsawma were also present at the meeting.
A senior intelligence official said they suspected that a small militant outfit operating in Mizoram and adjacent Manipur might be lured into “committing a mischief” in retaliation to the surrender of the chief of Sinlung Revolutionary Tiger Force. Sources said the nascent guerrilla group has at least 40 men drawn from the Hmar and Paite ethnic communities.
Its chief, L.Z. Hrangchal, surrendered to home minister R. Lalzirliana in Aizawl on February 27. Though many of the outfit’s top brass, including its general secretary H.T. Khawzawl and defence secretary Thuamliana, had come over-ground, some others like its president Lianzela Hrangchal and army chief Rohluna are still operating.
Sonia, during her stay in Mizoram, will lay the foundation stone of the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Mualpui in Aizawl. The Centre’s 12th Finance Commission had granted Rs 25 crore for this stadium, which will be the first of its kind in the state.
