MZP's indefinite roadblock for funds to continue

Aizawl: Lunglei headquarters of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) or Mizo students' federation, which began indefinite blockade of Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei (ATL) road from Monday morning, said that the blockade will continue and will include National Highway 54 linking Aizawl and Lunglei via Serhchhip and Hnahthial form Tuesday.

Leaders of south Mizoram's Lunglei headquarters MZP said while road blockade began at Pukpui locality in the northern outskirts of Lunglei town stopping all the vehicles trying to enter or leave Lunglei, the NH54 will also be blocked at Hrangchalkawn on the southern outskirts of the town.

They said the MZP on Monday rejected the offers made by the state govt about allocation of fund for repair and maintenance of the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei road and regarded the two offers from the got as ‘threats'.

"We are extremely angry due to the decision of the govt to divert Rs. 45.09 crore from the allocated Rs. 90.69 crore for repair of the road to be used for road maintenance within the state capital Aizawl city," they said.

While ATL road is an alternative road between Aizawl and Lunglei via Thenzawl, constructed with fund provided by the World Bank under externally aided project (EAP), it is shorter by 71km compared to the NH-54 with three hours less spent for travelling by vehicle.