Aizawl: In a bold campaign promise, the Mizoram Congress has pledged to relocate the headquarters of the Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) to the designated Sakawrdai village, contingent on the party’s success in the upcoming local body elections on November 5.
During a rally, state Congress president Lal Thanzara emphasized the party’s commitment to fully utilize available funds and resources to ensure the effective development of the SHC.
Established in 2018 as part of a peace agreement with the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic), the SHC currently serves three assembly constituencies across districts that border Assam and Manipur.
While Sakawrdai was initially agreed upon as the council’s headquarters, the SHC is currently operating from the secretariat complex in the state capital due to incomplete infrastructure at the designated site. Thanzara stated, “We will shift the SHC’s headquarters to Sakawrdai and do our best to develop the council and its people,” reinforcing the party’s dedication to this initiative.
Lal Thanzara, who is also the brother of former chief minister Lal Thanhawla, took the opportunity to highlight the Congress party’s historical role in securing peace in the region.
He criticized the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) for its perceived failures in negotiations with Hmar militants, asserting that maintaining peace is a priority for Congress, as evidenced by the 2018 accord.
Thanzara also addressed allegations against the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), claiming that the ZPM is effectively allied with the BJP.
He asserted, “The BJP is waiting to see how ZPM protects the prestige of its two MLAs in the state,” suggesting that the political landscape is fraught with shifting alliances.
The upcoming elections are expected to see participation from 23,789 voters choosing from 49 candidates vying for 12 seats. Both the Congress and ZPM-HPC are fielding 12 candidates each, while the MNF contests in 10 seats and the BJP has put forward one candidate. Additionally, there are 14 independent candidates, including two backed by the MNF.
Vote counting will commence immediately after the polls close, with the political dynamics within the SHC having shifted frequently over the last five years.
In the previous election in 2019, the MNF-HPC alliance secured 10 seats, while independent candidates claimed the remaining two. As the elections approach, the promise of relocating the SHC headquarters could be a significant factor in swaying voter sentiment in favor of the Congress party.
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