Lawngtlai, Mizoram – The political landscape of Lawngtlai district is witnessing heightened unrest as the influential Lai Students’ Association (LSA) escalates its agitation against the formation of a BJP-led administration in the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC). The student organization announced today their intent to continue blocking access for officials to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and the LADC headquarters, extending a demonstration that commenced on Tuesday.
Yesterday saw LSA members restrict entry to key government buildings until 1 PM, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the perceived instability and frequent changes in leadership within the LADC. The LSA highlighted a concerning trend of four leadership changes within the council between 2020 and 2025, which they argue has severely undermined public confidence and tarnished the council’s reputation. The student body is now urging the Governor of Mizoram to dissolve the existing council and initiate fresh elections to restore stability.
In a swift response to the ongoing protests, the BJP unit of the LADC and the Mizo National Front (MNF) district headquarters in Lawngtlai issued a joint statement defending the Governor’s actions. They confirmed that MDC N. Zangura from 21-M. Kawnpui, along with other council members, had already met with the Governor to formally stake their claim in forming a new majority government. The BJP and MNF asserted that the Governor was acting in accordance with democratic principles by acknowledging the will of the majority.
The BJP and MNF further directed criticism towards the current LADC Chief Executive Member (CEM), V. Zirsanga, for his alleged refusal to relinquish his position despite purportedly losing majority support within the council. They pointed out that Zirsanga, who had previously been convicted and imprisoned in a corruption case, faced no such opposition from the LSA during his earlier tenure. The two parties suggested that the students’ current stance against Zangura’s appointment is politically motivated rather than rooted in genuine democratic concerns.
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, the joint statement alluded to internal divisions within the LSA itself, citing the recent resignation of Lalengzauva, the Assistant General Secretary of the LSA General Headquarters, as evidence of discord within the student body’s leadership.
The BJP and MNF also strongly condemned what they termed the “unlawful involvement” of minors in the ongoing protests. They alleged that students were being manipulated under the influence of a Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-backed MDC. Furthermore, they accused LSA leaders of violating Section 83(2) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which prohibits the use of children in illegal activities, and referenced child protection guidelines issued by the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The joint press statement concluded with a stern warning, emphasizing that obstructing government officials from accessing their offices constitutes a criminal offense under sections BNS 221 and BNS 132 of the law. The standoff continues to grip Lawngtlai, raising concerns about the smooth functioning of the district administration.
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