Mizoram asks centre for tribal development aid while opposition presses CM to apologise over ILP comments

Mizoram’s Minister of State for Sports, Tourism, Labour, Employment and Skill Development, Lalnghinglova Hmar, met Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram in New Delhi to request greater central support for tribal development programmes. He highlighted that over 90% of the state’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes and submitted proposals for assistance to tribal youth in education and sports, urging the centre to help the state progress on par with the rest of the country.

At the same time, the Mizo National Front (MNF) demanded that Chief Minister Lalduhoma issue a public apology and retract his recent remarks on the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the 1986 Mizoram Peace Accord. MNF president Zoramthanga said the CM’s statements misrepresented the accord and could mislead the younger generation. The MNF set a deadline of August 15 for the apology, warning of “appropriate action” if ignored, and referenced upcoming security concerns linked to the new Bairabi‑Sairang railway line.