Aizawl:
Supporters of student organization Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) held a rally in Aizawl on Friday, protesting against the Congress for fielding Meriam L Hrangchal in Lunglei South constituency as she is a Mizo woman married to a person from outside the community.
The MZP had in December last year asked all political parties not to nominate a Mizo woman married to a non-Mizo person.
The MZP protested against the Congress saying it could not accept such a politician sitting in the state assembly and representing the people of Mizoram.
The MZP said that according to the Mizo Customary Law published by the state law and justice department, a Mizo woman who marries outside the community must adopt her husband’s culture, tradition and identity.
MZP president H Lalthianghlima criticized the Congress and said the student body is strongly opposed to “a non-tribal in the assembly through his wife”.
“We will intensify our agitation to ensure that such Mizo women are not elected,” he said.
Three resolutions were passed during the protest meeting. These included an appeal to the people not to vote for Mizo women who marry outside the community and a pledge to fight for the protection of Mizo identity.
The Congress defied MZP’s diktat and fielded Ms Hrangchal in the Lunglei South seat. She married local resident Dipen Zoliana, who belonged to the Gorkha community but has adopted Christianity and Mizo identity.
State Congress president Lalsawta said Ms. Hrangchal was nominated as the party believes she is an asset to the state.
Congress Vice President Lal Thanzara said unless the Election Commission rejects her nomination, the party will not replace her as its candidate in the Lunglei South seat.
Following MZP’s appeal, the BJP replaced its candidate in Tuivawl constituency on Thursday. Previously, it involved Judy Zohmingliani, who married a non-Mizo person.
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