Govt allocates road funds, MZP calls off proposed bandh

Aizawl: The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) Lunglei southern headquarters on Thursday called off its proposed bandh scheduled from Friday after the state govt issued an order allocating additional Rs 58.99 crore for the maintenance of the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei (ATL) Road, along with an assurance of further financial support.
The student body had launched a blockade on the ATL Road from Monday in protest against the govt's decision to divert Rs 44.89 crore — out of the originally sanctioned Rs 90.69 crore for ATL Road maintenance — for road works in Aizawl city.
In a statement, the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) Lunglei district headquarters clarified that the diversion of Rs 44.89 crore was part of an interim adjustment, and CM Lalduhoma had assured that once the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) finalises the revised estimates, additional sanctions — possibly exceeding Rs 100 crore — would be provided as required.
However, given the urgency of the situation, the CM approved an immediate release of Rs 58.99 crore from various sources, which the party described as a commendable step.