Aizawl: The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) on Thursday denied allegations that its members extorted Rs 2 lakh from non-tribal workers at a fuel station, saying the amount was voluntarily donated for the Mizo students’ apex body’s upcoming statewide gathering at Darlawn village.In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the All Mizoram Petroleum Dealers Association (AMPEDA) alleged that the MZP members extorted the money from non-tribal workers of a filling station. AMPEDA warned that all the fuel stations across the state will be closed indefinitely from Sept 17 if the money was not returned to the rightful owners by Sept 16.Responding to the AMPEDA’s press statement, MZP said LT Brothers Filling Station at Keifang had contributed the money for the students’ body’s assembly scheduled to be held from Sept 23 to 25. It said there had been no threat, coercion or force involved.MZP said the fuel station was earlier owned by Lalthanzauva, who had sold it to Sandeep, a resident of Haryana, after completing the financial transaction. The outlet is currently being managed by another non-tribal person, identified as Nitesh, it said.Taking a strong stand on the ownership and operation of petrol pumps in Mizoram, the MZP alleged that several petrol pumps were registered or licensed in the names of Mizos but were actually owned or operated by non-locals.It said the issue would also be discussed at its upcoming assembly. It proposed that the govt enact stringent laws against such proxy business arrangements and take action, including expulsion where warranted.
