Aizawl: Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizoram’s apex student organisation, has directed its units across the state to identify petrol pumps allegedly operated by non-Mizos and said it would initiate action against such outlets from Sept 17.The move is expected to deepen the standoff between MZP and All Mizoram Petroleum Dealers Association (AMPEDA), which has called for the closure of petrol pumps in the state.In a statement on Monday, MZP General Headquarters instructed its units to identify petrol stations operated by non-tribals or those involving non-Mizos in the management or operation of the business.The organisation also asked its headquarters, sub-headquarters, branches and affiliated student bodies to compile details of the outlets, including the names of owners and non-Mizo business associates, wherever applicable.MZP alleged that some businesses were being run by non-Mizos using Mizo names, land or licences. It described the practice as a threat to the survival of the Mizo community and said it would continue to pursue the issue until such arrangements ended.The latest escalation follows a dispute between MZP and AMPEDA over an alleged demand for money from the owner of LT Brothers Filling Station at Keifang in Saitual district, which borders Manipur.AMPEDA had accused MZP of coercing the owner and raised the issue publicly. The student body rejected the allegation, saying the money received from the outlet was a voluntary contribution for its upcoming Assembly at Darlawn.MZP subsequently widened the issue, alleging that some petrol pumps and other commercial establishments in Mizoram were being operated by non-Mizos through arrangements with Mizo owners. It claimed that some Mizos allowed their names, land or licences to be used in return for financial benefits, and alleged that political connections were sometimes used to shield such arrangements.The student body said the names of non-Mizo operators could be made public where necessary, particularly if outlets were shut to the public.It has also said the issue will be taken up at its forthcoming Assembly and called for stringent laws against businesses operated by non-Mizos through Mizo names.MZP appealed to petrol stations genuinely owned and operated by Mizos, and not involved in such arrangements, to remain open during AMPEDA’s proposed closure.It also urged people to boycott businesses it believes are being run by non-Mizos through Mizo names, and called on govt to identify such establishments, cancel permissions where violations are established and act against illegal operations.
