Mesmerised with the talk of Mizo
nationalism and champion of the people as claimed by the MNF, the people
expected the ministry to embark on a journey of the fulfilment of their hope
and aspirations. However, the new ministry had to sail on a raft tide of new
political order. MNF acted as a symbol of Mizo sub-nationalism and their
political ideology based on self determination (Nunthara 1996:218). This is
what built the structures of power in MNF regime. With the passage of time,
their leader Laldenga started to face a problem regarding the liquor permit and
on internal conflict within the party. On liquor issue, the MNF while underground
vehemently fought against the country liquor and IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor).
The popular opinion during the time was that the social evils which were
rampant in the days were caused by consumption of liquor as access to it was
easily made available. At that time the Church was totally against the permit
of Liquor. The MNF who came to power were expected to restrict or prohibit
Liquor permit which was permitted during the Congress (I) regime in 1985. The
war waged by the MNF against liquor from below the ground was still fresh in the
minds of the public. The Chief Minister Laldenga publicly announced that he
would consent public opinion on the policy to be adopted on the issue of permit
for sale of liquor. On 16th April 1988 prominent social leaders, Village Council
members of Aizawl town, representatives of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and
Mizo Hmeichhia Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) were invited to discuss in the issue of
Liquor at Vanapa Hall. The invitees attended with the expectation that Zu
(liquor) will be restricted by any means. On the contrary, the Chief Minister
stressed on the need to obey law and order. The meeting resulted in general
frustration and grumbling reaction of the audience, unhappy with Laldenga the
crowd departed.
The MNF circulated a Letter to the
Parents No V of 1988. The pamphlet showed that the MNF had collected views and
opinions from some 3000 people with regard to the issue of permit for the sale
of liquor. Their survey showed that majority of the people wanted a rigorous
control be exercised on liquor instead of resorting to its prohibition. The
church leaders met the Chief Minister in relation to the question on liquor and
the government accused the church leaders on encroaching upon the jurisdiction of
the Government. The ideology for which they were championed “For God and the Country”
started deteriorating with the authoritarian attitude of their leader. The
church leaders having left with no option gave up negotiating on the issue,
leaving the matters to the will of God. When the MNF Ministry fell the Church
leader characterised the event as “an answer by God to the prayers of the
Church on the liquor issue”.
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