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ZPM Lunglei headquarters support ATL road block

ZPM Lunglei headquarters support ATL road block

Time of India27-04-2025

Aizawl: In a virtual rebellion against the ruling
Zoram People's Movement
(ZPM) party general headquarters in Aizawl, the southern headquarters of ZPM in Mizoram's
Lunglei district
has openly expressed support to the indefinite road blockade of Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei (ATL) road from early Monday morning.
A press release issued by the ZPM southern headquarters said an extended meeting of the office bearers held on Saturday not only supported the road blockade by the ZPM but also demanded that the state govt undertake repair work of the ATL road immediately.
The ZPM southern headquarters leaders are pained by the decision of the govt to divert Rs 45.09 from the allotted Rs 90.69 crore for repair of the road to be used for road maintenance within Aizawl city. They demanded that the entire amount allotted for the maintenance of the ATL road should be allotted as promised by chief minister Lalduhoma.
They said though the office of the ZPM southern headquarters will not be closed, all office work will be halted from Monday in protest against the decision of the ZPM govt.
Earlier, ZPM legislator T Lalhlimpuia on April 7 had expressed his readiness to resign from the assembly if the state govt goes ahead with the diversion of funds intended for repair and maintenance of the ATL road.

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