MNF leader escapes to UK

Shillong: The president of the outlawed Mizo National Front Laldenga has escaped to the United Kingdom from the Mizo Hills a few days ago, according to reliable reports received here today.

Laldenga made his escape via Pakistan.

The reports said that the main purpose of Laldenga’s visit to the United Kingdom was to obtain help to carry on their movement for a separate Mizo state comprising Mizo Hills outside India.

The “vice-president” Lanuama has become the “president” of the MNF in his absence.

5 hostiles killed

Five Mizo hostiles were killed and nine captured in two long clashes with security forces in Longley subdivision on March 13 and 14, according to official sources here.

In the first clash, which occurred at Vuakmul, three rebels were killed, self-styled Lt. Col. Lalsanga was captured and one light machine gun, six rifles and three sten guns seized.

The second clash occurred at Thangpui.

In two more minor skirmishes, at Aijal and Lungley, eight hostiles were captured in the last few days.

Sources also said that six hostiles escaped from a jail in Silchar on March 13. This was the second such incident in a week. In all, 22 hostiles had escaped from a jail in Aijal on March 6.