Sonowal asks Mizoram CM to protect traders from Assam

Guwahati, August 16 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today urged his Mizoram counterpart to take measures to protect the businesses of traders from Assam from being allegedly vandalized in a Mizoram district. Sonowal called Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla to discuss the alleged harassment faced by the traders from Assam in Lunglei district of the neighbouring state. The Assam chief minister urged him to take measures for the safety and security of the traders from the state and protect their businesses from being vandalized, an official release said here. The Mizoram chief minister assured Sonowal of all possible help. There were reports that some members of a local organisation had forcibly shut down several shops being run by non-Mizos at Lunglei. The affected traders were mainly from Assam and other states who were doing business there since long. Expressing dismay over the reported incidents of neglect of elderly parents by their offsprings in recent times, he said adding “If in 21st century people do not show respect to their parents then a value based society cannot be established.” Assam must lead by example in showing respect to its older citizens and in giving them their deserved place in society, he added. The forum’s new office would provide a platform for the senior citizens of the state to exchange their views on different matters concerning public life. Sonowal asked its office bearers to record the feedbacks of the elderly citizens on matters of governance and forward them to the government.