The Mizo Society of America (MSA) has clarifed on Sunday that Lal Thanhawla and his wife Lalriliani drank a non-alcoholic drink (possibly apple cider etc.) while touring the United States of America recently.
The Opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) led by former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga had hurled allegation that the couple had enjoyed a drink (alcohol) inside a luxurious car in the United States. The political party also claimed to having the photos of Lal Thanhawla and Lalriliani while drinking the alcohol. “How could a chief minister of a state where drinking and sales of alcohol is prohibited enjoyed drinks outside the state ? ” MNF party questioned and asked for clarification.
Meanwhile, in its clarification notes, the Mizo Society of America stated that all the entourage of chief minister Lal Thanhawla after they landed in the United States were of possessing high place in the society and in the church. Most of them who welcomed the chief minister were a church elders (clergy) so the question of drinking alcohol does not arise, said the MSA in its clarification.
The Mizo society further clarified its stands saying that the Mizo Society of America has nothing to do with the political system of Mizoram and expressed deep regrets over the allegation made by the party as Lal Thanhawla and Lalriliani were in the United States to grace the religious programme of Mizo society, it stated.
Mizoram the chief minister and his wife had landed in the United States on September 5 last to grace the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Mizo Society of America slated for September 6.