Interacting with mediapersons at the Mizo Hnam Run on Saturday, MNF General Secretary (Vigilance Dept) Lalrintluanga Sailo said: “Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo has misused his power by giving his minor son 4 drug licences (wholesale and general)”.
The licence is given at Zokhawthar in Champhai District, he added. He further said that when the purpose for giving the licence comprising wholesale and general licence is verified, it becomes apparently clear that it has connection with what the people of Mizoram, NGOs and chucrh leaders are concerned with, that is, “drugs smuggling.”
Reacting to the allegations, Lalrinliana Sailo said: “I am the one who believe that to indulge in such a menace is inviting a deadly consequence upon generations; therefore, I take such an accusation as nothing but jealousy allegations against the Health Department, which is being led by God.
It is an attack coming forth not from one who loves the nation.” Lalrinliana Sailo further said, “In 2010 too, when my daughter appeared in the MBBS exam, MNF activist intruded into the exam hall and threatened her…. and they even intruded into the office of Joint Director regarding the same.”
Meanwhile, MNF said that Zokhawthar village is a temporary place set up by the Central Custom Department and Mizoram state government for trade purpose with neighbouring Burma and that the minister’s son is too young carry out big business in the village.
Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) in a press release has defended the Health Minister against the accusation made by MNF Vigilance Dept stating that this charge is “unfounded and baseless” and the accusation is nothing but an “attempt to defame the minister.”
MPCC mentioned in its press release that there are at present more than 4000 people in Mizoram who possess Drug Licenses and that possessing Drug License is not a crime; rather those who are in need and eligible are given by the government.
The MPCC added that the Health Minister’s father has supplied medicine since 1945, and following their father’s profession, Lalrinliana has one license in his son’s name.
“The accusation against the Health Minister that he possessed 4 drugs license is a complete lie,”the Congress party press release said.