ZPM Files Privilege Breach Petition Against MNF Legislator in Mizoram Assembly
The political atmosphere in Mizoram has intensified as the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) legal board formally submitted a significant petition to legislative assembly speaker Lalbiakzama on Monday. The petition alleges that Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Rohmingliana committed a serious breach of legislative privilege by prematurely leaking the report of the committee on petitions before its official presentation in the assembly.
Allegations of Confidentiality Violation and Misinformation
According to the detailed petition, Rohmingliana's actions compromised the privileged and confidential nature of assembly proceedings. The ZPM legal board claims that on December 22, 2025, when the committee on petitions intended to submit its report to the speaker, Rohmingliana—who serves as a member of that committee—allegedly invited a news reporter to witness the submission process.
The petition states: "This act fundamentally undermined the integrity of legislative proceedings and violated established protocols governing committee confidentiality."
Furthermore, the ZPM board alleges that subsequent reporting by the journalist contained false and misleading information, specifically claiming the committee's proceedings involved allegations of financial misappropriation. The petition clarifies: "This representation is factually incorrect. The committee was examining the PM-USHA tender process exclusively, with no discussion of financial misappropriation whatsoever."
Request for Disciplinary Action and Investigation
The ZPM legal board has urgently requested that speaker Lalbiakzama refer this matter to the committee on privileges for thorough investigation. Should the investigation find Rohmingliana guilty, the petition recommends appropriate disciplinary actions including:
- Formal admonition
- Legislative reprimand
- Official censure
- Temporary or permanent suspension from assembly proceedings
- Other penalties deemed appropriate by the House
The petition emphasizes: "By enabling the dissemination of false information, the member has not only breached privilege but has actively spread public misinformation, thereby impairing the functioning and dignity of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly."
MNF Counter-Allegations of Reporter Victimization
In a significant counter-development, the MNF has alleged that the DDK Aizawl reporter involved in this incident has been victimized by the ZPM government. The opposition party claims the reporter's wife—a middle school teacher—was transferred from Aizawl to the remote village of Rualalung in Lunglei district as punitive action related to the news coverage.
The MNF strongly condemned this transfer, stating the spouse was targeted despite having no involvement in the news report. Additionally, the MNF pointed out that Rohmingliana's statement was officially published by the directorate of information & public relations on its government website on December 22, 2025—the same day the committee's report was submitted to the speaker.
Broader Implications for Legislative Ethics
This developing controversy raises important questions about legislative ethics, confidentiality protocols, and the relationship between elected representatives and media in Mizoram. The ZPM's petition specifically references the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Mizoram legislative assembly, seeking disciplinary action that aligns with established parliamentary privileges.
As both parties present conflicting narratives, the speaker's decision regarding referral to the privileges committee will be closely watched. This case could establish important precedents regarding:
- The boundaries of legislative confidentiality
- Appropriate media access to committee proceedings
- Disciplinary mechanisms for privilege violations
- The intersection of political accountability and media freedom
The situation remains fluid as Mizoram's political leadership navigates these serious allegations while maintaining legislative decorum and public trust in democratic institutions.
