Aizawl, March 4: The Mizo Students’ Union has demanded the resignation of the Mizoram state information commission chief Robert Hrangdawla and the termination of the appointments of other employees recruited unfairly on or before March 15, 2007.

A press release issued by the union stated that if their demand is not met on or before the deadline, the organisation would take to the streets.

H. Zothanpuia, president of the union, said his organisation is concerned about the administration in the commission since posts of the secretary and deputy secretary are lying vacant. He added that a meeting under the governor concerning the state information commission was convened on March 1 but his organisation was in the dark about its outcome.

“I believe we have waited long enough. Our stand on demanding these resignations is justified,” said Zothanpuia.

“We have reason to believe that the state government has accepted that there are anomalies in the administration of the state information commission but is not of the opinion that this justifies dismantling the commission,” he added.

Zothanpuia warned of dire consequences and added that since most examinations would be over, students would be roped in to help out the organisation.

Petrol pumps

Petrol pump owners have raised their voice against the state government’s directive, which states that the fuel stations should be open 24 hours a day. A petrol pump owner here said hardly any customer buys petrol or diesel after 8 pm or 9 pm. He added that remaining open 24 hours would entail more expenditure since additional staff would be required to man the stations.

A statement from the fuel station owners said the government’s directive was unreasonable since the oil companies themselves have not stipulated that pumps remain open 24 hours a day.