What Mizo youths want from new government?

Peace and development are the common wishes of voters in every election in the restive Northeast.

In Mizoram, however, development is the priority since it bade farewell to arms with the signing of the Mizo Accord in 1986.

Days before the tiny hilly state with just 11 lakh population including 7.68 lakh voters go for the Assembly elections, DH spoke to at least four youths — two students, one shopkeeper and a taxi driver at Aizawl on what they expect from the new government, irrespective of the party.

Linda Lalsawi, a third-semester student of Hrangbana College: "Internet here is very poor. We just hope the new government takes urgent steps to give us speedy internet. We hear about global village but how can we reap the benefit if we can't properly browse the internet? We also need free spoken English courses, not just here in Aizawl but also for young people in our villages."

Richard Lalhruaizela, a student of political science: "I want to go for civil service after my post-graduation but we need better coaching centre here so that we can prepare well for the same. I am planning to go to Chennai or Bengaluru for coaching but what for those whose parents can't afford the same?"

Mema, sports goods shopkeeper: Sports should be given more importance. As you know Mizoram is a sports power in the country, mainly football. More tournaments should be organised here so that more youths take up sports and our business grows more. More special coaching centres should come up."

Kafaka, a taxi driver: The roads constructed in the past few years needs repairing. Look at many stretches of the 33-km road between Aizawl city and the airport at Lengpui. It gives a negative impression to people visiting our state. The traffic in Aizawl is horrible and we urgently need steps to construct new roads to ease congestion. Sometimes it takes two hours for just 5-km roads inside Aizawl. Everybody talks big before elections but forgets thereafter."