Aizawl: Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced that the long-awaited transfer of vacated lands and establishments belonging to Assam Rifles within Aizawl to the Mizoram state government will be completed by the end of April.
This declaration came during a public event celebrating the ongoing relocation of the paramilitary force’s bases to their new complex in Zokhawsang, situated approximately 15 kilometers east of the capital. The Chief Minister stated that the handover would occur in two distinct phases, ensuring a thorough and systematic transition.
The relocation process, which has seen numerous obstacles and disagreements, culminated in an agreement signed between the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles on October 23 of the previous year. This agreement followed a series of high-level discussions involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Army Staff, and senior Assam Rifles officers. The agreement outlined the shift of Assam Rifles from key locations in Aizawl, including Zodin square (Lammual), Khatla, and other significant sites, to the newly constructed Zokhawsang complex.
As per the terms of the agreement, Assam Rifles will relinquish over 100 acres of land and various establishments within Aizawl to the state government. However, they will retain their 23 sector headquarters, the Mizoram range in Khatla, and the DIG residence near Raj Bhavan, totaling approximately 96.73 acres. The state government has agreed to compensate Assam Rifles for the depreciated value of the vacated lands and buildings.
Lalduhoma emphasized that the newly acquired lands will be reserved for public use, and a committee comprising representatives from all political parties and NGOs will be formed to determine their appropriate utilization. Land Revenue and Settlement Minister B Lalchhanzova revealed that since 1954, approximately 54 individuals have held land titles within the areas occupied by Assam Rifles. Of these, 13 landowners have voluntarily surrendered their lands to the government, while 11 others have initiated legal proceedings in the high court to retain their ownership.
The demand for the relocation of Assam Rifles from the heart of Aizawl originated with the Mizo National Front (MNF) government under former Chief Minister Laldenga in 1988, following a violent clash that resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians. Lalduhoma acknowledged and thanked the previous administrations for their contributions in initiating and advancing the relocation project. The relocation process was initially mandated by the Union Home Ministry in February 2019, with a deadline of May 31 of the same year, but was delayed due to infrastructure and facility concerns raised by Assam Rifles. The Zokhawsang complex was officially inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in April 2023, marking a significant milestone in this long-standing endeavor.
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