Aizawl: In a significant development for Mizoram, the Centre has assured the state government of its commitment to secure Presidential assent for a six-year-old Bill aimed at distinguishing genuine residents from foreigners. This crucial assurance, conveyed through an official statement on July 8, follows a high-level meeting between Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 7 to discuss a wide array of issues pertinent to the state’s development and unique challenges. Among the key topics were The Mizoram (Maintenance of Household Registers) Bill, 2019, the ambitious proposal for a “peace city” at Thenzawl, the potential transfer of Lengpui Airport, and the state’s flagship Handholding Scheme. According to the official statement, Home Minister Shah personally assured Lalduhoma that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure the Mizoram (Maintenance of Household Registers) Bill receives the President’s nod without further delay.
The Mizoram (Maintenance of Household Registers) Bill, 2019, was initially passed by the state Assembly on March 18, 2019, during the tenure of the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government, then led by former chief minister Zoramthanga. The Bill’s journey to Presidential review began when then Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan referred it due to its provisions concerning the identification of foreigners. Zoramthanga, who championed the Bill, had highlighted its importance in curbing illegal influx from neighbouring countries, a long-standing concern for Mizoram. He had pointed out that the benefits of development and welfare programmes were often diluted by the presence of undocumented foreigners, making a comprehensive resident database essential for effective scheme delivery.
Mizoram shares an extensive 828-km border with Myanmar to its east and Bangladesh to its west, making it susceptible to cross-border movements. Currently, the state is providing shelter to nearly 40,000 refugees from coup-hit Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to official figures.
Beyond the crucial Bill, the meeting also touched upon other significant projects. The statement revealed that Union Home Minister Shah informed Chief Minister Lalduhoma that the proposal for establishing a peace city in Thenzawl, Serchhip district, approximately 90 km from Aizawl, would be brought up in the upcoming Parliament session. Shah also suggested that Lalduhoma engage with the Union Finance Minister to explore financial possibilities for the peace city project. Additionally, the matter of handing over the state’s lone Lengpui Airport to the Airports Authority of India was discussed, with Shah assuring Lalduhoma that it would be taken up at a Union cabinet meeting.
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