Mizoram CM: Assam Rifles to Transfer Vacated Land to State Government by April End

Mizoram CM: Assam Rifles to Transfer Vacated Land to State Government by April End

The Assam Rifles' vacated lands and establishments in Aizawl will be officially handed over to the Mizoram government by the end of April, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced.

Speaking at a thanksgiving event marking the relocation of the paramilitary force from Aizawl to Zokhawsang, approximately 15 km east of the state capital, Lalduhoma confirmed that the shifting process is currently underway. He stated that the land transfer would be conducted in two phases and completed by the end of April.

Despite several challenges, the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles signed an agreement on October 23, 2023, to relocate the paramilitary force’s establishments to Zokhawsang. This decision followed extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Army Staff, and senior Assam Rifles officers, according to Lalduhoma.

On March 15, 2024, Amit Shah attended a function commemorating the relocation of Assam Rifles from Aizawl.

Relocation and Land Transfer Details

The Assam Rifles previously had bases in Zodin Square (Lammual) and Khatla in Aizawl. Additionally, they occupied a DIG residence near Raj Bhavan in Tuikhuahtlang, a commandant bungalow (Loch House) and a church in Tuikual, as well as land at Babutlang, Chitte, and a war memorial and temple in Zodin.

Under the agreement, Assam Rifles will shift to Zokhawsang and transfer over 100 acres of its land in Aizawl to the state government. However, the paramilitary force will retain its 23 Sector Headquarters, Mizoram Range in Khatla, and the DIG residence near Raj Bhavan, collectively spanning 96.73 acres.

The state government will compensate Assam Rifles with depreciated costs for the lands and establishments being vacated.

Future Use of Vacated Land

Lalduhoma assured that the lands and buildings vacated by Assam Rifles would be utilized for public purposes. A committee comprising representatives from all political parties and NGOs will be formed to determine their usage.

According to State Land Revenue and Settlement Minister B. Lalchhanzova, 54 private individuals have held land ownership in the areas occupied by Assam Rifles since 1954. Of these, 13 landowners have surrendered their land to the state government, while 11 have filed legal cases seeking to retain ownership.

Historical Context of the Relocation Demand

The demand to relocate Assam Rifles from the heart of Aizawl to Zokhawsang dates back to 1988, when the Mizo National Front (MNF) government, led by former Chief Minister Laldenga, pushed for their removal following a violent clash that resulted in 11 civilian deaths.

Lalduhoma acknowledged the efforts of previous governments in facilitating this long-awaited relocation.

In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry directed Assam Rifles to shift to Zokhawsang by May 31, 2019, but the move was delayed due to infrastructure concerns raised by the paramilitary force.

The Zokhawsang complex was finally inaugurated by Amit Shah in April 2023, paving the way for the relocation process.