Synopsis
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma credits Union Home Minister Amit Shah for aiding the transfer of Assam Rifles' land to the state. The relocation is expected to enhance Aizawl's development, addressing urban planning challenges in the mountainous region.Key Takeaways
- Lalduhoma praises Amit Shah for his support.
- The transfer of Assam Rifles land is crucial for Aizawl.
- Infrastructural improvements are needed for urban planning.
- MoU signed on October 23, 2024, details the transfer.
- Historical demand for relocation dates back to 1988.
Aizawl, March 15 (NationPress) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed his gratitude on Saturday, stating that Union Home Minister Amit Shah played a pivotal role in facilitating the transfer of the Assam Rifles land to the state government. He emphasized that Shah's contributions would be forever remembered and etched in Mizoram's history.
During the event organized to transfer the Assam Rifles land to the Mizoram government and relocate the Assam Rifles establishments from Aizawl to Zokhawsang, the Chief Minister noted that the move is a long-anticipated decision that will greatly enhance the city’s development.
He praised Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, for his efforts in ensuring the successful relocation. Lalduhoma also expressed his thanks to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Tapan Deka, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, for their valuable contributions to this process.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Mizoram, known for its mountainous terrain, encounters specific challenges in urban planning, and the swift growth of Aizawl calls for improved infrastructure. He is optimistic that the Assam Rifles' relocation will contribute to making Aizawl a more livable and well-organized city. Lalduhoma reassured that Mizoram continues to acknowledge the essential role of the Assam Rifles and will uphold cooperation for the state's security and welfare.
Previously, the Chief Minister mentioned that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Assam Rifles and the Mizoram government on October 23, 2024, at Mizoram House, New Delhi. This MoU detailed the relocation process and the conditions of the land transfer. The relocation program was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister through a ceremonial lamp-lighting.
The demand for the relocation of the Assam Rifles complex from Aizawl to Zokhawsang was first raised in 1988 by the then Mizo National Front (MNF) government led by former Chief Minister Laldenga, following a tragic incident in which the paramilitary force allegedly killed 11 civilians during a violent clash.
In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry instructed the paramilitary force to move its complex to Zokhawsang by May 31 of that year. However, the relocation was postponed due to claims from the Assam Rifles that the infrastructure was not yet ready. The Zokhawsang complex was eventually inaugurated by Union Home Minister Shah in April 2023.
