MNF Accuses ZPM Government of Failing to Transfer Land Scam Case to CBI
In a significant development in Mizoram's political landscape, the Mizo National Front (MNF), the primary opposition party, has leveled serious allegations against the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government. On Friday, the MNF accused the administration of failing to hand over a high-profile land acquisition scam case, involving over Rs 187.90 crore, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough probe, despite earlier announcements to do so.
Allegations of Deliberate Delays and Incomplete Procedures
Lalpianfela Chawngthu, Vice Chairperson of the MNF Legal Board, addressed media persons in Aizawl, asserting that the state government's actions appear designed to fizzle out the case. He revealed that although the Mizoram government's vigilance department issued a notification on February 23 granting consent for a CBI investigation, the process remains critically incomplete. "The state government should formally seek a CBI probe by sending the notification along with a forwarding letter appealing to the director of the central investigating agency to take up the case," Chawngthu emphasized, highlighting what he described as a procedural lapse that undermines transparency.
Claims of Misleading Statements by Ministers
Chawngthu further accused Land Revenue and Settlement Minister B Lalchhanzova of misleading the public during a recent session of the state assembly. The minister had reportedly stated that the Lengpui land acquisition process was expedited due to the Pahalgam and Sindoor issues. However, Chawngthu countered this claim, stating, "When the note sheet from the land revenue and settlement department was accessed through the Right to Information Act, 2005, there was no mention of the Pahalgam and Sindoor issues in the file." This discrepancy, according to the MNF, raises questions about the government's narrative and intentions regarding the scam.
Commitment to Pursue the Matter and Broader Concerns
The MNF has vowed to pursue the land scam case to its logical conclusion, especially since a private member resolution on the issue was adopted by the state legislature. Chawngthu added that the ZPM administration is also diluting the provisions and spirit of the Right to Information Act, 2005. He alleged that replies to RTI queries are being deliberately delayed, and accurate information is being withheld at the behest of ministers, further eroding public trust in governance.
This controversy centers on the acquisition of private lands at Lengpui in Aizawl district, with the alleged scam amounting to Rs 187.90 crore. The MNF's accusations highlight ongoing tensions in Mizoram's political arena, as the opposition seeks accountability and transparency from the ruling party. The case underscores broader issues of land management and investigative integrity in the region, with potential implications for future governance and public confidence.
