Mizo National Front Levels Serious Allegations Against ZPM Government Over Land Acquisition
The political landscape in Mizoram witnessed a significant development on Saturday as the Mizo National Front (MNF), the principal opposition party in the state, launched serious accusations against the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government. The MNF has alleged government involvement in what it describes as a substantial land scam and has formally demanded a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Allegations of Procedural Violations in Airport Land Acquisition
Speaking to journalists in Aizawl, former state land revenue and settlement minister and current MNF treasurer, Lalruatkima, presented detailed allegations concerning the state's acquisition of private land near Lengpui Airport. The land was reportedly acquired for establishing an Indian Air Force (IAF) facility. Lalruatkima asserted that the entire process was marred by serious procedural lapses and blatantly violated the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013.
According to the allegations, a preliminary notification for acquiring land belonging to seven individuals was issued on May 15, 2025. Lalruatkima claimed the process was unjustly fast-tracked, leading to compensation payments being made to parties who had either reportedly purchased the land or, more controversially, did not own it at all.
Specific Financial Claims and Contradictions Highlighted
The MNF leader provided specific financial details to substantiate the accusations:
- He alleged that an individual named Rohmingthanga, who reportedly purchased the land from the original owners, received a payment of Rs. 70 crore on July 25 and August 26, 2025.
- Furthermore, he claimed that Henry Lalremsanga Hlawnmual, described as someone "who does not own any lands," was paid an astonishing sum exceeding Rs. 117.90 crore on July 25 of the previous year.
Lalruatkima pointed out a significant contradiction in the government's stance. He noted that while Chief Minister Lalduhoma stated in the state assembly on February 21 last year that the issue of land acquisition for the IAF had been "kept in abeyance," the official notification for the acquisition was issued by the government merely months later, on May 15.
Multiple Legal Violations Alleged in the Process
The former minister detailed multiple alleged violations of the 2013 land acquisition law, painting a picture of a process that bypassed essential legal safeguards:
- Failure in Public Notification: The government allegedly failed to publish the mandatory acquisition notification in local newspapers, a key requirement for transparency.
- Lack of Stakeholder Information: There was an alleged failure to inform the leaders of the Lengpui village council and, critically, the original landowners in whose names the land was officially recorded.
- Exemption of Social Impact Assessment: Lalruatkima accused Revenue Minister B Lalchhanzova of improperly exempting the mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA), an action he claims was directly against the provisions of the land acquisition act.
MNF's Firm Demand for a CBI Investigation
In light of these serious allegations, the MNF has taken a firm stand. Lalruatkima reminded the public that the ZPM government had previously claimed to have given general consent for CBI investigations in the state. He asserted that if the government is sincere about transparency and accountability, it must immediately hand over this case to the central investigative agency.
"If the case is not handed over to the CBI," Lalruatkima stated emphatically, "it should be seen as an admission that ruling party leaders have benefited from this dubious deal." This demand places significant political pressure on the ZPM government, challenging it to either prove its innocence through an independent probe or face intensified accusations of corruption and malpractice in a matter involving national defense infrastructure and substantial public funds.
