Aizawl, Feb 6: A land acquisition deal in Mizoram has snowballed into a major political controversy, with sharp exchanges and counter-allegations between the state’s key political players following media reports highlighting alleged financial and procedural irregularities.
The Congress has approached a central investigating agency in Aizawl with a formal complaint, while the Mizo National Front has submitted a detailed representation to Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, who also holds the charge of Chief Vigilance Officer, seeking an official investigation into the matter. The opposition MNF has gone a step further, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the land acquisition carried out under the Zoram People’s Movement government led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
Opposition parties have alleged that the transaction involved financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 187.90 crore, claiming that mandatory legal processes were allegedly bypassed to hasten the acquisition. They have further accused the authorities of diverting compensation, alleging that two individuals who were not landowners received payments amounting to around Rs 187 crore, while eight rightful landowners were allegedly excluded from compensation altogether.
In its petition, the MNF alleged that safeguards under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, were effectively dismantled. The party claimed that a process which normally spans several years was concluded in just about 70 days, without issuing public notices or providing landowners an opportunity to raise objections. The opposition also alleged that the mandatory Social Impact Assessment was waived in May last year by the state revenue minister, despite the executive having no legal authority to do so under existing laws. Describing the episode as a “deliberate, coordinated and politically controlled operation”, the MNF alleged that public funds amounting to Rs 187.9 crore were siphoned off.
Responding to the charges, ZPM media cell chairman and Revenue Minister B. Laichhanzova said the ruling party had resolved to seek a CBI inquiry in the interest of transparency and public confidence. He said the decision was taken immediately after a Council of Ministers meeting and confirmed that a formal FIR would be lodged with the CBI on February 6.
At the same time, Laichhanzova levelled counter-allegations against the previous MNF government, claiming that it had attempted to sell the same land to the Indian Air Force without following standard leasing norms. Citing official correspondence from February 2019 to October 2021, he alleged that the earlier administration sought an outright sale, overlooking protective land laws. The revenue minister specifically named former chief minister Zoramthanga and former revenue minister Lalnuntikima, asserting that the current government merely completed a process initiated earlier and had adhered to all legal procedures.
With rival parties now accusing each other of wrongdoing and seeking central investigations, the land acquisition controversy has emerged as a fresh flashpoint in Mizoram’s political landscape.
