MNF refutes claims of land distribution in former Assam Rifles area

The Mizo National Front (MNF) has refuted claims that it allocated land previously held by the Assam Rifles in central Aizawl to private individuals, and warned that it will seek legal recourse against those making the allegations, Northeast Now reported.

Allegations over former Assam Rifles land

Northeast Now reported that retired Assam Rifles officer Major Babie Lalduhsangi told a YouTuber that more than 60 land settlement certificates (LSCs) had been issued in areas previously occupied by the paramilitary force. He alleged that the Lammual ground in central Aizawl had been divided into four LSCs granted to private individuals before the land was transferred to the Mizoram government. The claims relate to land that the force had held at sites such as Zodin Square, Khatla, Babutlang and Chite.

MNF’s denial and legal warning

Addressing a press conference in Aizawl, senior MNF leader and former revenue minister Lalruatkima rejected the allegations. He said the party would approach the court if those making the statements did not apologise and publicly clarify their remarks. Lalruatkima asserted that a political party was using the retired officer to tarnish the MNF’s image and that the MNF government had taken steps to prevent private individuals from acquiring land within the former Assam Rifles areas, citing the Mizoram (Restriction on Use of Transferred Land) Act, 2002.

Record of land settlement certificates

Lalruatkima disputed the figure of more than 60 LSCs, stating that a total of 54 LSCs had been recorded. Of these, four land leases were allotted for public purposes, namely a village council court, a Public Health Engineering facility and a primary school. He noted that the MNF Cabinet, in a meeting held on March 8, 2019, decided to cancel existing LSCs within the Assam Rifles areas and had pursued the matter thereafter.

Context of Assam Rifles relocation

The controversy follows the relocation of Assam Rifles establishments from central Aizawl to Zokhawsang on the city’s eastern outskirts, a programme attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on March 15 last year. The move stemmed from an agreement between the force and the Zoram People’s Movement government led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in October 2024. Despite the relocation, the force continues to occupy its Sector Headquarters in Khatla and the Deputy Inspector General’s residence at Tuikhuahtlang, near Lok Bhavan.

Ongoing negotiations and court cases

Lalruatkima said the previous MNF government had prepared a draft memorandum of agreement on December 17, 2019, and submitted it to the force’s 23 Sector Headquarters, highlighting negotiations on several issues to safeguard Mizoram’s interests. He referred to three pending court cases involving LSC holders and the Central Young Mizo Association. The MNF leader also challenged Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Major Lalduhsangi to disclose the names of the four individuals alleged to hold LSCs over Lammual ground.