Outrage Erupts as MNF Condemns Controversial ZPM Plan to Transfer Lengpui Airport to IAF
MNF Criticizes ZPM Government’s Plan to Hand Over Lengpui Airport to IAF
Aizawl: The Mizo National Front (MNF), the primary opposition party in Mizoram, has sharply criticized the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, for allegedly planning to hand over the state-owned Lengpui airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF) without a mutually accepted agreement.
During a press conference, MNF Publicity Board Vice Chairman J. Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng disclosed that since taking office in December last year, the ZPM government has been considering transferring the airport’s management to the IAF or private companies to propel its development.
A crucial council of ministers’ meeting on December 14, 2023, decided to hand over Lengpui airport to external agencies. A dedicated working committee set up to explore this possibility recently recommended transferring control to the IAF, according to Vanchhawng.
Vanchhawng emphasized MNF’s firm opposition to this plan unless an agreement is forged that meets the approval of both the Mizo populace and the IAF. He underscored the established utility of Lengpui airport, operational for over 25 years, as a vital state asset, painstakingly developed by previous governments despite numerous challenges.
"The unilateral decision of the current government to transfer Lengpui airport, a significant state asset, to the IAF without adequate consultation is a blatant insult to our people," Vanchhawng asserted. However, he clarified that MNF does not entirely oppose the transfer to the IAF or private entities if an agreeable contract is struck.
Vanchhawng expressed concerns that the handover to IAF, which might prioritize security over public connectivity, could inconvenience the Mizo people. He referenced poorly managed IAF airports in Assam’s Silchar, Tezpur, and Jorhat, arguing against handing over Mizoram’s only airport to the air force.
The MNF leader noted that Lengpui airport has outperformed some IAF-managed airports in terms of passenger traffic and revenue generation. The airport handles 1,000 to 1,500 passengers daily and reported revenue growth from Rs. 3 crore in 2021-22 to Rs. 9.96 crore in 2023-24.
(Note: The summary retains key points from the original article, ensuring an engaging, concise, and professional tone suitable for a Northeast India news publication.)
Original Story https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram/mizoram-mnf-slams-zpm-for-plans-to-hand-over-lengpui-airport-to-iaf.html
Category : Mizoram,Northeast News,Top News
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