The Mizoram Assembly on February 18 saw a heated exchange between the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and opposition parties over a disputed land transaction with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a proposed base near Lengpui airport. Chief Minister Lalduhoma told the House that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would probe alleged irregularities after opposition demands for an investigation.
Lalduhoma accused the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government of having finalised the framework for an outright sale to the IAF during its tenure, completing key formalities — including fixing land rates and satisfying legal requirements — even before issuing the mandatory preliminary notification, leaving only the transfer of funds to be made. “The entire process was completed by the MNF government. After the formalities were settled, the payment was deposited under our government,” Lalduhoma said. He added that his administration judged the earlier approach flawed and moved to stop an outright sale, instead issuing preliminary and final notifications to provide the land on a lease basis.
Opposition members pressed the government on why it proceeded with transactional steps if the process was known to be improper. MNF legislator Lalthangliana noted that Lalduhoma had flagged the approach as incorrect in the Assembly in February 2025. Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte and lone Congress MLA C Ngurlianchhunga demanded clarification, with Ralte asking, “If the government knew the process was wrong, why did they proceed? Did they also receive commissions?”
Revenue Minister B Lalchhanzova defended the government, saying an internal inquiry found the land had initially been intended for permanent sale to the IAF through an outright purchase, which the current administration sought to rectify. Rejecting claims that a mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA) was bypassed to speed acquisition, Lalduhoma alleged the MNF had issued 120 No Objection Certificates during its five-year term to exempt SIAs for strategic projects linked to Home and Defence ministries.
The contested land, about 32 km from Aizawl near Lengpui airport, was acquired for an IAF base to accommodate fighter jets and refuelling facilities. Both the MNF and the Indian National Congress have filed separate complaints seeking a CBI probe into alleged irregularities reportedly amounting to Rs 187.90 crore. Opposition members also alleged that two individuals who were not original landowners received the bulk of the compensation while rightful owners were paid little or nothing. A CBI official in Aizawl said the matter has been referred to the agency’s branch office in Imphal, Manipur, for further action.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-assembly-sees-heated-debate-over-lengpui-land-deal-cm-announces-cbi-probe-1348266-2026-02-18?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-18 22:45:00
