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Aizawl, Oct 29 (IANS) Mizoram’s main opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) observed a 10-hour statewide bandh on Wednesday in protest against the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act (FCAA), 2023, enacted by the Centre.
Following a motion moved by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Lal Thansanga, the Mizoram Assembly adopted a fresh resolution to extend the FCAA, 2023 in the state from this year during its recent monsoon session in August.
In view of the by-election on November 11 on Dampa assembly seat, the bandh started from 6 am in the entire state except Mamit district. MNF vice-president and opposition leader Lal Chandama Ralte said the bandh was complete and successful.
He said that according to the police, all government and private offices, banks, shops, markets, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed due to the strike.
Most private and passenger vehicles remained off the roads and roads remained deserted in the state capital Aizawl and other districts. The People’s Conference Party and Joint Civil Society Mizoram (CJM), an alliance of several organisations, supported the bandh.
Former chief minister and MNF president Zoramthanga said his party has consistently opposed the extension of the FCAA in Mizoram, calling it anti-people in the state.
The MNF said in a statement that the party strongly believes that the FCAA 2023 is against the interests of the people of Mizoram.
The statement said, “Soon after its passage in Parliament, the then MNF government passed an official resolution opposing the Act in August 2023. During that time, the Lalduhoma-led Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), who was sitting on the opposition bench at that time, also strongly opposed the FCAA 2023, calling it an attempt by the central government to weaken the special constitutional protection of Mizoram under Article 371(G). Told.”
ZPM now rules the northeastern state. It added that Article 371(g) of the Constitution clearly provides that no Act of Parliament with respect to the ownership and transfer of land shall apply to the State of Mizoram unless the Legislative Assembly of the State of Mizoram so decides by a resolution.
According to MNF, the FCAA 2023 not only weakens the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the word ‘forest’ but also provides sweeping powers to the Central government through the newly inserted Section 1A.
The party claimed that this provision authorizes the Center to construct strategic linear projects of national importance, defense and security infrastructure and public utility projects within 100 kilometers of the international borders.
Since the entire Mizoram state falls within this 100 km zone, the amendment effectively places all its forest areas under the purview of the central government, the party said.
In view of these threats, various civil society organizations, NGOs and stakeholders in Mizoram have expressed strong opposition to the adoption of FCAA 2023 by the state assembly.
–IANS
SC/And