In a significant development, the Assam Rifles is set to vacate its battalion headquarters in Aizawl, resolving an issue that has persisted for over thirty years. The agreement for the paramilitary force to relocate to Zokhawsang, approximately 15 kilometers from the state capital, was finalized on Wednesday during a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signing at Mizoram House in New Delhi.
The historical backdrop of this decision traces back to 1988 when the killing of 12 civilians by Assam Rifles personnel led to widespread demands from the Mizoram government, then led by Chief Minister Laldenga, for the force to move out of Aizawl. This tragic incident ignited long-standing tensions and calls for the withdrawal of military presence from civilian areas.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Saturday that the Assam Rifles will commence its move from the Aizawl headquarters in April 2025, as stipulated in the MoA signed by Vanlaldina Fanai, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, and Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, the Director General of Assam Rifles.
Lalduhoma further revealed that the agreement will take effect on April 1, 2025, with some facilities still under construction at the new Zokhawsang location. As part of the agreement, the Government of Mizoram will compensate the Assam Rifles for the depreciated cost of the land by the stipulated date. Furthermore, all areas transferred back to the state will be designated for public purposes under the Mizoram (Restriction on Use of Transferred Land) Act, 2022.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Mizoram government and the Assam Rifles, paving the way for improved civilian safety and the resolution of a long-standing grievance from the local populace. The relocation is expected to enhance community relations and ensure the historical wounds of the past are acknowledged as the state moves forward.
Sources By Agencies
