Aizawl, Feb 18 (NationPress) The second day of the Mizoram Assembly session on Wednesday was marked by intense debates between the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and opposition factions regarding a disputed land agreement between the state administration and the Indian Air Force (IAF) aimed at establishing an air base close to Lengpui Airport.

The Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, declared that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would look into the issue amid accusations of financial misconduct made by opposition parties.

The clash arose during a discussion on the Governor’s address, where Lalduhoma claimed that the former Mizo National Front (MNF) government had set up the groundwork for a direct land purchase during its leadership.

He asserted that crucial processes, including determining land rates and fulfilling legal requirements, were finalized by the previous government before the necessary preliminary notification was issued.

“The entire transaction was handled by the MNF administration. Once all formalities were concluded, the payment was processed during our time,” Lalduhoma stated, mentioning that his administration identified flaws in the process and halted the direct sale.

He explained that the current government chose to acquire the land through appropriate preliminary and final notifications, leasing it to the IAF according to established protocols.

Members of the opposition questioned the logic behind advancing the deal if it was considered improper.

Opposition Leader Lalchhandama Ralte and Congress MLA C Ngurlianchhunga demanded clarification, alleging financial irregularities. “If the government recognized the process was flawed, why did they go ahead?” Ralte questioned, suggesting possible commissions were involved.

In defense of the Chief Minister, Revenue Minister B Lalchhanzova informed the assembly that an investigation revealed that the land was initially meant for permanent sale and that the current administration intervened to rectify the procedure.

Dismissing claims that a mandatory Social Impact Assessment was neglected, Lalduhoma contended that the prior MNF government had issued 120 ‘No Objection Certificates’ during its period to exempt such evaluations for strategic projects associated with the Home and Defence Ministries.

As the controversy intensified, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that the CBI would investigate the issue for transparency.

The land, situated approximately 30 km from the capital city Aizawl, was acquired for an IAF base intended to accommodate fighter aircraft and refueling operations.

Opposition groups have alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs 187.90 crore, claiming that standard procedures were not followed and that compensation was unjustly paid to individuals not recognized as original landowners.

Earlier, Lalduhoma had expressed his willingness to resign if any evidence connected him to the alleged irregularities. “If any proof surfaces regarding my involvement, I will resign immediately,” he stated.

A senior official noted that Lengpui Airport, managed by the state government, was established in 1998 and is located about 30 km north of Aizawl.

The strategically located mountainous state of Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318 km porous boundary with Bangladesh.