Aizawl, Feb 9 (NationPress) The prominent NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), a leading collective of significant civil society organizations in Mizoram, has urged Chief Minister Lalduhoma to refrain from transferring the Lengpui Airport, the only airport in the state located in Aizawl, to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Led by the influential Young Mizo Association (YMA), the NGOCC plays a crucial role in significant matters within this predominantly Christian state.

During a meeting between the NGOCC delegation and the Chief Minister, they expressed their concerns over the potential handover of the airport to the IAF. Lalduhoma reassured them that the government aims to manage the airport independently, situated 30 km from Aizawl, but is currently grappling with a substantial financial crisis. He also mentioned plans to seek financial aid from the 6th Finance Commission to upgrade the airport's infrastructure, including its runway.

The Finance Commission, led by Chairman Arvind Panagariya, is expected to visit Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh soon.

Additionally, Chief Minister's Economic Adviser T.B.C. Lalvenchhunga stated that a conclusive decision regarding the airport's transfer to the IAF has not yet been made.

A draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the handover of Lengpui Airport is still pending finalization.

Reports indicate that the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government, under Chief Minister Lalduhoma, is contemplating transferring the airport to the IAF or another entity for modernization purposes.

The General Secretary of the YMA, Malsawmliana, previously articulated that Lengpui Airport is a historic site that should not be surrendered to the IAF. He noted that the NGOCC had adopted a resolution on August 9 of the previous year opposing the anticipated transfer of the airport to the IAF.

The main opposition factions, namely the Congress and Mizo National Front (MNF), both of which have governed the state in the past, along with numerous local organizations, have also expressed their dissent regarding the proposal to hand over the airport.

Lengpui Airport operates flights to Guwahati, Kolkata, and New Delhi. State officials report that the daily passenger traffic averages around 700 in both arrivals and departures.

In the past ten months of the 2024-2025 financial year, the Mizoram Civil Aviation Department has generated over Rs 13.44 crore from Lengpui Airport. Nevertheless, the government cited substantial financial losses in managing the airport, which is why it is considering a handover to the IAF or another organization.

Due to ongoing ethnic tensions in neighboring Manipur, many travelers from that region prefer Lengpui Airport over Imphal Airport for security reasons when traveling to other parts of the country. The opposition against the state government's decision is gaining momentum, with increasing pressure from various groups.