A significant dispute over land ownership in Aizawl has escalated, with a major coalition of civil society groups stepping in. The NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC), a powerful conglomerate representing Mizoram's civil societies and student bodies, has publicly appealed to the Mizo Gorkha Bazaar Mandir Sanchalan Committee to retract its petition to the Prime Minister.
NGOCC's Firm Stance on Land Possession
The appeal was formally made on Thursday following a meeting held by the NGOCC in Aizawl. The committee discussed the recent appeal from the Gorkha body, which seeks ownership of the Hari Mandir located within a highly contested area. This land was recently vacated by the Assam Rifles, a central paramilitary force.
According to the NGOCC, the premise for their appeal is straightforward: since the Assam Rifles have departed, the land in question is now legally under the possession of the Mizoram government. The NGOCC has therefore termed the Gorkha committee's petition as inappropriate, asserting that the land rightfully belongs to the state.
Government Clarifies and Details Legal Framework
Amidst the controversy, the Mizoram government has moved to quell rumors and misinformation. The state's General Administration Department (GAD) issued a detailed clarification to dismiss recent social media reports. These reports had alleged that the government was attempting to take over a church located within the Assam Rifles-vacated area.
The GAD described these allegations as baseless. To provide transparency, the department outlined the legal and procedural background governing the vacated land. It revealed that the state government had proactively enacted The Mizoram (Restriction on Use of Transferred Land) Act, 2002. This legislation was created in anticipation of the Assam Rifles eventually vacating the land, with the purpose of regulating its future use.
Under Section 6 of the 2002 Act, an advisory committee was constituted to oversee and recommend how any land vacated by the Assam Rifles should be utilized. This committee is chaired by the Chief Minister and includes representatives from all recognised political parties, major NGOs, and various government departments. This inclusive structure is designed to ensure transparency and broad-based consultation in all decisions regarding the land.
Implications and the Path Forward
The situation places the Mizo Gorkha Bazaar Mandir Sanchalan Committee at a crossroads. They must decide whether to persist with their petition to the central government or to heed the appeal of the influential NGOCC and engage with the state's established legal process.
The Mizoram government's reference to the 2002 Act and its multi-stakeholder advisory committee demonstrates a prepared, legalistic approach to the issue. The coming days will reveal if this dispute can be resolved through dialogue within the state's framework or if it will require further intervention.
