The second day of the Mizoram Assembly session saw a heated exchange between the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and opposition parties regarding a contentious land deal with the Indian Air Force near Lengpui Airport. Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced a CBI probe into the matter following allegations of financial irregularities by the opposition. The confrontation arose during discussions on the Governor’s address, with Lalduhoma accusing the previous MNF government of finalizing a land purchase framework.
Opposition members questioned the decision to proceed with the deal despite perceived flaws in the process. Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte and Congress MLA C Ngurlianchhunga raised concerns about financial impropriety, questioning why the government continued if they were aware of the irregularities. Revenue Minister B Lalchhanzova defended the Chief Minister, stating that the land was initially intended for outright sale and the current government intervened to rectify the approach.
Amid escalating controversy, Lalduhoma reiterated the CBI investigation to bring clarity to the situation. The land, situated approximately 30 km from Aizawl, was acquired for an IAF base housing fighter aircraft and refuelling facilities. Opposition parties alleged financial irregularities amounting to Rs 187.90 crore, claiming deviations from standard procedures and improper compensation to non-original landowners. Lalduhoma had previously stated his willingness to resign if evidence linked him to the alleged irregularities.
A senior official noted that Lengpui Airport, owned and managed by the state government, was established in 1998 and is located about 30 km north of Aizawl. Mizoram, a strategically positioned mountainous state, shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318 km porous frontier with Bangladesh.
