Life across Mizoram came to a standstill on Wednesday as the Mizo National Front (MNF), the state’s principal opposition party, enforced a 10-hour statewide shutdown in protest against the state government’s decision to adopt the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 (FCAA). The bandh, which began at 6 a.m., was observed widely across the state, sparing only Mamit district, where bypolls are due to be held on November 11. Shops, markets, banks, schools, and government offices remained closed for the day, while public transport largely stayed off the roads. Streets in Aizawl and other major towns wore a deserted look, with only emergency and security vehicles seen plying. The protest received support from the People’s Conference Party (PCP) and the Joint Civil Society Mizoram (JCSM) — a coalition of local organisations that also voiced concerns about the potential impact of the amended law on Mizoram’s forest and land rights.
The MNF described the shutdown as a peaceful but firm assertion of the people’s opposition to what it termed as a “threat to state autonomy.” Addressing the media, MNF president and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga reiterated his party’s long-standing objection to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, calling it “dangerous and unacceptable” for Mizoram. “The FCAA gives sweeping powers to the Centre to take over forest lands under the pretext of national security and strategic projects. Since Mizoram is located entirely within 100 kilometres of international borders, this law effectively brings the whole state under central control,” he said.
Zoramthanga further asserted that the law violates Article 371(G) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees special protection to Mizoram’s customary practices, religious freedom, and land ownership rights. He accused the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, of “blindly endorsing” the Act despite its implications for indigenous land rights.
