Aizawl: Civil societies and political parties in Mizoram have strongly opposed the state government’s move to transfer control of Lengpui Airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF), a decision made during a cabinet meeting in October 2024.
The Working Committee on Lengpui Airport, led by Chairman TBC Lalvenchhunga, is currently preparing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to transfer the airport.
The NGO Coordination Committee (NGOCC) has expressed concerns over losing control of the valuable airport to Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
The NGOCC, representing civil society groups such as the Young Mizo Association, Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Mizoram Upa PAWL, Mizo Students’ Union, as well as opposition parties like the Mizo National Front and Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee, has voiced strong objections.
Under the proposal, the IAF would be responsible for maintaining the airport’s runway and air traffic control, while other management aspects would remain with the state government. Detailed negotiations are expected to conclude in three months.
On January 17, Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee President Lal Thanzara criticized the government’s decision, highlighting the financial struggles the state is facing.
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“The current government has a debt of over Rs 3,000 crore, and last year alone, they borrowed Rs 3,393 crore. It is unfortunate that they are planning to hand over Lengpui Airport, a facility that was built with Rs 979 crore from the Congress ministry to the IAF,” he said.
Both political leaders and NGOs have urged the state government to reconsider its decision on the airport transfer.
