Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has informed the state Assembly that the government has discontinued talks with the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the proposed transfer of Lengpui Airport.
Replying during Question Hour on the concluding day of the Budget Session, the Chief Minister said the decision was taken after taking into account the opinions of civil society groups and political parties, many of whom favoured handing over the airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
He stated that although the IAF had put forward a “favourable” proposal, the government decided to pursue negotiations with the AAI in line with public sentiment.
Lalduhoma informed the House that all discussions with the IAF have been called off and there is currently no agreement or communication with the defence agency regarding the airport’s transfer.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the proposal offered by the AAI is not as attractive as the one previously made by the IAF.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the possibility of the AAI outsourcing airport operations after taking over management of the state’s only airport.
He said the state government has insisted on including a provision that would require its prior approval before the airport is handed over to any third party, a condition that the AAI has so far opposed.
Lalduhoma further said that the valuation of infrastructure and assets at Lengpui Airport is currently in progress.
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Once the assessment is completed, the AAI is expected to compensate the state government accordingly for the assets, he added.
Despite differences over the proposed clause granting the state a say in any future outsourcing, the Chief Minister expressed hope that an agreement with the AAI would be finalised soon.
