Aizawl: Mizoram’s main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), has called for a 10-hour statewide shutdown on Wednesday to protest the state government’s decision to extend the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act (FCAA), 2023, to the state.
The shutdown, which will be observed from 6 am to 4 pm, will cover all districts except Mamit, where preparations are underway for the November 11 bypoll in Dampa constituency.
MNF media and publicity cell secretary Lallenmawia Jongte said all government and private offices, schools, and commercial establishments will remain closed, while vehicular movement will be suspended during the protest. Emergency services, however, will be exempted.
The MNF has been opposing the FCAA since its adoption by the Mizoram Assembly in August this year, arguing that the law threatens the rights of indigenous communities and could allow the Centre to gradually assume control over tribal land.
The party had earlier urged Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government to withdraw the resolution endorsing the Act and even sought a special Assembly session for its review.
MNF president and former chief minister Zoramthanga accused the ruling government of “betraying Mizo sentiments” by reversing the earlier stance of the Assembly, which under MNF rule in 2023 had opposed the law.
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Support for the MNF’s shutdown has come from the People’s Conference Party and the Joint Civil Society Mizoram (CJM), a coalition of various organisations that has also demanded the withdrawal of the resolution.
The CJM had earlier held a peaceful demonstration in Aizawl on September 11 against the FCAA, voicing similar concerns.
The controversial legislation allows exemption of forest clearance for “strategic linear projects of national importance and concerning national security” within 100 km of international borders — a clause that the MNF and other groups argue could directly impact land ownership and forest governance in border states like Mizoram.
