Protest erupts over Mizoram Assembly’s endorsement of forest conservation amendment act

A day after the Mizoram Legislative Assembly adopted the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, protests erupted in Aizawl on Thursday, with activists accusing the state government of undermining constitutional safeguards and local land rights.

Led by Vanramchhuangi, popularly known as Ruatfela Nu, demonstrators gathered outside the Assembly complex carrying placards and chanting slogans against Chief Minister Lalduhoma. They alleged that his government had “yielded to the BJP at the Centre” in exchange for political or financial benefits.

The Centre for Environment and Social Justice (CESJ) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the resolution and warned of escalated agitation if the government fails to act.

The controversy marks a sharp departure from the Assembly’s stance in August 2023, when it had unanimously rejected the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023, citing fears of ecological harm and the dilution of land ownership rights. Under Article 371G of the Constitution, Parliamentary laws relating to land and forests apply to Mizoram only when ratified by the state legislature.

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