The Mizoram opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) staged a total shutdown across the state protesting the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, claiming it undermines Mizoram’s constitutional protections and centralizes control over forest land under the Centre’s authority.
The Mizo National Front (MNF), Mizoram’s main opposition party, enforced a 10-hour state-wide shutdown on Wednesday to protest the implementation of the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act (FCAA), 2023, in the state. The bandh, which began at 6 a.m. and continued till 4 p.m., was observed across Mizoram, with the exception of Mamit district, due to the upcoming by-election for the Dampa Assembly seat scheduled for November 11.
The protest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political and public resistance against the FCAA 2023, which the MNF and various civil society groups have denounced as anti-people and anti-constitutional. The Act, enacted by the Central government last year, has sparked controversy across several north-eastern states for its potential to dilute local control over forest land.
Total Shutdown Across the State
According to police reports, the shutdown was total and peaceful. Government and private offices, banks, shops, markets, and educational institutions remained closed throughout the day. Public and private vehicles stayed off the roads, leaving Aizawl and other towns looking deserted.
MNF Vice-President and Leader of the Opposition, Lalchhandama Ralte, described the protest as “a complete success,” stating that the people’s response demonstrated strong opposition to the Central law. The People’s Conference party and the Joint Civil Society Mizoram (CJM) — a coalition of multiple local organisations — also extended their support to the MNF-led bandh.
Background: Mizoram Assembly Adopts FCAA
The Mizoram Legislative Assembly, during its monsoon session in August, adopted a resolution to extend the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, to the state. The motion was introduced by Environment, Forests and Climate Change Minister Lalthansanga of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
The MNF strongly opposed the move, arguing that it violated the spirit of Article 371(G) of the Constitution, which grants Mizoram special protection regarding land ownership, resource management, and customary laws.
Zoramthanga Calls the Act “Anti-People”
Former Chief Minister and MNF President Zoramthanga reiterated his party’s long-standing opposition to the Act. “We have consistently rejected the extension of the FCAA to Mizoram. This law goes against the interests of our people and threatens the autonomy safeguarded under Article 371(G),” he said.
The MNF’s official statement emphasized that the party had earlier passed a resolution in August 2023 opposing the law soon after it was enacted by Parliament. Interestingly, at that time, the ZPM — then in the opposition — had also opposed the Act. The MNF accused the ZPM government of taking a “U-turn” by adopting the same law it had once condemned.
Concerns Over Central Powers
The MNF’s core objection lies in the newly inserted Section 1A of the amendment, which grants the Centre the authority to permit construction of strategic and linear infrastructure projects — including defence, national security, and public utility works — within 100 kilometres of international borders.
Since Mizoram’s entire territory lies within that range, the MNF claims this effectively puts all forest areas in the state under Central control. The party warned that the move would undermine both state autonomy and local community rights over land and forest resources.
“The FCAA 2023 dilutes the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the term ‘forest’ and gives the Centre sweeping powers to bypass local consent,” the MNF statement read.
Civil Society Voices Rising
Civil society organisations, NGOs, and traditional institutions in Mizoram have echoed the MNF’s concerns. The Joint Civil Society Mizoram (CJM), environmental groups, and student unions have demanded that the state government reconsider the resolution extending the Act to Mizoram.
Many fear that the law could open the door to large-scale infrastructural projects, including roadways, railways, and defence installations, in ecologically sensitive areas.
Political Repercussions
The shutdown is expected to intensify political confrontation between the MNF and the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM). Analysts believe the issue could shape the political discourse in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections, especially in rural areas where land ownership and community control over forests are deeply tied to identity and livelihoods.
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As the state reopens after the day-long strike, the debate over the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, continues to stir public sentiment — highlighting the fragile balance between environmental governance, constitutional autonomy, and national security interests in the Northeastern frontier.
