Significant day: Amit Shah on Assam Rifles relocation in Mizoram

The transfer itself is slated to take place next month. A memorandum of agreement to finalize this transfer had been signed between the Assam Rifles and Mizoram in October last year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shah said it is a “significant day” for the state which will “fulfil a 35-year-old demand”.

“For around 35 years due to various reasons — including topography and lack of space — there was this demand that the Assam Rifles should be transferred from here (Aizawl) to the interiors for Mizoram’s progress, for Aizawl’s progress. And if Aizawl has to be made a modern city, then there is very little space for all modern facilities. Today, this old demand is going to be fulfilled because of an important decision by PM Narendra Modi. This is not just an administrative decision. It is a sign of the India government’s sense of responsibility towards the Mizo people,” Shah said.

Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena said the Assam Rifles will give 106.853 acres of land in Aizawl, while the Mizoram government has given 1305.15 acres on lease to the Assam Rifles in Zokhawsang.

Citing a “pressing need to decongest our roads and public spaces,” Lalduhoma said the transfer, “will greatly facilitate the process, freeing up valuable space and resources, that can be redirected towards the development of our city and improving the quality of life for our citizens”.

The relocation demand was raised by former CM Laldenga from the Mizo National Front. A year after Mizoram got formal statehood after two decades of insurgency, Assam Rifles personnel opened fire killing 12 civilians gathered at the 22 Assam Rifles HQs in Aizawl in 1988.

Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the first phase of the revamped police academy in Assam’s Dergaon, hailing the state government’s decision to name it after storied Ahom general Lachit Barphukan.

The Lachit Barphukan Police Academy, as the Assam Cabinet decided to rename it in 2022, is being refurbished for `1,024 crore. Shah laid the foundation stone for the next phase.

“…When I was seven, I was taught about Lachit Barphukan’s personality. But by the time I did my graduation, not one book about Lachit Barphukan was there in any government course. He was contained to just Assam… In history textbooks today in 8 states, Lachit Barphukan is included because of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s efforts,” said Shah.