Guwahati: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday said the state government and Assam Rifles have formally signed an agreement for relocating the bases of the central paramilitary force from Aizawl city to the Zokhawsang designated battalion complex.
The Assam Rifles has bases in Aizawl city’s Zodin Square and Khatla, a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) residence at Tuikhuahtlang, and a commandant bungalow and church in Tuikual.
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Moreover, the paramilitary force has plots of land at Babutlang and Chitte, and a war memorial and temple at Zodin.
CM Lalduhoma said the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for shifting the bases of the paramilitary force from the city to Zokhawsang was signed on October 23, 2024 in New Delhi in his, MLAs, and officials from the state government and Assam Rifles presence, with the knowledge of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The Chief Minister said the agreement was signed by Mizoram General Administration Department (GAD) Commissioner and Secretary Vanlaldina on behalf of the state government, and Director General of Assam Rifles Vikas Lakhera.
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He said though the relocation will come into effect in April 2025, the Assam Rifles will hand over their lands and properties at Chitte River, Tuikual church area and Babutlang to the Mizoram government within three months from the signing of the agreement.
CM Lalduhoma said relocation is not viable immediately as works at the Zokhawsang designated battalion complex have yet not been completed.
The Chief Minister, however, said that as per the agreement, the Assam Rifles will retain its 23 Sector headquarters, Mizoram range in Khatla and DIG residence at Tuikhuahtlang.
CM Lalduhoma said the Assam Rifles will be given depreciated values against all the lands and properties it will hand over to the Mizoram government by April next year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in February 2019 had directed the Assam Rifles to shift its bases to Zokhawsang by May 31 the same year.
The relocation was however delayed after the paramilitary force alleged that some infrastructure and facilities at the Zokhawsang complex were not yet completed.