Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday informed the state Assembly that the government has ended negotiations with the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the proposed transfer of Lengpui Airport to the defence agency.
Speaking during Question Hour on the final day of the Budget Session, Lalduhoma said the decision was taken after considering the views of civil society organisations and political parties, many of whom preferred that the airport be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The Chief Minister said that although the IAF had made a “favourable” proposal, the government chose to move forward with discussions with the AAI in response to local sentiments.
“Since NGOs and various political parties expressed a strong preference for the AAI, we have ceased all discussions with the IAF. At present, there is no agreement or ongoing communication with the Air Force regarding the handover of the airport,” Lalduhoma told the House.
He, however, noted that the offer from the AAI was less attractive compared to the proposal made by the IAF.
Lalduhoma also pointed to concerns surrounding the possible outsourcing of airport operations once the AAI takes over management of the state’s only airport.
“We understand that the AAI may consider outsourcing operations in the future. Therefore, we have insisted on including a clause requiring prior approval from the Mizoram government before the airport can be handed over to any third party. The AAI is currently resisting this condition,” he said.
The Chief Minister further informed the Assembly that a formal valuation of the infrastructure and buildings at Lengpui Airport is currently underway.
Once the assessment is completed, the AAI is expected to compensate the Mizoram government for these assets, he added.
Despite the ongoing differences over the proposed “veto power” clause, Lalduhoma expressed optimism that the state government and the AAI would be able to reach a final agreement in the near future.