Mizo National Front observes 10-hour shutdown to protest against Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act

Guwahati: Opposition party in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF), on Wednesday observed a 10-hour state-wide shutdown protesting the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act (FCAA), 2023, enacted by the Centre.

The Mizoram assembly during its recent monsoon session in August adopted a fresh resolution to extend the FCAA, 2023.

The shutdown, which began at 6 am, was observed across the state except in the Mamit district in view of the November 11 by-election to the Dampa assembly seat.


MNF Vice-President and Leader of Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte said that the shutdown was total and successful.

According to police, all government and private offices, banks, shops, markets, business establishments and educational institutions were closed due to the strike.

The People's Conference party and the Joint Civil Society Mizoram (CJM), a coalition of several organisations, supported the shutdown.

Former Chief Minister and MNF President Zoramthanga said his party has constantly opposed the extension of the FCAA in Mizoram, terming it as anti-people in the state.


The MNF, in a statement, said that the party firmly believes that the FCAA 2023 is against the interests of the people of Mizoram.

“Immediately after its passage in Parliament, the then MNF government passed an official resolution opposing the Act in August 2023. During that time, the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) led by Lalduhoma, then sitting in the opposition bench, had also vehemently opposed the FCAA 2023, terming it an attempt by the Central government to undermine the special constitutional protections of Mizoram under Article 371(G),” the statement said.

The ZPM now rules the state. It said that Article 371(G) of the Constitution clearly provides that no Act of Parliament in respect of ownership and transfer of land shall apply to the state of Mizoram unless the Legislative Assembly of the state of Mizoram by a resolution so decides.

According to MNF, the FCAA 2023 not only dilutes the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the term ‘forest’ but also grants sweeping powers to the Central government through the newly inserted Section 1A.