MNF Calls Mizoram Shutdown on Oct 29 Against Forest Law Adoption

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Itanagar
• Oct 07, 2025
• 743

Mizo National Front (MNF), Mizoram’s main opposition party, has announced a statewide total shutdown on October 29 to protest the state government’s decision to adopt the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act (FCAA), 2023.

The MNF argues that the new law threatens the land and forest rights of indigenous communities, particularly due to provisions allowing the Centre to undertake “strategic linear projects” within a 100-kilometre border zone without prior forest clearance. Critics warn that the amendment could pave the way for large-scale deforestation and erosion of Mizo heritage.

The decision for the shutdown was taken during the MNF national executive meeting chaired by party president Zoramthanga, the party’s media and publicity secretary Lallenmawia Jongte confirmed. The bandh will be enforced across Mizoram, except in the Dampa Assembly constituency, where a bypoll is scheduled for November 11.

Calling the government’s move “unfortunate,” Zoramthanga said the adoption of the FCAA “hurts the sentiment of the Mizos and insults their martyrdom.” He reaffirmed the MNF’s “strong opposition” to the Act and criticised the ruling government for ignoring their earlier appeal to review the decision.

The Mizoram Assembly adopted the resolution extending the FCAA to the state on August 27, reversing its earlier position during MNF rule. The decision has since drawn widespread criticism from political parties and civil society groups, who say it endangers the state’s ecological and cultural identity.

Last month, on September 11, the Joint Civil Society Mizoram (JCSM) — a coalition of several organisations — staged a protest in Aizawl, demanding the government revoke its endorsement of the controversial amendment.