Former Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday reaffirmed that the Mizo National Front (MNF) will fiercely oppose any move by the current Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government to transfer control of the Lengpui Airport, near Aizawl, to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Speaking to party workers at the MNF headquarters, ‘Hnam Run,’ during the celebration of the party's 63rd raising day, Zoramthanga emphasised the significance of keeping the Airport under state government control. He highlighted Lengpui Airport's crucial role as a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic and in times of interstate border disputes.
“When the state faced the pandemic, economic blockades, and disruption in communication due to the railway line being cut off, Lengpui Airport was our only link to the outside world,” Zoramthanga said, underscoring the facility’s strategic importance.
The MNF President further warned that civil society, other political parties, church leaders, and the younger, educated generation would also resist any attempt to hand over the Airport to the IAF, stressing its necessity for civilian use.
Shortly after assuming office on December 8 last year, the ZPM government announced plans to hand over Lengpui Airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), a private company, or the IAF, citing operational losses. This proposal faced immediate backlash, with the influential NGO Coordination Committee—comprising major civil societies and students' organisations—strongly opposing the move, arguing it would adversely affect the civilian population.
In response, Chief Minister Lalduhoma constituted a committee, Chaired by his adviser TBC Lalvenchhunga, to study the future of the Airport. While an initial report has been submitted, the committee's work is still ongoing.
