– Union Home Minister Amit Shah marked a pivotal moment for Mizoram today by attending a ceremony that formalized the relocation of Assam Rifles establishments from the heart of Aizawl to Zokhawsang, located 15 kilometers away. The event, held at the Assam Rifles’ 23 Sector Headquarters in Khatla, signifies the fulfillment of a demand spanning over three decades and is poised to unlock new avenues for the state’s growth.
Addressing the gathering, Shah described the relocation as more than a logistical shift, calling it a testament to the central government’s dedication to Mizoram’s progress. “This move addresses a 35-year-old aspiration of the Mizo people, spurred by the challenges of Aizawl’s unique terrain,” he said. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, this decision reflects our responsibility to support the state’s development while respecting its people’s needs.”
The relocation frees up valuable land in Aizawl’s urban core, long occupied by Assam Rifles facilities, which had constrained the city’s expansion. Shah noted that this shift would catalyze urban development, improve infrastructure, and enhance living conditions, aligning with the Modi government’s decade-long focus on transforming Northeast India. “From tourism to technology, we are committed to elevating every sector in the region,” he added.
The ceremony included a symbolic exchange of maps between Assam Rifles and Mizoram government officials, attended by key figures such as Chief Minister Lalduhoma and senior security personnel. The agreement, finalized on October 23, 2024, in New Delhi, stipulates that Assam Rifles will retain its Sector Headquarters in Khatla and a residence near Raj Bhavan, while transferring other properties to the state by April 2025 for public use.
Local residents and leaders hailed the development as a game-changer. The relocation addresses a call first raised in 1988 by former Chief Minister Laldenga following a clash involving Assam Rifles, a demand that gained momentum under successive administrations. With security bolstered by state police, BSF, and CRPF during Shah’s visit, the event underscored the Centre’s emphasis on stability and growth in the Northeast.
Shah’s visit to Mizoram, his fourth as Home Minister, follows his inauguration of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Assam earlier today, reinforcing the government’s broader vision for the region’s security and prosperity. As Mizoram steps into this new chapter, the relocation is seen as a catalyst for economic and social advancement, promising a brighter future for its people.
