Zoram People's Movement Files Complaint with CBI Over Alleged Land Acquisition Irregularities

Aizawl:The rulingZoram People’s Movement(ZPM) announced that it will file a formal complaint with theCentral Bureau of Investigation(CBI) seeking a probe into alleged irregularities inland acquisitionfor an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter base, a party leader said on Thursday.The land in question, located in theLengpuiand Sihphir areas near Aizawl, was acquired by the IAF for defence purposes.B. Lalchhanzova, ZPM media cell chairman and Minister of State, said party leaders decided to seek a federal inquiry during a meeting held immediately after the Council of Ministers session on Wednesday, citing the need to ensure “transparency and public trust.”He added that a formal First Information Report (FIR) will be lodged with the CBI on Friday.The move comes in the wake of demands from the oppositionMizo National Front(MNF) andCongressfor an investigation into the deal. Opposition leaders have alleged financial irregularities involving nearly Rs 200 crore, claiming that legal procedures were bypassed to fast-track the acquisition.They further alleged that intermediaries received significantly higher payouts than the actual landowners who surrendered their properties. On Wednesday, Congress suggested the matter be reviewed by the Val Upa Council (VUC), a top decision-making body within the ZPM that acts as a government watchdog.The ZPM dismissed Congress’s demand for a VUC probe as “illogical” and “out of step.”Leveling counter-allegations, the ZPM claimed the previous MNF administration attempted to sell the land to the IAF without following standard leasing protocols. Lalchhanzova cited official correspondence from February 2019 to October 2021, suggesting the MNF government sought an “outright purchase” agreement, allegedly ignoring established land protection laws.He specifically accused former Chief MinisterZoramthangaand former Revenue Minister Lalruatkima of involvement in the earlier process, while maintaining that the current ZPM government followed all legal procedures in completing the transfer initiated by the previous administration.The controversy gained public attention after veteran journalist H.C. Vanlalruata published a report in a leading local newspaper, citing official documents, Right to Information (RTI) disclosures, and interviews with original landowners regarding the sale and financial transactions.In a statement Thursday, the ZPM also criticized the MNF’s attempt to file a complaint through the state chief secretary, who doubles as the chief vigilance officer, calling the move “unnecessarily roundabout.” The party urged the opposition to wait for the direct FIR to be filed with the CBI for a more effective investigation.Related