Agartala, Mar 16: The long-awaited relocation of Assam Rifles from Aizawl’s urban hub to Zokhawsanga was officially marked on March 15, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah leading the ceremony at Sector 23 HQ Assam Rifles located at Khatla in Aizawl. The event, attended by key dignitaries and officials, celebrated a historic shift aimed at enhancing the city’s development while fulfilling a 35-year aspiration of the Mizo people.
While addressing the audience, Home Minister Shah said the relocation had fulfilled a long-standing wish of the Mizo people. “The dreams of the Mizo people for over 35 years have finally been realized with the relocation of Assam Rifles from Aizawl’s urban area to Zokhawsanga. This move is not just about shifting the camp but also about fostering Aizawl’s development and improving the quality of life for its residents,” he said.
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Congratulating the people of Mizoram, Shah assured them that the Central Government remained committed to their welfare. Calling the relocation a “historic step” for Aizawl’s urban growth, he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government values the aspirations of the Mizo people and is dedicated to their progress.” He also thanked Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Assam Rifles Director General Vikas Lakhera for making the relocation possible.
The Union Home Minister also outlined key infrastructure projects in Mizoram, stating, “He highlighted major infrastructure projects in Mizoram, including the ongoing construction of a 4-lane highway from Vairengte to Aizawl, the double-lane highway from Aizawl to Tuipang, and the development of Sairang Railway Station.”
He further emphasized that these initiatives, along with others under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aim to accelerate development in Mizoram and the entire Northeast region.
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Meanwhile, Chief Minister Lalduhoma also expressed gratitude to Shah. “I thank Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his support in the transfer of Assam Rifles and state that his name shall be remembered and engraved in the history of Mizoram,” he said.
He described the relocation as a crucial development, noting, “The relocation of Assam Rifles from Aizawl’s center is a long-awaited step that will significantly impact the city’s development.” He also thanked Director General of Assam Rifles Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka for their contributions.
However, Lalduhoma addressed the state’s unique challenges, stating, “As a mountainous state, Mizoram faces unique challenges in urban planning and Aizawl’s rapid expansion necessitates infrastructural improvements. I express confidence that the relocation of Assam Rifles is a step toward making Aizawl a more livable and well-planned city.”
“Mizoram continues to recognize the vital role of Assam Rifles and will maintain cooperation for the security and well-being of the state,” he added.
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Similarly, Assam Rifles Director General Vikas Lakhera also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the Mizoram government’s support throughout the process.
During the event, Mizoram’s GAD Commissioner Vanlaldina Fanai and Assam Rifles Director General Vikas Lakhera exchanged maps — one showing the new Assam Rifles location at Zokhawsanga and the other detailing the land Assam Rifles would hand over to the Mizoram government.
The relocation program began with Union Home Minister Amit Shah lighting a ceremonial lamp. Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena welcomed the gathering, while Bishop of Aizawl Diocese Most Rev. Rotluanga led a prayer service. Mizoram Government Secretary Ramdinliani proposed the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mizoram government officials, and Assam Rifles officers.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma had announced that a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Assam Rifles and the Mizoram government was signed on 23rd October 2024 at Mizoram House in New Delhi during a press conference held on 26th October 2024. The MoU detailed the relocation process and the terms of the land transfer.
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