AIZAWL: A political storm is brewing in Mizoram over the state government’s push to transfer control of Lengpui Airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition party, has strongly opposed the move, vowing to prevent the airport’s transfer.
On Saturday, a delegation of MNF legislators, led by Opposition Leader Lalchhandama Ralte, visited the airport. Ralte criticized the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, accusing it of disregarding the efforts made by past administrations to establish and maintain the state’s first airport.
“When ZPM took office in December 2023, one of Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s first decisions was to propose handing over our airport to the IAF, which is shameful,” Ralte said.
Opposition Concerns
Ralte emphasized that despite financial difficulties, former Chief Ministers Lal Thanhawla (Congress) and Zoramthanga (MNF) ensured that Mizoram retained control of the airport. He called the proposed transfer a sign of ZPM’s financial mismanagement and warned of serious consequences if the airport falls under military control.
“Across India, 27 IAF-controlled airports have civilian enclaves, but military operations take priority. Locations like Pune, Tezpur, Bagdogra, and Srinagar serve as examples, where fighter jets and transport planes dominate air traffic,” Ralte stated.
Given Mizoram’s strategic location near China, he warned that Lengpui could be developed into a fighter jet base, leading to:
- Frequent military sorties and airspace restrictions, limiting civilian flights.
- Reduced flight frequency, affecting Mizoram’s economic growth.
- Increased noise pollution from jet operations, disrupting daily life in Aizawl and nearby areas.
The ZPM government has yet to respond to the opposition’s concerns. However, the growing backlash suggests that the airport’s future could become a major political flashpoint in the state.
