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Total Bandh
The Mizo National Front (MNF) enforced a total bandh across Mizoram from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today, disrupting life in protest against the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-led government’s resolution to adopt the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 (FCAA 2023). The bandh, supported by MNF as the “will of the people,” sought to pressure the state government to revoke its August 27 Assembly resolution approving the Act’s implementation. MNF leaders have asserted that the FCAA 2023 undermines Mizoram’s constitutional protections under Article 371(G), which bars any central law on ownership or land transfer without Assembly approval. The party also raised concerns about Section 1A of the amendment, which empowers the Centre to authorise “strategic and developmental projects” within 100 km of international borders, warning this could endanger local control over forest lands. The impact of the bandh was felt across Mizoram, with government offices, educational institutions, shops, and banks remaining closed, and public transport and inter-district movement suspended. Residents largely stayed indoors, and vehicles were barred from passing through the Vairengte Check Gate along the state border. Emergency and essential services, including hospitals and medical care, as well as those holding special permissions, were exempt from the restrictions.
Total Bandh Called Off
Mizo National Front (MNF) called off its 10-hour shutdown at 1pm on Wednesday, citing overwhelming public support. The shutdown, which began at 6am, was a protest against the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 (FCAA, 2023), recently adopted by the state legislature. Aizawl, the state capital, resembled a ghost town as shops, businesses, and government offices, including banks and educational institutions, remained closed. The streets were devoid of vehicles and pedestrians, except for those exempted from the shutdown. Former minister and MNF treasurer Lalruatkima expressed gratitude to the people of Mizoram for their "wholehearted cooperation and peaceful participation" in the statewide bandh. "By extending full cooperation to the bandh, the people of Mizoram have reaffirmed their commitment to uphold and protect the unique constitutional safeguard that forms the cornerstone of Mizoram’s identity, autonomy, and self-governance," he stated. The protest was a response to Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) govt's adoption of the FCAA, 2023, through a resolution in the Mizoram assembly on Aug 27. MNF emphasized the importance of Article 371(G) of the Indian Constitution, which protects Mizoram’s land, forests, and customs from any Parliamentary Act unless approved by the assembly.
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A Mizo National Front (MNF) leader, Pu K. Vanlalvena (MP, Rajya Sabha), visited the Sairang railway station on September 16, 2025, to inspect the facilities. Additionally, the MNF party, along with the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the BJP, issued a joint statement on September 12, 2025, welcoming the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line and the opportunities it would bring to Mizoram. The Sairang railway line was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 13, 2025, connecting Mizoram's capital, Aizawl (via Sairang), to India's broad gauge railway network for the first time.
Total Bandh
The Mizo National Front (MNF) enforced a total bandh across Mizoram from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today, disrupting life in protest against the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-led government’s resolution to adopt the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 (FCAA 2023). The bandh, supported by MNF as the “will of the people,” sought to pressure the state government to revoke its August 27 Assembly resolution approving the Act’s implementation. MNF leaders have asserted that the FCAA 2023 undermines Mizoram’s constitutional protections under Article 371(G), which bars any central law on ownership or land transfer without Assembly approval. The party also raised concerns about Section 1A of the amendment, which empowers the Centre to authorise “strategic and developmental projects” within 100 km of international borders, warning this could endanger local control over forest lands. The impact of the bandh was felt across Mizoram, with government offices, educational institutions, shops, and banks remaining closed, and public transport and inter-district movement suspended. Residents largely stayed indoors, and vehicles were barred from passing through the Vairengte Check Gate along the state border. Emergency and essential services, including hospitals and medical care, as well as those holding special permissions, were exempt from the restrictions.
Total Bandh Called Off
Mizo National Front (MNF) called off its 10-hour shutdown at 1pm on Wednesday, citing overwhelming public support. The shutdown, which began at 6am, was a protest against the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 (FCAA, 2023), recently adopted by the state legislature. Aizawl, the state capital, resembled a ghost town as shops, businesses, and government offices, including banks and educational institutions, remained closed. The streets were devoid of vehicles and pedestrians, except for those exempted from the shutdown. Former minister and MNF treasurer Lalruatkima expressed gratitude to the people of Mizoram for their "wholehearted cooperation and peaceful participation" in the statewide bandh. "By extending full cooperation to the bandh, the people of Mizoram have reaffirmed their commitment to uphold and protect the unique constitutional safeguard that forms the cornerstone of Mizoram’s identity, autonomy, and self-governance," he stated. The protest was a response to Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) govt's adoption of the FCAA, 2023, through a resolution in the Mizoram assembly on Aug 27. MNF emphasized the importance of Article 371(G) of the Indian Constitution, which protects Mizoram’s land, forests, and customs from any Parliamentary Act unless approved by the assembly.
Opposition to Forest Act
The MNF has vociferously opposed the FCAA, 2023, arguing that it compromises the special constitutional protections for Mizoram under Article 371G regarding land and resources.