Aizawl: In a historic move, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah presided over the formal transfer of Assam Rifles Battalion land to the Government of Mizoram in Aizawl today. The transfer, which included the official exchange of maps, was attended by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and the Director General of Assam Rifles.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah described the event as a major milestone for Mizoram’s development. He emphasized that for nearly 35 years, the people of Mizoram had been demanding the relocation of the Assam Rifles Battalion to interior areas to free up space in Aizawl, where limited land availability had hindered modernization and the expansion of public facilities. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking this crucial decision, which will help resolve the long-standing issue and enable the state to move forward with much-needed urban development.
Shah stated that this decision was not merely an administrative move but a reflection of the Modi government’s commitment to the people of Mizoram. He highlighted that the release of land in a key location would open up new possibilities for infrastructure growth, urban expansion, and public services, creating a transformative impact on the state’s development. He also noted that this move would be regarded as one of the most significant in Mizoram’s history since the establishment of the first army camp in Aizawl in 1890.
The Union Home Minister pointed out that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Government of India has actively worked over the past ten years to strengthen and integrate the entire North-East region. He highlighted that unprecedented development has taken place in multiple sectors, including tourism, technology, sports, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Comparing the past with the present, he noted that before 2014, all previous Prime Ministers combined had visited the North-East only 21 times, whereas Prime Minister Modi alone has made 78 visits in the past decade. Similarly, while Union Ministers had visited the region only 71 times before 2014, the number has now exceeded 700, demonstrating the government’s proactive approach to development and engagement.
During his address, Shah also underscored the government’s efforts to restore peace in the North-East through dialogue and agreements with various insurgency groups. He highlighted several major infrastructure projects in Mizoram, including the National Highway 502-A project, the Aizawl-Tuipang Highway expansion, new bamboo link roads, and the completion of the Bairabi-Sairang Railway project. He mentioned that a 164-bed super specialty research center is being built, and multiple mobile towers have been installed to enhance digital connectivity.
Concluding his speech, Amit Shah reiterated that the transfer of Assam Rifles Battalion land symbolizes a new era for Mizoram, unlocking potential for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a better quality of life for its people. He assured that the Government of India remains fully committed to ensuring a developed, peaceful, and secure Mizoram, paving the way for a brighter future for the state.