AIZAWL, March 10: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Monday that the state government is in the process of preparing a draft memorandum of agreement (MoA) to transfer Lengpui Airport, the only airport in the state, to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Addressing the Mizoram Assembly, Lalduhoma, who also oversees the general administration department, stated that a working committee had been reconstituted on November 11, 2024, to oversee the maintenance and management of the airport. The committee, chaired by Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) legislator TBC Lalvenchhunga, is tasked with drafting the MoA.

“The draft MoA is under preparation and has not yet been presented to the cabinet,” Lalduhoma informed the House while responding to questions raised by opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator K. Laldawngliana.

The Chief Minister also mentioned ongoing consultations with various stakeholders, including local NGOs from Lengpui and state-level representatives. These consultations have included meetings held in January, where the government engaged with the NGO Coordination Committee—a coalition of five major civil society and student organisations—to seek consensus on the proposal.

Both the state government and the stakeholders agreed to advocate for upgrading Lengpui Airport before the 16th Finance Commission. Lalduhoma further revealed that the state government has allocated Rs. 86 crore for the renovation and upgrading of the airport’s runway, which includes raising the Pavement Classification Number (PCN) from 36 to 50 to enhance the airport’s capacity.

In response to supplementary questions, Lalduhoma also outlined plans to expand helicopter services across Mizoram. This expansion would include constructing new helipads and heliports equipped with refuelling facilities in all 11 districts of the state.

However, the proposal to transfer Lengpui Airport to the IAF has sparked strong opposition from several quarters, including the MNF, Congress, and prominent local organisations such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest civil society group in the state. Recently, YMA leaders urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision.

The MNF has threatened to intensify protests if the transfer proceeds despite widespread public opposition. On March 5, the MNF warned of escalated demonstrations, while the state assembly had previously rejected a private resolution on February 21 aimed at halting the proposed handover.