Mizoram RS MP urges Centre to expedite relocation of Assam Rifles bases from Aizawl

Aizawl: Mizoram's lone Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena has urged the Centre to expedite the relocation of Assam Rifles bases from the heart of Aizawl city to designated Zokhawsang near Aizawl, an official statement said on Monday.

During a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, Vanlalvena informed Shah that the relocation was proposed by first Mizoram chief minister Laldenga in 1988 following the killing of 11 civilians by Assam Rifles in a violent clash, the statement said.  

The motive behind the relocation was to avoid confrontation between civilians and the paramilitary force in the future, he said, Assam Rifles has bases at  Zodin (Lammual or AR ground) and Khatla areas in Aizawl.

The Assam Rifles headquarters in Zokhawsang was inaugurated by Shah in April last year. 

In February 2019, the Union Home Ministry had directed the paramilitary force to shift its base to Zokhawsang by May 31 that year. 

However, Assam Rifles claimed that certain basic infrastructures are yet to be completed at the designated headquarters.