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.

As of this morning, no untoward incidents were reported, and the bandh stayed peaceful across major towns such as Aizawl, Lunglei, and Champhai. Notably, Mamit District, where the Dampa Assembly bye-election is scheduled, was excluded from the bandh. MNF leaders also recalled that the previous MNF-led government had opposed the FCAA 2023, with then opposition leader Lalduhoma speaking out strongly against the Act in 2023.