Mizoram adopts resolutions on UN declaration of Indigenous Peoples, Assam Rifles move

Mizoram Assembly Friday adopted two private resolutions, one moved by an opposition member and another by a ruling party legislator. The first resolution moved by Vanlalhlana of the opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) sought to put "pressure" on the Centre to implement the "United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007".

Vanlalhlana said though India was a signatory to the declaration, it has never been implemented in the country. Those who participated in the debate, cutting across party lines, stressed upon the importance of the declaration and that it would help in safeguarding the rights of the Mizos.

Another resolution moved by the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo welcomed the decision of the Centre to shift the Assam Rifles battalion headquarters from the heart of the Aizawl city. The Ministry of Home Affairs had recently issued an order instructing the Assam Rifles to shift from Aizawl to nearby Zokhawsang area by May 31. The two private resolutions were adopted unanimously by the Assembly.