AIZWAL, Feb 17: Chief Minister’s Adviser TBC Lalvenchhunga on Monday dismissed allegations that the Mizoram government is planning to hand over Lengpui Airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF), stating that the aim is to enhance and develop the facility while ensuring efficient management.
“We are implementing comprehensive administrative reforms to improve governance. Within a short period, we have received substantial financial assistance from the central government,” Lalvenchhunga said.
Reacting to controversies over the alleged transfer, he said he had been personally targeted over the issue. “They are making it seem like we are handing the Airport to the IAF tomorrow. A total transfer of Lengpui Airport has never been our intention. We have consulted experts, including Wing Commander J Lallhmingliana, one of the first persons we approached,” he stated.
According to him, Lallhmingliana had acknowledged that maintaining the Airport was a financial burden for a cash-strapped state like Mizoram and had advised seeking a draft proposal from the IAF, similar to an earlier proposal from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). “While we were following his advice, he criticised the government’s move in media interviews as if he knew nothing about it,” Lalvenchhunga alleged.
He pointed out that in 2011, 32 acres of land had already been allocated for a jet fighter facility by those who are now vehemently opposing any involvement of the IAF. “In 2022, the AAI submitted a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the Mizoram government, but the then MNF-led administration did not finalise it,” he said.
“This is not an exclusive initiative of the ZPM government; both previous administrations had engaged in discussions regarding the Airport. We are neither planning to sell nor transfer it. Instead, we are exploring ways to develop it comprehensively with IAF cooperation. Unlike other states where Airports are primarily controlled by the IAF, Lengpui will remain accessible to the public,” he asserted.
He further stated that in 2019 and 2022, the MNF government had already given a ‘No Objection’ clearance to the IAF for the use of 97 acres in Lengpui and an additional 5 acres in Sihphir. “Ironically, those who previously approved land allocations to the IAF are now raising alarms over this issue,” he added. (UNI)
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