In a significant move, the Mizoram Assembly has officially adopted a resolution denouncing the recently enacted Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 by the Indian Parliament.
The resolution, presented by Mizoram's Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, TJ Lalnuntluanga, underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding the rights and interests of the people of Mizoram.
Minister Lalnuntluanga reiterated that the state government had been steadfast in its opposition to the amendment Bill from its inception. Mizoram had diligently conveyed its concerns to the Central government and the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) through multiple letters. Regrettably, despite receiving a substantial 1,309 protest letters and communications, the JPC proceeded with the Bill's approval, ultimately resulting in its passage in both the Lok Sabha on July 26 and the Rajya Sabha on August 2.
Lalnuntluanga expressed the government's tireless efforts to protect Mizoram's forests from potential destruction and to uphold the rights of the state's people. Frustrated by the lack of response to these efforts, the minister presented the resolution in the Assembly as a final recourse.
The minister emphasized the grave threat posed to Mizoram's forest cover, particularly under Section 2, sub-section (i) of the amended Act. Following extensive deliberations involving members from both the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition, the resolution garnered widespread support. Notably, all members, with the exception of BJP lawmaker B D Chakma, voted in favor of the resolution, highlighting the Assembly's resolute and unified stand against the Act.
Minister Lalnuntluanga reiterated that the state government had been steadfast in its opposition to the amendment Bill from its inception. Mizoram had diligently conveyed its concerns to the Central government and the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) through multiple letters. Regrettably, despite receiving a substantial 1,309 protest letters and communications, the JPC proceeded with the Bill's approval, ultimately resulting in its passage in both the Lok Sabha on July 26 and the Rajya Sabha on August 2.
Lalnuntluanga expressed the government's tireless efforts to protect Mizoram's forests from potential destruction and to uphold the rights of the state's people. Frustrated by the lack of response to these efforts, the minister presented the resolution in the Assembly as a final recourse.
The minister emphasized the grave threat posed to Mizoram's forest cover, particularly under Section 2, sub-section (i) of the amended Act. Following extensive deliberations involving members from both the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition, the resolution garnered widespread support. Notably, all members, with the exception of BJP lawmaker B D Chakma, voted in favor of the resolution, highlighting the Assembly's resolute and unified stand against the Act.