MNF calls for 10-hour shutdown in Mizoram on October 28 to protest extension of Forest Act in State

Mizoram’s main opposition party, the Mizo National Front (MNF), has called for a 10-hour total shutdown across the State barring Mamit district on Wednesday (October 29, 2025) to protest the extension of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act (FCAA), 2023, a party leader said. MNF calls 10-hour shutdown in Mizoram on October 28 to protest extension of Forest Act in State

MNF media and publicity cell secretary Lallenmawia Jongte told PTI on Tuesday (October 28) that the 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. strike will be observed in all districts except Mamit due to the upcoming bypoll in Dampa on November 11.

All government and private offices, educational institutions, business establishments, among others, will be shut during the shutdown, he said, adding that vehicles will also not be allowed to ply.

However, people and vehicles under emergency services will be exempted from the strike, Mr. Jongte added.

Acccording to Mr. Jongte, the party had strongly opposed the adoption of the FCAA by the State Assembly and urged the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government headed by Chief Minister Lalduhoma to withdraw the resolution adopting the law.

Earlier, the MNF had urged the State government to call a special Assembly session to review and withdraw its resolution.

MNF chief Zoramthanga alleged that the adoption of FCAA by the ZPM government had hurt the sentiment of the Mizos.

People’s Conference party and the Joint Civil Society Mizoram (CJM), a coalition of several organisations, have extended support to the MNF and urged the public, NGOs and political parties to support the move.

The Mizoram Assembly during its monsoon session on August 27 adopted a resolution to extend the FCAA, 2023 in the State from this year, which was a reverse from its earlier resolution adopted in August 2023 during the MNF rule.

The party alleged that under the legislation, the Central government could gradually take over land belonging to indigenous people, as the new law allows exemption of forest clearance for “strategic linear projects of national importance and concerning national security” within 100 km of international borders.

On September 11, the CJM staged a peaceful demonstration in Aizawl to protest against the Act and urged the State government to withdraw its resolution.