Mizoram: Zodintluanga Criticizes Government for Undermining Mizoram Hill Tribes' Rights in 2025

AIZAWL: A leader from the Mizoram branch of the All India Adivasi Congress Committee (AIACC) has criticized the central government for undermining the rights of Adivasis and hill tribes, especially in the northeastern region of India.

During the State-level convention of the Tripura State Adivasi Committee in Ambassa, Dhalai district, on Sunday (January 5, 2025), Zodintluanga urged for the dismantling of the "authoritarian grip" on the nation to protect the democratic values that define India. A former Congress Minister, he currently serves as a national executive member of the AIACC.

Mr. Zodintluanga criticized the policies of the central government, stating that it has failed to protect the rights of tribal communities and marginalized groups across India. He remarked, "Under Narendra Modi's leadership, the essence of democracy has been undermined. His authoritarian rule must come to an end if we are to preserve the values on which our country was founded."

He pointed to significant initiatives like the Forest Rights Act of 2006 as examples of Congress' contributions to the rights of tribal communities. He accused the central government of weakening and delaying the implementation of the Act, while facilitating land acquisition in tribal areas, which has resulted in the displacement of indigenous communities.

Mr. Zodintluanga stated, “The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government has reversed the gains of the tribal communities, especially in areas like land rights, education, and political representation.”

He also highlighted the autonomous district councils established in Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland during the Congress rule, which were designed to offer tribal communities local governance structures that reflect their unique identity.

He said, "In stark contrast, the government has failed to address the growing unrest and instability in states like Manipur, which is experiencing a war-like situation. The BJP-led governments at both the Centre and the State have ignored the situation in Manipur."

Mr. Zodintluanga criticized the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. He warned that its implementation would negatively affect the demographics of the northeast, further marginalizing indigenous communities.

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