Aizawl: The Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) and Joint Civil Society Mizoram (JCM) have released strong statements opposing the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023 (FCAA), appealing to the state government to call for a special assembly and reconsider its adoption.
In a recent meeting, ZORO officials said they resolved that the FCAA gives excessive power to the central government. They highlighted that the amendment to Section 2 would create significant problems for indigenous peoples.
A major point of concern is the exemption for a 100-kilometer area along international borders, which grants the central government the authority to use the land for “strategic linear projects of national importance and concerning national security” without requiring forest clearance.
ZORO argues this exemption directly violates the protection provided by the Indian Constitution’s Article 371G, which safeguards the rights of the Mizo people. The organization also stated that the act goes against Article 244, which outlines the rights of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Union Territories (UTs), and states under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules.
Furthermore, they claim it infringes upon fundamental rights like freedom of residence, settlement, occupation, and trade (Article 19), as well as several articles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Joint Civil Society of Mizoram, a coalition of several non-governmental organizations, stated that while the FCAA 2023 may be important for development, it is unsafe for the people of Mizoram and neighboring areas. They too requested a special assembly to deliberate on the matter.
The JCM pointed to several problematic clauses, including the exemption for strategic projects near borders, the establishment of government-owned zoos and safaris in forest areas, and a clause allowing the Central Government to specify “any other purpose” for forest use. They also raised concerns about a clause that grants the Central Government the power to issue directions for the act’s implementation.
Both organizations stressed that Mizoram needs development but said it should not come at the cost of the land and the environment. They believe that development can proceed as per existing laws without adopting the FCAA 2023.
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