Aizawl: The Joint Civil Society of Mizoram (JCM) has announced that it will hold a protest rally on September 11, 2025, opposing the state assembly’s adoption of the Forest Conservation Amendment Act (FCAA) 2023.
The decision came after a consultation meeting held on Saturday, which was attended by representatives of major NGOs, political parties, and environment groups.
Participants at the consultation included leaders of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), Mizo National Front (MNF), People’s Conference (PC), Mizoram Transformation Movement (MTM), CESJ, Mizoram First, CATAJ, ZORO, and 12 environment-based organizations.
JCM leaders said they believe the adoption of the amendment is detrimental to Mizoram’s land and people, and reiterated their demand for the government to convene a special assembly session to review the decision.
Earlier, the JCM had issued a statement acknowledging that while the FCAA 2023 may have developmental objectives, it remains unsafe for Mizoram and neighboring areas.
They warned that the amendment contains several problematic clauses, including exemptions for strategic projects near international borders, permission for government-owned zoos and safaris in forest areas, a sweeping provision allowing the Centre to designate “any other purpose” for forest use, and clauses granting the Central Government overriding powers to issue directions.
The coalition emphasised that Mizoram needs development, but not at the cost of its environment and community rights. “Development can continue under existing laws without adopting the FCAA 2023,” the groups said, urging the public, particularly youth, to join the September 11 rally in large numbers.
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