Mizoram MPs oppose Forest Bill 2023, says provisions could hurt state and region

The Lok Sabha passed the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 through voice vote. Discussion could not be held due to the chaos in the House

Two Members of Parliament (MPs) from Mizoram, representing the Mizo National Front (MNF) which is part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), have taken a strong stand against the recently passed Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023.

Lok Sabha MP C. Lalrosanga, and Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena, both opposed the Bill, asserting that it could have harmful implications for Mizoram and the entire northeast region.

C. Lalrosanga said the passage of the Bill amidst the chaos in Lok Sabha made his support or opposition meaningless. The Bill was passed in the Lower House by voice vote. He however, vowed to continue demanding a discussion on the situation in strife-torn Manipur in the House.

K. Vanlalvena too shared his strong opposition to the legislation. He raised concerns that the pandemonium prevailing in the Upper House could lead to the Bill’s passage through a voice vote without proper deliberation. Vanlalvena expressed his readiness to strongly oppose the amendment Bill if given a chance to speak and vote against it, despite being an NDA MP.

In addition to their opposition to the Forest Bill, the two Mizo MPs declared their firm stand against the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC). They stated that they would oppose the UCC both inside and outside the Parliament, echoing the MNF leaders’ open disapproval.
Notably, the Mizoram Assembly unanimously adopted an official resolution against the UCC, and Chief Minister Zoramthanga had already submitted his opposition to its legislation and implementation to the Law Commission of India.

K. Vanlalvena sought a discussion on the ongoing Manipur crisis under rule 267, persistently submitting pleas to the Rajya Sabha Chairman since July 21. However, his efforts are yet to yield any result. He remained determined to continue pushing for the issue’s consideration in the Parliament.

The Parliament continues to face a logjam, and both Houses were adjourned until Monday, August 31 due to Opposition parties’ demand for discussion on the Manipur situation. The Opposition parties called for the Prime Minister to make a statement on the Manipur situation in the Parliament.

Also Read : Meiteis in Mizoram are safe: Home Commissioner H. Lalengmawia

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