PR.No.46/2025-2026
Lawngtlai, October 24, 2025:
At 10:30 a.m. today in Lawngtlai, officials of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) and leaders of the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) held a meeting chaired by Pu Lalropuia Chinzah, Executive Member in charge of the Land Revenue & Settlement Department, LADC.
The meeting was convened to discuss and clarify matters regarding the industrial water requirements proposed by Patanjali Foods Limited Company in connection with their project at Liapha village.
In his remarks, Pu Lalropuia Chinzah stated that since the issue involved important matters concerning the land and resources of the Lai people, it was essential to deliberate carefully and express everyone’s views freely. He emphasized the need for clear communication and thorough consultation regarding the proposals, the documents submitted, and the actions intended by the company and the CYLA leaders.
Pu K. Lalthanzara, Executive Secretary, LADC, explained that the issue had already been discussed by the LADC Executive Committee, and recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with the Government of Mizoram on January 22, 2025. He mentioned that the area in question was intended to be used as a site for Oil Palm cultivation and processing, and similar projects were already being undertaken in other parts of Mizoram. He added that Patanjali Foods Limited was selected based on the success of prior works compared to other companies that had previously collaborated with the government and achieved satisfactory results.
Pu F. Lalrothanga, President of CYLA, stated that the association had initially misunderstood the project details after seeing advertisements on social media, but upon further inquiry, they realized that it could bring potential development benefits. However, he stressed that it was important to evaluate whether such projects truly benefit the Lai land and people. He added that CYLA had written regarding the matter and suggested that at today’s meeting, no final decision be made yet and that the matter be carefully discussed in the LADC Executive Committee (CEC) before any conclusion.
Pu A. Zaithanga, Senior Revenue & Settlement Officer, LADC, stated that the department had already held discussions with local landowners and Pu P.C. Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Mizoram, regarding the project. He clarified the process of issuing land passes and the permissions involved, noting that although landholders has technically issued permission to use their land, there were still some areas that they did not allow. He added that no information has been received about 30 years landmark, and that it was important to carefully assess both its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Other CYLA leaders who spoke during the meeting emphasized that while advertisements had caused confusion, their main concern was to ensure the protection of Lai land and people’s welfare. They expressed that if the project genuinely benefits the workers and local residents, they would fully support it, but they also urged the authorities to ensure that development does not come at the expense of the community’s interests. They reiterated their desire to discuss the matter further in the CEC before giving their full approval.
The meeting was chaired by Pu Lalropuia Chinzah, Executive Member, and was attended by Pu C. Lalmuanvela, DCAO and Pu T. Zoramnghawra, DCHO of LADC.
It was concluded that proper clarification and correction should be made regarding the misleading advertisement that had circulated earlier.
Written & Published by:
Information & Public Relations Department, LADC, Lawngtlai
