The opposition Congress on Wednesday urged the Mizoram government to convene an all party meeting to discuss the proposed Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill 2019.
In a memorandum submitted to state Chief Minister Zoramthanga, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee said that if the proposed amendment bill is passed it would be a "draconian law" for the Mizo people and urged the state government to immediately submit a proposal against the proposed amendment.
The Congress urged the state government to convene an all party meeting and also invite social societies to the meeting to discuss the proposed Forest amendment bill.
The Congress claimed that section 66(2) of the proposed Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill 2019 authorises any Forest department official 'shoot at sight' order against anyone who encroaches forest lands and section 66 authorises the forest department officials to search and enter private properties without warrant.
A press statement issued by the MPCC said that the memorandum submitted to Zoramthanga was based on the findings of a study team constituted by former chief minister and MPCC chief Lal Thanhawla.
Other opposition parties and civil societies have also expressed reservations about the proposed amendment to the Indian Forest Act, 1927 saying that the amendment, if legislated would give extra constitutional power to the officials.
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