Aizawl, Jan 19: The Mizo Students’ Union (MSU) has claimed that it identified 11 allegedly illegal villages in Mizoram through information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act and has expressed concern over what it described as the lack of concrete action by the state government to address the issue.
According to the student body, the information regarding the settlements was gathered through RTI applications filed last year. Following the receipt of the information, the union initiated efforts to verify the status of the villages and assess their legality under existing laws and administrative regulations.
MSU leaders stated that on December 10 last year, teams comprising representatives of the union and officials from the concerned government departments conducted field visits to the identified villages. The purpose of the visits was to examine the settlements on the ground, gather factual information, and assess the situation from administrative, legal, and developmental perspectives.
The union said the inspections were intended to help authorities determine whether the villages had been established in accordance with existing laws and government regulations. The visits also sought to understand the implications of the settlements on governance, land administration, and local communities.
Following the field inspections, the MSU reportedly urged the Government of Mizoram to take prompt and appropriate action to resolve issues relating to the alleged illegal villages. However, the student organisation expressed disappointment that no substantial measures have been taken despite repeated appeals.
Speaking at Tlabung, MSU leaders said efforts to pursue follow-up action had been affected by the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period, which limited the scope for administrative decisions and interventions. They noted that the election process and related restrictions slowed progress on several pending matters, including the issue of unauthorised settlements.
The union maintained that once normal administrative functioning resumes, it intends to intensify its campaign and continue pressing the state government to address the matter in accordance with the law. MSU leaders said they would engage with relevant authorities and seek stronger action to ensure that any violations of established regulations are dealt with appropriately.
According to the student body, addressing alleged illegal settlements is important not only from an administrative perspective but also for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring orderly development within the state. The union argued that failure to act could create complications related to land ownership, governance, resource allocation, and future development planning.
The MSU reiterated that it remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Mizoram and its people. It called on the government to thoroughly examine the findings gathered through the RTI process and subsequent field inspections and to take necessary steps based on legal and administrative requirements.
The issue is expected to remain a subject of public discussion as the student body continues to seek government intervention and clarity regarding the status of the villages identified during its investigation.
