AIZAWL: The Centre will soon approve a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Mizoram government and Assam Rifles to shift the paramilitary force battalion headquarters from the heart of Aizawl to designated Zokhawsang on the eastern outskirts of the state capital, an official statement said on Thursday.

The draft MoU was prepared by the Assam Rifles and was referred to the Centre last year.

The Mizoram government has also given comment on the MoU , which is now pending with the Union Home Ministry.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed chief minister Lalduhoma over the phone on Thursday that the Home Ministry will clear the MoU within a week, the official statement said.

Shah also informed the chief minister that the Centre will provide financial assistance to people affected by the recent landslides and other calamities triggered by cyclone Reman and also relief to the refugees taking shelter in the state, it said.

Lalduhoma had earlier said that Shah will visit Mizoram in August to inspect the steps taken in regard to relocation of Assam Rifles’ base from the hearth of Aizawl to Zokhawsang.

Quoting Shah, he had also said that the Centre was committed to shift the Assam Rifles’ base from Aizawl.

The Assam Rifles battalion headquarters at Zokhawsang was inaugurated by the Union Home Minister on April 1 last year.