Lawngtlai: A new political chapter began in the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) on Tuesday as members of the newly formed United Legislature Party (ULP) government, comprising the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Indian National Congress, were sworn into office during a ceremony held in Lawngtlai.
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| Deputy CEM and Executive Members take oath during the swearing-in ceremony of the 12th Lai Autonomous District Council in Lawngtlai. (Image: DD Mizoram) |
The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Chief Executive Member’s (CEM) Office premises and was administered by Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga. The programme was conducted by Executive Member Pu K. Lalthanzara and attended by council members, government officials, community leaders, and supporters.
The swearing-in began with Deputy Chief Executive Member Pu Sanghuliana Mualchin taking the oath of office and secrecy. He was followed by eight Executive Members, including five representatives from the MNF and three from the Congress, who formally assumed their responsibilities as part of the executive body of the 12th Lai Autonomous District Council.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Executive Member Pu C. Lalsawmzuala expressed gratitude to the Governor of Mizoram and the State Government for their support and cooperation in facilitating the formation of the new executive council. He stated that the coalition government would work with dedication and sincerity to promote the welfare of the people and accelerate development across the district.
The CEM emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among elected representatives, noting that the alliance between the MNF and Congress was formed with the objective of ensuring political stability and effective governance within the autonomous district. He assured that the new administration would focus on improving public services, infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic opportunities for residents.
Among those sworn in as Executive Members was Pu Sukriti Chakma, Congress representative from the Sakeilui constituency, who was assigned the Social Welfare portfolio. However, his appointment drew objections from the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), which expressed concern that appointing a Chakma representative as an Executive Member could have implications for the Lai community and the autonomous district.
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Following the objections raised by the organisation, Sukriti Chakma did not assume office on the day of the swearing-in ceremony despite taking the oath. The matter is expected to be discussed further by stakeholders in the coming days.
The formation of the ULP government marks a significant political development in the Lai Autonomous District Council, bringing together two major political parties in a coalition arrangement. Leaders of both the MNF and Congress reiterated their commitment to working jointly for peace, stability, and the overall progress of the district, expressing hope that the partnership would help address developmental challenges and strengthen governance in the region.
