Mizoram guv appoints BJP leader as LADC chief amid political turmoil

Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen VK Singh appointed N Zangura of BJP as chief executive member (CEM) of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) on Friday amid perpetual political uncertainty in the council even as the Lai Students Association (LSA) threatened to launch an agitation against any attempts by political parties to form the next executive committee in the LADC.
Secretary of the state district council and minority affairs Zodingpuii issued a notification on Friday, saying that the governor has appointed Zangura, an elected leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as CEM of the LADC. The governor has directed Zangura to secure a vote of confidence within 10 days of his appointment as CEM.
The UDA has been formed by 11 members of district council (MDC) belonging to the Mizo National Front (MNF) and two BJP MDCs, while the lone Congress MDC C Lalmuanthanga has extended his support to the UDA from outside. Election to the 25-member LADC is due in Nov this year.
If the UDA led by Zangura forms the next executive committee in the LADC, all three autonomous district councils in Mizoram will be ruled by BJP or with the support of other political parties. BJP is already in power in the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) and the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC).
Meanwhile, the Lai Students' Association (LSA) issued a press release from Lawngtlai town on Friday, saying the students' body will not allow any parties to form the next executive committee in the LADC.
"This is the fifth time that the executive committee has been toppled during the 11th LADC confirming perpetual instability in the council and the governor is fully aware about it. We demand that the LADC should be immediately suspended. If the LADC is not suspended within four days, agitation will be launched by closure of all the govt offices within Lawngtlai town," the press release said.
To bring political stability in the LADC, the LSA urged the governor to dissolve the current council and make immediate arrangements to conduct fresh elections.