Lalthanhawla sworn-in, pledges development

Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla yesterday said the new Congress government would work towards overall development and socio-economic uplift of the state, besides striving to focus on providing a clean and transparent administration.

"We shall do everything to fulfil the aspirations of the people, besides working towards improving rural infrastructure and taking up development works," Lalthanhawla said.

He said this soon after being sworn-in as the new chief minister in capital Aizawl. Governor Lieutenant General (Retd) M.M. Lakhera administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 66-year-old Congress leader and two other legislators at a function at the Raj Bhavan here.

"My other cabinet colleagues [nine more] would take the oath of office after a few days," the chief minister said.

Besides Lalthanhawla, the others who took oath as cabinet ministers yesterday were R. Lalzirliana and H. Liansailova.

J.H. Rothuama will be sworn in as Protem-Speaker today.

Lalthanhawla, who shaped the Congress base in the Christian dominated Mizoram, has become chief minister for the fourth time.

He first became chief minister in 1984, but stepped down in 1986 after the Mizo Peace Accord was signed to pave the way for guerrilla leader Laldenga to become the chief minister.

Lalthanhawla again became chief minister in 1989 heading a Congress government. He was also the chief minister of a Congress-led coalition government during 1993-1998.

"Improvement of rural economy through the new land use policy would be the top priority of the new government," he said.