Aizawl: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district has been placed under Governor’s rule, following months of political unrest that disrupted governance in the 20-member tribal body.
The decision was notified by the Department of District Council and Minority Affairs on Monday.
According to the official notification signed by department secretary Lalmalsawma Pachuau, the Governor has assumed full administrative control of the council.
The Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner has been appointed as the caretaker administrator, with immediate effect, to act on behalf of the Governor for a period of six months or until further notice.
The decision comes in the wake of repeated political disruptions within the CADC, which the Governor deemed detrimental to its functioning and contrary to the spirit of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution—meant to ensure effective governance in tribal areas.
The political turbulence intensified after the ouster of Chief Executive Member (CEM) Molin Kumar Chakma, who was removed through a no-confidence motion on June 16.
Chakma, a BJP leader, had assumed office earlier this year on February 4. His removal marked the fall of the first BJP-led executive committee in the council, following a dramatic shift in loyalties.
In a significant turn of events, 12 council members, including then-chairman Lakkhan Chakma, resigned from the BJP and joined the opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
The ZPM now claims majority support in the council, with Lakkhan Chakma asserting his claim to head the next executive committee.
Citing the escalating disorder and lack of stable leadership, the Governor, after consulting the state council of ministers, concluded that the council was no longer able to function in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The Central Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (CMCSU), the region’s prominent student body, had earlier raised concerns over the political turmoil.
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It criticised the frequent defections and power struggles, stating that such instability was undermining development, public trust, and the council’s credibility.
The union urged elected members to put community welfare ahead of party politics.
Established in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule, the CADC was formed to safeguard the interests of the Chakma tribal community in Mizoram.
Headquartered at Kamalanagar (Chawngte), the council comprises 20 elected members and four nominated ones.
