CCPUR, February 23: On the last day of the two-day long Zomi Namni cum Sialkkal Range Development Council Celebration (SRDC)2014, the Sialkal Range development board was upgraded to the status of Development Council by the Govt. of Mizoram as was already approved by the government.
The program which concluded on February 21, 2014 was held at Muimbung Public Ground in Mizoram.
The upgradation of the council was attended by chairman ADC Churachandpur, Langkhanpau Guite as chief guest, ADCC executive member Gouzamang Guite as functional president and MDC G Suanchinpau Guite as guest of honour.
PTC Mizoram president H Daikhenkhai acted as the chief host.
Langkhanpau Guite said it is a privilege for the ADCC members to spend some time with the ADC members of Mizoram especially with the Chakma and Lakhel ADC.
He further thanked the Mizoram chief minister Lalthanhola, Manipur Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing and other Zomi leaders.
The Mizoram ADC which is under the Sixth Schedule has more power and autonomy and constitutional provisions which is not only enviable but also an encouragement to all, he said before adding that it is unfortunate that only three village in the range from the proposed 24 villages have been included in the council.
Cultural exchange programs between the Paite, Hmar, Chalma ,Lai etc are on the card ,he added and at the same time said that the ADC of Mizoram led by KK Tong Choinga, chairman CADC (Chakma) will soon visit Churachandpur.
The CADC (Chakma) chairman on the occasion said that the Paite community should never be ashamed of their right or identity.
Representative from the SRDC said that they had petitioned the government for more than 13 times for the creation of a new ADC exclusively for the Sialkal range.