LAMKA, July 31: The elected members of the Autonomous District Council Churachandpur have elected Langkhanpau Guite as the leader of the council today with 16 voting for him.
The ADC Churachandpur was formed today with the election of Guite as the chairman.
His opponent Khaipau Haokip got five votes while two were declared void. Another member acting as the polling officer didn`™t vote.
The new chairman designate thanked his colleagues from the Hill People Alliance for electing him.
Guite also thanked his sole opponent describing him as a close colleague from the last council.
Speaking on the occasion, Guite said `as we are at the dawn of constituting a new council, let us resolve to work more closely in unison, harmony in the interest of our district.`™
`Due to lack of staff, the few who are there have to work extra in our offices today. Posts vacant due to death or superannuation are still lying vacant.`
He urged the elected members to work for the protection of the district boundary, secure sixth schedule in the hills and work in cooperation with the local MLAs.
He further exhorted the elected council members to work sincerely for the interest of the district.
Meanwhile, reacting to reports appearing on local dailies about the Hill Area Committee deciding to endorse the granting of sixth schedule to the hills of the State but on the condition that the ADC Act 1971 and ML&LR Act should be amended, he said he had talked to the HAC chairman who has clarified against making any such decision.
Guite said the council takes strong objection to the report.
He further appealed to all to attend to their posting places including the SDOs and the SDCs so that the medical staff, police and teachers would follow suit.
Guite also called on the need to invite the ADC leaders as chief guest in important functions like the Independence Day celebration which would be a step forward in the empowering of the ADCs.
Meanwhile, the DC Lunminthang Haokip who also attended the function briefed the newly elected council members about the status of the finance and different schemes undertaken in the district.
Elaborating on the status of IAY scheme in the district, the DC said funding is awaited as the paper work is already completed.
The other members of the council also expressed appreciation of the new chairman and made suggestion for improving ADC Churachandpur.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the election for the vice chairman will be held on August 3 following which the chairman will appoint five executive members.