Ukhrul ADC elects new Chairman
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 31 2012: Ukhrul Autonomous District Council (ADC) Members have unanimously elected John Raleng as their new Chairman.

Together with election of the new Chairman, the stand-off within the Council and the dissident camp which was demanding removal of the former Chairman for the last three months has been closed.

After former Chairman Shanggam Luireiwo and Vice Chairman M Ngalangzar stepped down from their respective posts on August 22, John Raleng was unanimously elected as the new Chairman.

17 dissident Members led by John Raleng were demanding removal of Shanggam Luirewo from the post of Chairman on multiple charges which included inability to control the ADC staff, failure to consult Members before taking up development programmes, lack of transparency and not holding meeting of the ADC Members even after they have completed one year in office.

They also moved a no confidence motion against the former Chairman resulting in a stand-off within the Council.

Subsequently, MPCC President Gaikhangam, Chief Minister O Ibobi and Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dr Chaltonlien Amo summoned all the Ukhrul ADC Members to Congress Bhavan and recorded their statements on their choice of candidates for the post of Chairman.

John Raleng

After soliciting the opinion, of each and every Member, it was found that the former Chairman was supported by a minority group of Members.

Later the MPCC authority asked Shanggam Luirewo to step down from his post but he refused to budge and opted to go to Court.

However his argument failed to convince the Court and his case was disposed off.

After this, he was expelled from the primary membership of the party for anti-party activities.

Ultimately, Shanggam Luirewo and Ngalangzar stepped down from their respective posts on August 22 .

This was followed by a joint meeting of all the Members at District Council Hall, Sangakpham where H Shangai, a Member of Ukhrul ADC who presided the meeting declared in presence of the Ukhrul DC and MLA MK Preshow that John Raleng has been elected new Chairman unopposed.

Talking with TSE, the new Chairman said that even as the Government has devolved powers concerning 26 different departments to the ADCs, the ADCs have not been full financial autonomy.

He also expressed his desire to raise fund allocation for ADCs.

With the DRDA's works entrusted to ADCs, the Ukhrul ADC would implement all programmes in consultation with the Executive Director and all the Members, said John Raleng.

A new Vice Chairman would be elected on September 3 .