Aizawl: The Mizoram government has recently ordered the temporary sealing of inter-state and inter-district borders to ensure peace and prevent any potential disruptions. The directive, issued by District Election Officer Er. Lalhriatpuia, focuses on preventing the infiltration of disruptive and anti-social elements across key borders in Mizoram.
According to the order, borders at key entry points—Zokhawthiang, Khawpuar, Zilthawchhuah (Vaitin), and Luakchhuah (New Vervek)— were sealed starting November 2, 2024. This measure will remain in effect until the election process in Sinlung Hills is completed.
According to a report by The Mizoram Post, a total of 49 candidates, including one female, are participating, with support from parties like the Zoram People’s Movement-Hmar People’s Convention (ZPM-HPC) alliance, Congress, and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF). Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded one candidate, while 14 independent candidates, including two MNF-backed candidates, add to the contest.
Polls in Sinlung Hills are scheduled for November 5, with processes concluding later that day as ballot boxes are transported to constituency headquarters. The prior significant phase in 2019 saw the MNF-HPC alliance winning the majority, though shifts in alliances have altered the council’s dynamics, now led by the ZPM-HPC coalition.
Sinlung Hills Council covers an area in and around the inter-state borders with neighbouring Assam and Manipur in the north eastern corner of Mizoram. The Council covers 31 Villages under 3 (three) different Rural Development Blocks and under 3 (three) different districts. As per 2011 Census, it has a population of 30,160 with 94.68% literacy and 95.27% Scheduled Tribe population.
The Sinlung Hills Council Act, 2018 constituted the Sinlung Hills Council consisting of a General Council and an Executive Council. The General Council consists of fourteen Council Members of which twelve members are elected and two members are nominated. The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Council are elected from amongst the members and by the members having voting rights at the time of such election. The executive functions of the Council are as follows: The Executive Council consists of a Chief Executive Member and four Executive Members.
The Secretariat of the Council is headed by the Secretary of the Sinlung Hills Council, who is assisted by the Development Officer, Under Secretary, Finance and Accounts Officer, Superintendent, and such other Officers and Staff of the Council as are necessary.
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