Lapang sworn in at head of 11-member MDA govt in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 10 (UNI) Donwa Dethwelson Lapang was sworn in today as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya at the head of an 11-member Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance(MDA) government.

Ten new ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor M M Jacob at a simple function here.

The newly sworn in ministers, include three former Deputy Chief Ministers Dr Donkupar Roy of United Democratic Party, Dr Mukul Manda Sangma and Deborah C Marak of the Congress.

Former Ministers Martle N Mukhim of Meghalaya Democratic Party, Paul Lyngdoh of Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, Robert Garnet Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, Manirul Islam Sarkar, Zenith M Sangma and Charles Pyngrope (all Congress MLAs) were also sworn in as ministers.

Congress MLA Nehlang Lyngdoh, whose name figured in the new ministers list, could not make it to the oath taking ceremony.

However, Governor Jacob said he could be sworn anytime when he arrived.

Meanwhile, five NGOs--Hynniewtrep National Youth Front, Garo Students' Union Ri-Bhoi Students' Union, Civil Society Women Organisation and Federation of War Mihngi and War Jaintia, Khasi Jaintia Welfare Association have called for an indefinite ''curfew'' in the state in protest against Mr Lapang's reinstatement.

The NGOs took the decision in a public rally at Motphran, criticising the AICC for reinstating Mr Lapang as the new CLP leader. They also burned Mr Lapang in effigy.

''We have decided to call an indefinite curfew from March 13 from 1900 hours to 0500 hours,'' HNYF President GH Kharshanlor said.

UNI