K K Paul takes charge as Mizoram Governor

Aizawl, Sep 16: Meghalaya governor Krishan Kant Paul, appointed by President Pranab Mukherjee to take additional charge of Mizoram was today sworn-in as the Mizoram governor.

Judge of Aizawl Bench of the Gauhati High Court Justice L S Jamir administered the oath of office to Paul at a function at the Aizawl Raj Bhavan Durbar Hall.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, his cabinet colleagues, legislators and top officials. Earlier, Paul arrived at the Lengpui airport near Aizawl where he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour in the presence of Lal Thanhawla, Home minister R Lalzirliana, Education minister H Rohluna, Sports Minister Zodintluanga, state chief secretary L Tochhawng and other top officials.

Paul was appointed to take additional gubernatorial charge of Mizoram and Manipur as the resignation of Manipur governor Vinod Kumar Duggal, who was holding additional charge of Mizoram, was accepted by the President on Thursday last. Duggal had submitted his resignation on August 27.

Student organisations in Mizoram have been protesting against the Centre saying that the gubernatorial post of Mizoram has been made like a musical chair.

Mizoram Governor Vakkom Purushothaman was transferred from Mizoram to Nagaland by the NDA government on July six, but he refused to occupy the Kohima Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation on July 11. Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal took over as the Mizoram Governor on July nine, but was sacked exactly a month after she was appointed as the state governor.

Governor of neighbouring Manipur Vinod Kumar Duggal, was appointed as the Mizoram governor on the day Beniwal received the marching orders.

Maharashtra Governor Kateekal Sankaranarayanan was transferred to Mizoram on August 23 to replace Duggal. However, Sankaranarayanan refused to be transferred to Mizoram and resigned on August 24.

PTI