Thombor Shiwat, who was again elected as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) for the third time, has promised to secure the release of pending salaries to employees.
The four-time MDC from Moodop-Umladang constituency said out of the 11 executive members of the previous term, only four were re-elected, which is a cause of concern. He said perhaps the district council was weak and called on all members to fulfill their duties with accountability and transparency.
He expressed hope that the 29 MDCs, including five former CEMs, would bring meaningful changes in the district council and the region.
Shiwat secured 17 votes while Congress MDC Madonbai Rymbai pocketed only three votes. All eight VPP MDCs abstained from electing the CEM.
Earlier, Bataw Lakadong MDC Sankey Shangpung was elected Chairman of the JHADC by securing 20 votes while Saphai-Sahsniang MDC Rikut Parein secured six. Three MDCs voted for none of the above.
Meanwhile, the opposition VPP in the JHADC has elected Jowai North MDC Awhai Andrew Shullai as the leader of opposition.