EC appoints new CEO in Mizoram, removes SB Shashank after protests

The Election Commission (EC) has appointed new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in Mizoram replacing SB Shashank after protests against him. Ashish Kundra has been appointed as the new CEO of the state that goes to polls on November 28.

The decision to replace Shashank was taken following protests in the state on November 6 and November 7 demanding his removal.

The face-off between Shashank and the state government and civil society outfits took place after he complained against Mizoram's principal secretary (home), Lalninmawia Chuaungo, for allegedly interfering with the election process in the state.

Shashank had claimed that Chuaungo had played an active role in the revision of electoral roll of Bru refugees from Mizoram, who were forced to flee to Tripura after facing ethnic violence in 1997.

The complaint had led to the removal of Chuaungo, which irked the state government, political parties and civil society outfits in the state.

Massive protests were held against Chuaungo's removal outside the CEOs office in Aizawl and Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Shashank's removal.

Shashank had to leave the state after being summoned by the chief election commissioner in Delhi, which resulted in the withdrawal of the agitation.

(With inputs from Poulomi Saha and PTI)

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