Hiphei elected Speaker of Mizoram assembly

Veteran Congressman Hiphei was today elected unopposed as the Speaker of the seventh Mizoram Assembly.

Governor Vakkom Purushothaman will address the three-day session of the assembly tomorrow and Deputy Speaker would be elected on Wednesday, assembly sources said.

Hiphei (73) was elected from Palak seat in Saiha district defeating President of the Maraland Democratic Party (MDF) P Thawlla in the 40-member state assembly polls on November 25.

Hiphei was the first Deputy Speaker of Mizoram and held the post from May 12, 1972 to may 10, 1977 after Mizo District Council was elevated to a union territory and began to have its own legislature.

He was elected Speaker of the Assembly in January one, 1989 and held the post till July 14, 1990. He was also the lone Rajya Sabha member from the state for two consecutive terms. Addressing the state legislature after his election, Hiphei appealed to the members to maintain dignity and decorum of the Assembly.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and Opposition leader Vanlalzawma assured him of full cooperation in maintaining the order of the House.