Loyal

The Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) submitted a request to the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) on September 19, seeking the replacement of representatives Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong and Dr. Ngai Tam Maung, who are currently serving as Union Ministers in the National Unity Government (NUG), with new representatives, according to media reports.

Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong, a member of the Chin National Front (CNF), previously served as an ethnic armed organization representative in the ICNCC. He is currently serving as the Union Minister for Federal Affairs in the NUG government. Dr. Ngai Tam Maung, an elected Member of Parliament from Mindat Township, participated in the ICNCC as a parliamentary representative and is currently the Deputy Minister for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management in the National Unity Government.

Regarding this matter, Dr. Kenton, an ICNCC spokesperson confirmed to Zalen on October 3, 2024, stating, “Yes, this is confirmed. The request has been sent to the NUCC and relevant organizations.”

The spokesperson further explained, “Both Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong and Dr. Ngai Tam Maung were originally included in the NUG as formal representatives of the ICNCC. There are ample records of ICNCC meeting minutes to support this. However, since both individuals resigned from the ICNCC in 2023, they no longer officially represent the ICNCC. Consequently, they are required to step down from these roles as they no longer represent the ICNCC. The ICNCC has prioritized the broader interests of the Chin people and conducted extensive deliberations before reaching this decision. This action is not rushed; the individuals involved must now choose between retaining their positions or maintaining their political integrity. It is not possible to hold both.”

Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong officially resigned as a member of the ICNCC on March 18, 2023, while Dr. Ngai Tam Maung resigned on December 6, 2023.”

As a result, the ICNCC proposed replacements to the NUG. Dr. Kenton was nominated to replace Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong, while Salai Mang Bil was nominated to replace Dr. Ngai Tam Maung. These nominations were submitted by ICNCC’s rotational chairpersons, Salai Lian Luai and Dr. Kenton. Dr. Kenton holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and is a council member of the ICNCC representing civil society organizations (CSOs) from Tedim Township. Salai Mang Bil, also an ICNCC member, represents the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) from Matupi Township.

The above descriptions refer to a decision from the ICNCC Council Meeting held on January 16, 2024, recorded in the meeting minutes (3/2024), specifically in Decision Section (B). The ICNCC made this request to the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to take further action in accordance with established procedures, according to media reports.

In response to the ICNCC submission, the Chinland Council, led by the Chin National Front (CNF), also sent a formal communication to the NUG on October 3, 2024. The letter highlighted, “Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong and Dr. Ngai Tam Maung, currently serving in the NUG, represent the Chin people through the Chinland Council.”

It has been reported by the above matter that NUCC and NUG have recorded and are continuing to act in relation to the above-mentioned presentations.

According to some sources, both the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) and the National Unity Government (NUG) have recorded and are continuing to take action on the submissions.

Following the start of the Spring Revolution, in April 2021, four groups (Members of Parliament, political parties, CDM/CSOs, and armed organizations – CNF) united to represent Chin State and formed the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), which began to lead the political affairs of Chin State. However, due to differences in viewpoints within the organization, by December 7, 2023, the political leadership of Chin State split into two factions. A conference was convened under the leadership of the Chin National Front (CNF), and the Chinland Council was established, stating that the ICNCC was not able to take lead effectively for the political future of the Chin people.