T. Sailo

T. Sailo Biography

T. Sailo was an Indian politician from north-east state of Mizoram, who served as the second chief minister of the state. He served as the second Chief Minister of Mizoram for a brief period during 2 June 1978 – 10 November 1978. Later he served his second term as CM during 8 May 1979 – 4 May 1984. This time he completed a term of 5 years. He was a member of Mizoram People's Conference, and owned a military career with British and later Indian army before he became active in regional politics. He retired from politics in 2013, thus becoming the oldest elected legislator at the age of 91.

His father, Vanchheuva was a Mizo chief of Ṭhuampui village at Lunglei district. Sailo was born on 1 January 1922 in Melkhat/Ṭhuampui, Lunglei, Mizoram. He schooled from Meghalaya and completed intermediate from Kolkata after which he joined British Army to serve in World War II. He was recruited as Second Lieutenant in 1942, thus becoming the first military officer among the Mizo people. After Indian independence he worked with Indian army. He got into politics after retirement from military service in 1974. He retired with the rank Brigadier.

Ch Chhunga won election in Kolasib constituency and got elected as the first chief minister of Mizoram in 1972. The seat became vacant in 1977 and president’s rule was imposed.  T. Sailo’s new party, Mizo People's Conference came into power in 1978. Sailo served a brief term as CM for 6 months in 1978. President’s rule was imposed once again for 179 days during 1978-79, after which he came to power. He was elected from Aizawl North representing Mizo People's Conference for the second time and sworn in as chief minister on 8 May 1979. He remained in power till 4 May 1984.

Published: January 14, 2019

Updated: January 14, 2019