Man in front pushing SUV: That’s Mizoram assembly deputy speaker!

Aizawl: On the highway between Pukpui and Haulawng villages in Lunglei district of Mizoram, a massive mudslide was blocking the roads for many vehicles. Even after clearing the earth, the road was slippery. One Tata Sumo slid into a drain and got stuck. Other passengers got out to help push the vehicle out from the drain. Among them was the deputy speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Lalrinawma. He was on his way to Lawngtlai district of the state on Friday.

Lalrinawma’s humble act has once again won the hearts of the people of Mizoram and the region. Pictures of the deputy speaker, who won the Tuikum Assembly seat on a Mizo National Front (MNF) ticket during the elections held in December last year, getting his hands dirty to join others in pushing the SUV, have now gone viral.

Speaking with EastMojo, Lalrinawma said, “I was on my way to grace a felicitation programme organised by the Pang Zirlai Pawl (a students’ body), when we saw the dire situation caused by the mudslides. I got down, along with the MNF youth front vice-president Lalremruata Chhangte and helped push the Sumo vehicle out of the drain.”

Heavy downpour is creating havoc across the state. Landslides and mudslides are rendering travelling extremely difficult. Though the state government is working endlessly to clear the roads, continuous mudslides are making the roads extremely slippery and narrow.

Also Read: How a Mizoram minister helped transport landslide-hit students

Volunteers and ordinary citizens throughout the state are lending whatever help necessary to stranded passengers and vehicles. Just a few days ago, the Mizoram information and public relations minister Lalruatkima had arranged a special transportation for stranded students.

Now, the deputy speaker of the state has shown the true meaning of the concept of tlawmngaihna (altruism). The picture of him pushing the vehicle has gone viral throughout the state. It is indeed refreshing to see the leaders putting aside the VIP culture, getting their hands dirty to help those in need.

Lalrinawma is known to lead a humble life. Earlier this year, a photo of him riding a two-wheeler in Aizawl did the rounds of social media. He mostly uses his trusted two-wheeler to commute.