Aizawl, Jan 9 (IANS): Academician Aziz Qureshi, who was transferred from Uttarakhand, was sworn in as the 15th governor of Mizoram here Friday.

Justice Michael Zothankhuma of the Gauhati High Court administered the oath of office to Qureshi, 74, at the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan in Aizawl.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, a few of his cabinet colleagues, assembly Speaker Hiphei, parliamentary secretaries, legislators, leaders of various political parties and top security and civil officials were present in the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief Secretary Lalmalsawma conducted the programme.

President Pranab Mukherjee had transferred Qureshi to Mizoram Dec 30. Meghalaya Governor Krishan Kant Paul who was holding additional charge of Mizoram governor was shifted to Uttarakhand where he was sworn in Thursday.

Qureshi, who had earlier filed a petition before the Supreme Court over the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government's pressure on him to relinquish his post, is the sixth governor in less than six months in the Congress ruled northeastern state.

Politicians, civil society groups, youth and students' unions have criticised the central government for frequent transfers of the governors.