Brigadier Ṭhenphunga Sailo, AVSM (1922–2015) was an Indian military officer and politician who served as the 2nd Chief Minister of Mizoram.

He was a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Padma Shri for his military service and humanitarian works,[1] and the Mizo Award for his lifetime achievements.

Sailo led his new party to victory in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly election in 1978, and he became the second Chief Minister.

[2] He then went on to High School in Shillong from 1937 to 1940, followed by higher secondary education in an Intermediate of Science program at Serampore College in 1941.

[7] Due to political unrest, his government was dissolved after six months in November 1978, and the Union Territory was declared under President's Rule.

[8] In the next election in 1979, his party won again and he once again became the Chief Minister, a post which he held for a full term till 1984.

Sailo parted way from the mainstream Janata Dal to make coalition with the Congress party in the 1993 election.

Sailo's party named themselves the Mizoram Janata Dal, but which was not recognised by the Election Commission of India.

[10] Thus, his party members contested as independent candidates and managed to win eight seats that helped Lal Thanhawla of Congress to become the Chief Minister.

[3] His ministry also initiated the Aizawl city extension project, Bairabi Dam, which he alleged was never pursued by successive governments.

[19] Sailo's son Lalrinliana studied medicine and orthopaedic surgery and became Director General of Health Service for the Government of Mizoram.

[15] After suffering from lung problems and hypertension, on the morning of 27 March 2015, Sailo was taken to the New Life Hospital due to trouble breathing.