arunachal chakma news
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Arunachal Chakma News is the first newspaper for the Chakma Community. Its published from Delhi and distributed in Assam, Arunachal, Tripura and Mizoram.TRANSCRIPT
40 yrs for President and 35 for GS; says undemocratic
amendments ofCCRCHAP
Diyun: Whatever they decide
would be the final decision, does not
matter if only a handful of public
agrees with them is the clear
message echoed by the Citizenship
Right Committee ofChakma and
Hazong ofArunachal
Pradesh(CCRCHAP) during the
general meeting held yesterday at
Jyotipur village. The meeting was
attended by several headmen,
representatives ofArunachal
Pradesh Chakma Students Union
(APCSU),Chakma Development
Society (CDS), Chakma Women
Welfare Association and about
hundred general public. The meeting
proceeded with CCRCHAP’s strong
denial of video recording by
Arunachal Chakma News saying
that the meeting would get disrupted
if anyone video record it.
For most of the time it was only
CCRCHAP members that were seen
talking. Like any other meetings of
CCRCHAP, in this meeting also the
people were denied to place their
opinions against the informal
presentation of the financial reports
and the undemocratic amendments
of the bye law ofCCRCHAP
reasoning that there was no time.
And true was it because the
maximum time was consumed by
the two lone leaders ofCCRCHAP
with their marathon speeches. As
expected, Arindam Chakma,
executive member ofCCRCHAP
read out the resolution and declared
that the house has accepted the
amendments of the bye law and the
financial report with effect from
28th January 2014. The people
protested the resolution but
CCRCHAP continued to stand by it
pre-planned decision of not listening
to anyone which compelled the
angry and helpless people to
abandon the meeting premise while
the Chairman signed the resolution
which was self declared as accepted
and agreed by the house.
The details of the meeting are as
follows:
The President ofCCRCHAP,
Subimal Bikash Chakma chairing
the meeting tested the patience of
the attendees like always with his
long elaborated history of
CCRCHAP, its achievements of
Supreme Court’s judgement and the
verdicts of different courts. He
summed up his address terming their
movement as two facets, legal and
political. According to him legal
comprises all those verdicts and
political comprises the talks and the
dialogues with the Govt. and with
different organizations.
Stating the Guwahti High court
judgement regarding Section 5
(forms and hearings) he said that the
if section 5 is not resolve, there
would be consistence problems in
getting birth certificates, domicile,
jobs employments etc. He further
stated that the case should be
pursued in the Supreme Court but
the committee does not have the
money. He also included that they
would move the court for inclusion
ofChakmas in Panchayat Raj
Institutions.
Santosh Chakma, the General
Secretary ofCCRCHAP highlighted
the following activities that
CCRCHAP has undertaken recently
while saying that the movement is
not two facets but three facets
movement involving judiciary,
politics and Governmental
organization such as NHRC,
NCPCR etc:
1 .Submitted an application
requesting ECI to order electoral
summary revision in Chakma
Constituencies with reference to the
ten documents required from
Chakmas.
2.A Petition submitted to the
National Human Right Commission
regarding the denial ofBirth
Certificates to Chakmas and has
requested to send a team to visit the
affected areas.
3 .Met with the leaders ofBhartiya
Janta Party in Delhi and hinted to
support BJP during MP elections in
April 2014.
4.The Joint High Power Committee
which was formed by the Ministry
ofHome affairs to look into the
issue ofChakma and Hazong in
Arunachal has to report its findings
to Supreme Court on 5th may 2014.
He also said that the CCRCHAP is
expecting further meetings with
JHPC.
He then briefed the bye law
amendments and assured the people
that the amendments will help
strengthening and maintaining
transparency in the committee.
Continue on Page 3Villages boycott CCRCHAP
Meetings, demand re-election, 2
Financial Report
1st Nov. 2000-30th Nov. 2013
The meeting at Jyotipur Buddha Mandir Subimal Bikash Chakma, president CCRCHAP addressing the meeting
January 28, 2014
Diyun: The Chief
Electoral Officer of
Arunachal Pradesh CB
Kumar published the
Electoral rolls of 60
Assembly
Constituencies of
Arunachal Pradesh. The
final numbers of
Chakma electors stand
to 1615 combine in
Papumpare, Changlang
and Lohit District.
Hazong electors stand at
181 . In 2004 a total of
1 ,497 Chakma and
Hazong voters were
enrolled in the voter list
to participate in the
parliamentary and
Arunachal Pradesh State
Assembly Elections in
2004.
The rolls have been
published after more
than three months of
rigorous and structured
exercise of summary
revision; these rolls are
available to all
stakeholders including
citizens, political
parties, and others.
Against 692261 electors
on Oct 1 st 2013, the
final number of electors
stands to 704399 with
353268 male and
3511 31 female. This is
an overall increase of
1 .75 percent from the
last electoral rolls.
There is an addition of
38,426 new electors of
which 18500 are males
and 19926 females this
year out ofwhich 15223
are in the age group of
18-19 with male 7639
and female 7584.
From 1999, the Chakma
and Hajong tribal
communities have been
submitting claims (Form
no.6 under Registration
ofElectors’ Rules,
1 960) for inclusion of
names in the electoral
rolls however
consistently majority of
the claims of the
Chakma and Hajong
citizens have been
summarily rejected and
the most objections
against their voters have
been upheld to ensure
least possible inclusion
ofChakma and Hajong
voters in the electoral
rolls by the local
electoral officials who
are also the employees
ofArunachal Pradesh
Government. During the
Special Summary
Revision 2014
Assistance Electoral
registration officer of
Bordumsa/Diyun under
49 – Bordumsa-Diyun
Assembly Constituency
in Changlang District
imposed whimsical and
illegal conditions on the
eligible Chakma and
Hajongs voters to
restrict them from
getting enrolled. It
surprises everyone that
out of around 70000
populations only 1615
are included as electors.
Clause (1 ) ofArticle
324 of the Indian
Constitution provides
the Election
commission the
superintendence,
direction and control of
the preparation of the
electoral rolls for, and
the conduct of, all
elections to Parliament
and to the Legislature of
every State and of
elections to the offices
of President and Vice-
President however in
the state ofArunachal
Pradesh it has failed to
employ those power.
The Election Commission
of India once again fails
the Chakma ofAPElector Rolls Published, Chakma electors1615 & Hazongs 181
Prahlad Chakma
Prahlad Chakma & Arunjit Chakma
News DigestChakma girldiesmysteriouslyat Itanagar:I tanagar: The deadbody of a Chakma girlof around 1 7 working
as a domestic help ina house of a local ofI tanagar was broughtin the Chakmainhabited vil lage ofKokila underPapumpare District on1 3th or 1 4th Februaryby her employer. Theemployer of the girlreportedly informedthat the girl committed
C.C. Singpho,MLAinauguratesNew EAC Officeat Diyun TownExtension:
The newly constructedExtra AssistantCommissioner (EAC)building at DangoriaBaba was inauguratedtoday by Mr. C.C.Singpho, Parl iamentarySecretary, Finance & ITwith much funfair andgaiety. Mr. Singphoalso assured the peoplethat he wil l do
Tripura Govtforms ChakmaLanguageDevelopmentAdvisoryCommittee: In
another milestone for theChakma of Tripura theTripura Govt. on its recentmeeting has formed acommittee “Chakmalanguage DevelopmentAdvisory Committee”. TheDirectorate “ Kok Borokand Minority LanguageDepartment would publishal l the text books ofChakma Language.
An Open Letter toCCRCHAP From An
Outsider
OP-ED PAGE
Deban, on the verge of
development
FEATURE PAGE
Brief Story ofChakma
IDENTITY PAGE
1 st to 1 5th March, 201 4 New Delhi For Private Circulation only For queries write to us at [email protected]
www.facebook.com/archakmanews @chakmanews Vol:I, Issue IV For online edition visit www.archakmanews.com
ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWSA chronicle of Chakma currents from Arunachal, Mizoram, Assam & Tripura
A FORTNIGHTLY NEWSPAPER
Two behind bar
for attempting to
rape Chakma
Women at
Gurgaon: The policeon Tuesday arrested two
youths from Tighra fortheir al leged attempt torape a 20-year-oldChakma woman fromArunachal pradesh, wholived in a rentedaccommodation in thevil lage with her husbandwho is from Tripura. Theywere produced in thecourt and were sent injudicial custody. The
New faces inAPCSU: In a meetingheld on Friday, 1 3thDecember 201 3 ArunachalPradesh Chakma StudentUnion (APCSU) revisedtheir portfol ios andinducted new faces in the
Union. Among manyothers Ven. Nanda PriyaBhante and Ven. MangalJyothi who attended themeeting through videoconferencing were electedas the new PublicRelations Secretaries.While Arunjit Chakma waspromoted to the position ofGeneral Secretary-Arunachal Unit, Prahlad
PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5PAGE 5PAGE 5
APCSU Protests Nido'sDeath in DelhiPunya ChakmaNew Delhi: Against the killing
of a Arunachal boy Nido Tania
in Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh
Chakma Students’ Union
(APCSU) protests along with
many other Students’ groups
such as Assam Students Union,
Arunachal Pradesh Students
Union, BSU, Tripura Students
Union, Naga Students Union
etc. More than 100 Chakma
students joined the protests
along with thousands of other
shouting slogans, flying
banners asking for immediate
justice.
Prahlad Chakma, ChiefGeneral
Secretary, APCSU in his public
speech said that there are clear
enmity between AAPSU and
APCSU, however in this time
of crisis they should join
together since it is about
Arunachal fellow brother being
killed in the heart of the city.
He questions the people that
how on earth somebody can kill
someone just because he looks
different from the others! He
also put emphasis to stand up
for any racial discrimination
and this kind of treatment should be condemned at any cost.Nido Tania, 20, a students from Arunachal and the son ofMLANido Pavitra
was beaten with iron rods and sticks by a group ofmen after he had an
altercation a shopkeeper and others at the Lajpat Nagar market in south
Delhi on January 29. Nido's friends and family say the men shouted racial
slurs at him and made fun of his dyed blonde hair.
Prahlad ChakmaChief General Secretary-APCSU
2
LOCAL ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Bijoypur : Villagers from Bijoypur-I
Betcamp, charali, Bijoypur-II, Ratnapur,
Gulokpur, Milonpur, Samuksuri, Bijoypur-III
and Modoideep celebrated the birthday of
Venerable Sadhanananda Mahathero (Bana
Bhante) on 8th January 2014, Wednesday at
Bijoypur Bana vihar. Hundreds of people
comprising children, women and men attended
the occasion and hold a long procession which
was headed by the monks ofBijoypur Bana
Vihar and Meditation Center.6 cars and more
than 14 motor cycles were use during the
procession which took place from Bijoypur-1
Betcamp to Bijoypur-III.
“The procession was necessary to aware the
people of the villages of the teachings ofVen.
Vana Bhante and also to inform the people to
generate more interest in Buddhism” said Tapan
Kumar Chakma. He also said that the procession
made the people very happy and it was one of
the biggest Religious Procession in the recent
past.
The procession in Bijoypur
Bijoypur celebrates Ven. Bana
Bhante's birthdayACN StaffReporter
ChiefMinister visits BordumsaHe assured construction of a RCC bridge over Nao-Dihing to connect
Diyun and BordumsaArunjit Chakma
January25, 2014
BORDUMSA : ChiefMinister Nabam
Tuki today in the company ofUnion
Minister of State for Minority Affairs
Ninong Ering, Rajya Sabha MP Mukut
Mithi and PWD Minister Chowna Mein
visited Bordumsa in Changlang district
and inaugurated a Cultural Hall that will
be utilized by the people for various
cultural gatherings, a two-storied
Community Health Center (CHC) which
he assured would have all the modern
facilities and equipments for treatment
and health services like a multi-specialty
hospital and a 40-beded girls hostel, a
cultural hall and a library building, all in
Bordumsa.
Later, he addressed the public in a
meeting attended by GBs, Headmen and
public alike from all the communities. It
looked like a Congress campaigning for
Shri C.C Singpho for the upcoming
elections. He showered words of praise
on the local MLA and also called him a
dear friend and a great leader and
expressed satisfaction with the
development ofBordumsa.
The ChiefMinister tried to woo the
voters by highlighting the flagship
programmes ofUPA Government like
RTI, RTE, Jan Lokpal Bill and CM
Talent award etc. of the state
government. He also assured
construction of a RCC bridge over Nao-
Dihing to connect Diyun and Bordumsa,
fire station, sub-treasury office at
Bordumsa and other educational
schemes for girls.
Tuki should do a reality check of the
constituency, it’s a loopy development,
only Bordumsa town is developing and
getting all the sanctions but other areas
are lying utterly neglected. The
communities including Chakmas,
Deoris, Mishings, Nocte etc. are grossly
neglected.
The CM should understand that without
addressing the core issue of 35,000
Chakmas, development of the
constituency and Arunachal Pradesh is
unimaginable
The ChiefMinister Nabam Tuki with the local leaders in Bordumsa. Photo: Arunachaltimes
Diyun: Avoipur village and
Moitreepur village boycotted
the meeting called by the
Citizenship Right Committee of
Chakma and Hazong of
Arunachal Pradesh
(CCRCHAP) today. The
meeting was scheduled
separately for the two villages
to induct new members in the
proposed Divisional Council of
CCRCHAP.
Both the villages refused to
attend the meeting and wrote
letter separately informing that
they would continue to boycott
all their meetings and would
withdraw any little supports
that they were providing before
ifCCRCHAP do not fulfil their
two points demands. They have
rejected the financial statements
of the committee which was
passed yesterday at the general
meeting held at Jyotipur. They
now demand that a committee
should be form to audit the
financial statements of the
committee as promised by
CCRCHAP 6 months back. The
second demand was to dissolve
the existing body and re-elect
all its members with a proper
democratic process. The present
CCRCHAP was expired on
October 2012 but they have
extended their tenure without
proper consultation and
meeting with the general
public.
In their letter which was signed
by Headman of the each village
along with the Panchayat
members demanded immediate
attention of the Committee for
the better of the whole Chakma
community ofArunachal
Pradesh.
Yesterday during the meeting
even the President ofChakma
Development Society has
warned CCRCHAP to resolve
the differences between
APCSU and them. He informed
the committee that all the
village headmen and members
ofBijoypur villages decided to
boycott all their meetings and
will not support them in any of
their endeavour if they don’t
settle the issue with APCSU.
CCRCHAP in spite of
rejections from different
villages does not even bother to
mend its way of functioning.
What the general public want is
not their dismissal but a strong,
effective and transparent
committee. By amending the
bye law undemocratically the
committee has once again
shown that they are too scared
of losing their posts. They have
proved that they don’t believe
in democratic process and does
not want to pass on the baton to
the youth who are capable,
strong and motivated.
Villages boycott CCRCHAPMeetings, demand re-electionACN staffReport
Diyun: People in Diyun were suddenly
spitting fire over an unscrupulous
decision made by some leaders of
Rajnagar village. The issue ensued when
some unanimous leaders from Rajnagar
village agreed to give a piece of land
from the campus ofDiyun Buddhist
Temple measuring 5 Meters into 5
Meters reportedly to one Mr. TNN Innao
popularly AKAKnong for construction
of a sanctioned departmental water tank
for supplying water to the public.
The news spread like wild fire and an
emergency meeting was called on 16th
January, 2014 in the premises of the
concerned temple which was attended by
prominent Chakma headman,
representatives from Chakma Women
Welfare Society (CWWS), Chakma
Development Society (CDS), Arunachal
Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union
(APCSU) and general public alike.
Most of the speakers in the meeting
opined that it will create chaos and
disturb the very sanctity of the Buddhist
temple. Some speakers strongly opposed
the irrational move of the concern
leaders and asserted that there will be
requirement for more land for the
extension of temple infrastructure. The
other important thing to be mentioned is
the fact that it is called a “General
Temple” which means it does not belong
solely to the public ofRajnagar but also
to all. It was constructed in 1980s by the
contribution from all the Chakmas.
Hence, the sole decision makers are not
the leaders ofRajnagar.
The much needed meeting made people
understand the significance of the Diyun
Buddhist Temple and people are already
contemplating about making it look
magnificent to make it represent the
Chakmas ofDiyun.
It should be mention that timely
intervention by the various NGOs has
averted another tragedy.
People stop construction of departmental
water tankArunjit Chakma
Where is Rs. 1.1 crore that was meantfor Diyun Govt. Secondary School andGirls Hostel?
Diyun: As per information, during
2010-11 , the Ministry ofHuman
Resource Development (MHRD)
approved Rs. 59.38 lakhs for
strengthening the infrastructure of
existing Govt. Secondary School,
Diyun. But the school still lies in utter
neglect as the sanctioned amount is
seen nowhere.
The fund under RMSA from the
MHRD has been allegedly diverted,
misused and wasted. The authorities
are charged for constructing the
school infrastructure, i.e. six class
rooms and other units at Aranyapur
village near Dangharia Baba temple,
which is a disputed area which is sub
judiced before the Guwahati High
Court, located about 3 kilometers
away from the existing school. The
case is registered as WP(C) NO.
152(AP) 2009.
It is not possible for the students of
the existing school to travel about 3
kms everyday to take the benefit of
the laboratory, computer, library,
art/culture facilities. It is also not
feasible to divide a section of the
students of the existing school make
use of the six additional classrooms.
All the school infrastructure and basic
facilities need to be located in one
premise.
Similarly, construction ofGirl’s
Hostel for Govt. Secondary School,
Gautampur was approved by the
Empowered Committee on 25
November 2011 @ Rs. 60 lakh but the
hostel is no where to seen even after
years of approval and sanction. Where
as a girl hostel in Innao School is
ready and inauguarted recently by CC
Singpho, MLA. The fund was
approved by the same authority at the
same time as that ofGautampur girl
hostel. It is very surprising that even
though the central govt recognise us as
citizen of India they hardly provide us
any funds for the developent of our
Chakma areas or they provide but it
does not reach us?.
We have reported to the NHRC and
subsequently the same has been
forwarded to the concern departments
for appropriate and necessary actions,
aside to which an RTI was also filed
for updates on the status of actions
taken.
Call it politics, discrimination or
vested interest of some people but the
ones at the receiving end are the
innocent students. The deplorable
condition of the school does not make
it a hyperbole to call some of the class
rooms ofGovt. Secondary School of
Diyun as cow sheds.
Arunjit Chakma
Election nearing- Probable MP
Candidates seek support
Ex-lawmaker Kiren Rijiju to contest from Arunachal west,
ex-MP Tapir Gao from Arunachal east, BJP announced!
January 18, 2014
Diyun: MP elections are due in
mid April to first week ofMay,
Politicians and probable
candidates from Eastern
parliamentary constituency of
Arunachal Pradesh are coming to
Diyun to seek support from the
voters.
Mr. S Nemu, a BJP ticket seeker
came to Diyun and met the
Chakma voters on 11 th Dec. He is
believed to be a very experienced
politician having a soft corner for
the Chakma. He also served at
various capacities with the GoAP
as minister and MLA.
Mr. Sotai Kri, the Arunachal State
BJP Vice President is also an
aspirant for the MP ticket from AP
Eastern Parliamentary
Constituency who also came to
seek the support ofChakma voters
on 24th Dec 2013. He hails from
Tezu and belongs to Mishmi tribe
and is perceived to be
straightforward.
Nikh Kamin, the president of
People’s Party or Arunachal (PPA)
also visited to Diyun. He was
reportedly bombarded with
questions by some Chakmas for
submitting a memorandum to the
President asking him to deport the
Chakmas as early as possible. As
expected a vague answer.
One thing common to all the
politicians is the dreams they sell
before the election whereas we
know very well what happens
after the government is formed.
Ex-lawmaker Kiren Rijiju to
contest from Arunachal west, ex-
MP Tapir Gao from Arunachal
east, BJP announced.
Mr. Sotai Kri, Arunachal State BJP Vice President visits diyun to
seeks support in the upcoming LokSabha Election.
ACN staff reporter
Diyun: In a devastating fire, caught
from kitchen fire, the house ofMr.
Mittunge Chakma ofRajnagar Village
was turned to ashes.
It was around 5:30PM on the 19th of
Dec 2013, that the house caught fire
when all the members of the house
were attending a small gathering
nearby. By the time, the fire got
noticed and alarm raised, it almost
engulfed the entire house even burning
down some coconut trees and betel-nut
trees.
The neighbors somehow managed to
save his luggage containing all the
documents, some blankets, mattresses
and two-third of his harvested grains.
Nearly more than a ton of rice got
burnt.
The fire could have spread to the
nearby houses unless the neighbours
were able to tame it.
In a similar incident, in Nandan Kanan
Village in Deban Circle, the house of
Mr. Pottye Nath Chakma was also
gutted down around 6:00PM and he
could not save anything including
cloths, utensils and even the newly
harvested paddies, the reason being
the same, fire sparks from kitchen fire.
The left over of both the houses
Houses caught fireRobin Chakma
CorrigendumJanuary 3, 2014
Arunachal Chakma News regrets the inadvertent error published on its 3rd Issue (December 9, 2013) in the
“photo of the Fortnight” section. “A carton full of birth certificate was found lying at the back of the EAC
office was published as being thrown out in dustbin” and it was also reported that retailers charging Rs.
1 00 for birth certificate application forms was inaccurate.
The EAC, Diyun clarified in front ofACN reporters that it was a mistake of the clerk handling the birth
certificate forms for letting the people see the submitted forms at the back of the office and also verbally
reprimanded the retailers selling birth certificate forms. The retailers also explained that they were
charging ! 30-50 for helping the parents to fill up the form.
3
LOCAL ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Diyun: The aggrieved parents ofMiss Pholoni
Chakma (name changed) age 16 contacted
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union
(APCSU), Diyun and Diyun Christian Forum
(DCF) on 17th February to help them rescue
their daughter from the clutches of a seemingly
powerful man with Police Department ofDiyun
PS. (name withheld)
"The parents informed us that the girl was of
around 16 was employed by a police personal
as a maid servant @ Rs.1000/- per month but
their daughter is being made a victim of
continuous harassment, physical and mental
torture and also of sexual advances by her
employer after getting drunk" said Arunjit, GS
ofAPCSU,Diyun Unit.
The representatives ofDiyun Christian Forum
and Chakma Students Union approached the
administration and police and rescued the girl
and handed over to her parents without making
it a huge issue as the parents also wanted it to
be settled amicably.
As per an estimate hundreds ofChakma girls
including teenagers are being employed as maid
servant and domestic help in the state. There is
an urgent need for awareness campaign in the
villages about child labour and the rise in crime
against women.
DCF and APCSU rescue minorACN staff Reporter
40 yrs for President and 35 for GS; says undemocratic amendments of
CCRCHAP
The amendments of the Bye Law created
different departments in the committee
constituting two councils; Central and
Divisional Council.
1.Central Council: It consists of allthe executives including the Presidents and
the General Secretary.
Tenure: 4 years
Extension: 6 Months then the Central
Council will get dissolved automatically.
Quorum=60%
EligibilityPresident: 40 years of age and office
bearer of CCRCHAP for at least one
term
Vice President: 35 years and office
bearer of CCRCHAP for at least one
term
General Secretary: 35 years and
office bearer of CCRCHAP for at
least one term
Other Secretaries: 25 years,
Experience with CCRCHAP
preferred.General Meeting: At least once in a year, 1 4
days prior notice.
1.Divisional Council which wouldmainly comprises of executive working at
the village level will consist of 9 Divisions:
1 .Deban-Mpen
2.Dharmapur
3.Milanpur-Ratnapur-Gulokpur
4.Bijoypur
5.Hajon Basti
6.Chowkaham
7.Papumpare
8.Diyun Upper (Other than Diyun Lower)
9.Diyun Lower (Avoipur, Dumapani,
Udaipur, Dumpather, Mudoi Upper+Lower)
Right after the presentation Santosh
Chakma asked the public if they support the
amended bye law on which there were few
claps which was considered as an
acceptance. But the irony was that majority
of those present didn’t supported the
amendments and they protested against it
however their protest was of no use as the
CCRCHAP didn’t lended it ears to those
who don’t supported them.
Next was the presentation of the Financial
Reports which was the main agenda of the
whole meeting and most of the attendees
attended the meeting exclusively to know
how the public fund is being used. But
much to the astonishment of the public the
financial reports was a mere announcement
of fund collected each year and the yearly
expenditure without any explicit details
contrary to what they have promised 6
months back to present an actual audit
reports of the funds audited by a committee
comprising representatives from the public,
village headmen and representatives from
NGOs.
When the public said that the Financial
reports has to be audited before
presentation, Subimal Bikash Chakma, the
President ofCCRCHAP said that this was
their standard procedure of presenting and
anyone who does not agree and need details
can go to him personally. And poor public,
they have nothing to do but to agree what
the president suggests. The Financial
Reports was passed!
The president ofCCRCHAP would have
taken another couple of hours with his
explanation and briefing had the CDS
President, a resident ofBijoypur would not
have interrupted him and asked a chance for
him to talk as well. And finally he was
allowed to speak his mind. He demanded
audit of the financial reports as per
resolutions taken 6 months back. He also
said that they would not support
CCRCHAP anymore and would boycott
their every meeting in Bijoypur if the
differences between CCRCHAP and
APCSU are not resolved. He suggested that
CCRCHAP and APCSU should call for a
general meeting right after the Bizu Mela.
It should be noted that all the headmen of
Dharmapur and Bijoypur villages met day
before yesterday to take a united stand
against CCRCHAP if they don’t resolve
their differences with APCSU.
Subimal Bikash Chakma clarified that there
are no differences or rift between
CCRCHAP and APCSU though the
differences were visible to everyone.
Later, the President ofChakma Women
Welfare Society emphasized on sorting out
the differences and work together and to
pass on the baton to the youth.
The Headman ofGulokpur upon given a
chance to speak alleged APCSU that the
student union had commented on facebook
against CCRCHAP and alleged that
APCSU spoke against CCRCHAP at
Bijoypur meeting also during April 2013.
After a long wait, towards the end of the
meeting APCSU General Secretary, Arunjit
Chakma was given a chance to speak. He
clarified that APCSU has always tried to
strengthen CCRCHAP as it is the most
important committee referring to the letters
written to them after 31 st March 2013 but
CCRCHAP paid no attention either to
response them or to thanks them for their
valuable suggestions.
He further questioned the bye-law
amendment procedure and strongly
opposed it saying that they should have
discussed at length at various levels before
placing it in the meeting for acceptance.
Requesting the house not to accept the
amendments he said that CCRCHAP don’t
have the mandate as their tenure was
already expired in October 2012 and they
themselves went against the exiting bye law
by extending their tenure illegally for
another 3 years.
As soon as APCSU representative
highlighted their dark spot there were loud
commotion against APCSU from the hard
core supporters ofCCRCHAP who usually
sit around in every meeting and suppress
the speaker from speaking against them.
But the whole house stood on his support
when Santosh and Arindam interrupted
telling him not to threaten anyone with the
phrase “be careful”. Arunjit was indicating
the headman ofGolukpur who blamed
APCSU of posting against CCRCHAP in
facebook and warned him to be careful
without knowing facts. He added that
everyone has every right to express and
facebook is an effective discussion forum
for APCSU.
Finally he reminded the General Secretary
ofCCRCHAP of the resolutions taken 6
months back that there would be audit
report. Placing only the financial statement
won’t do. He also told them that there are
visible differences between APCSU and
CCRC as indicated by the ruckus that
CCRCHAP creates on every little
disagreement. APCSU warned them that if
they are not given importance or kept
neglected it will be a situation like
Bangladesh.
Continued from Page 3
Itanagar: The dead body of a Chakma girl
of around 17 working as a domestic help
in a house of a local of Itanagar was
brought in the Chakma inhabited village
ofKokila under Papumpare District on
13th or 14th February by her employer.
The employer of the girl reportedly
informed that the girl committed suicide.
The girl reportedly was placed in a tribal
family in Itanagar by one Somoti Ranjan
Chakma ofKokila Chakma Basti # 2 and
the deceased originally belonged from
Mudoideep under Changlang District.
When the dead body was brought to the
Somoti Ranjan’s house, he informed the
deceased guardian (brother) at
Mudoideep who rushed down to Kokila
immediately.
The brother of the deceased reportedly
asked for compensation ofRs.50000/-
from the employer and buried the
deceased without FIR or post mortem.
The local headman or leaders were also
not consulted or informed about the case
and he reportedly gave a “No objection
Certificate” (NOC) to the agent that as
Guardian he does not have any more
claim whatsoever about the deceased.
Who knows what happened to the poor
girl? What made her to take the extreme
step? Did something unfortunate happen
with her? Did someone kill her? This is
an example of utter foolishness from the
part of the deceased brother and agent
that they did not lodge an FIR or do post
mortem.
Chakma girl dies mysteriously at Itanagar
The employer of the girl informed that the girl who was working asa maid committed suicide!ACN staff reporter
photo is used only for i l lustration
Kamala Nagar, Mizoram: Buddha Lila Chakma has been
sworn in as the new ChiefExecutive Member (CEM) of
Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) on 22nd
January 2014 at Komala Nagar. He has many challenges
left by Buddha Dhan Chakma including irregular salaries
(last 3 months employees rcvd no salaries),
mismanagement of employees' insurance premium (lakhs),
mismanagement of employees' loan premium (lakhs),
mismanagement of local revenue (approximate yearly
collection ofRs. 55,00,000). Buddha Dhan Chakma who
won a seat in the last Mizoram state assembly has become
a state minister ofMizoram. Sushil Kumar Chakma,
Parimol Chakma and Amar Smriti Chakma have been
elected as Deputy leader, Cashier and Secy ofCLP
respectively. Meaning, in the absence ofDangu Budhalila,
Dangu Sushilkumar will be the CEM by default.
Budhalila has served as EM-revenue and others in various
important portfolios in the past.
Mizoram Chakma Development Forum wishes the new
Chief all the very best! Coming time will testify whether
Dangu Buddha Lila Chakma become great Chakma leader
or go down as just another politician.
Buddha Lila Chakma as the New ChiefExecutive Member of ChakmaAutonomous District Council,Mizoram
In the Pic Dangu Dr. Buddha Dhan Chakma taking sworn
as new state Minister ofMizoram
Dharmapur-1, the young panchayat
The panchayat ofDharmapur-1 village consists of youngenergetic leaders. The GB and the assist GB are in their30s.
Dharmapur: Gaon-Burah
means the “ELDEST MAN” of
the village but with the coming
ofBarun Kumar Chakma as the
new young Gaon Burah of
Dharmapur- 1 village the idea
ofGaon Burah being the oldest
man of the village would
change in the Chakma Society.
Dharmapur-I under Miao circle
is the youngest Panchayat in the
Chakma inhabited areas and felt
proud to meet them and discuss
various issues of social concern.
It’s very gratifying to see young
leaders like Mr. Barun Kumar
Chakma, Mr. Arun Muni
Chakma and Mr. Sunil Kanti
Chakma in their 30s leading the
village as headman, Asst.
headman and Panchayat
Secretary respectively. The
other Panchayat members are
also in their 30s and 40s. And
the most notable fact about the
youngest Panchayat is that most
of them have educational
qualification of higher
secondary level and Mr. Sunil
Kanti Chakma often writes for
Arunachal Chakma News.
The trend of “Eldest man” as
Gaon-Burah is gradually fading
away and people seem to prefer
younger leaders at the village
level now. The factors leading
to this change of trend are youth
appeal and the energy,
confidence in youth; demand
for democratic system of
functioning etc. and other
factors includes biasness,
nonchalant attitude and
autocratic style of functioning
of the ex- headman. The
demands for change of
leadership or younger
leadership could be heard from
other villages including
Jyotsnapur, Udaipur, Mudoi etc.
whereas most of the headmen of
“Deep area” are already
younger people.
I personally see redemption in
”Young Leadership” at village
level, redemption from the age-
old administrative mistakes, ill-
governance and most
importantly redemption from
administration hesitant
approach. Young leaders are
bold and can strengthen the
village administration and can
really consolidate and integrate
youth and old alike.
This might be a solution to our
chronic “system failure” to curb
and check crimes, resolving the
petty cases in the Panchayat and
establishing coordination with
local administration and most
importantly working for the
development of the villages.
Arunjit Chakma
Barun Kumar Chakma, the new Headman ofDharmapur-1
Lunglei, Mizoram: Over half the
population of Sedailui hamlet in south
Mizoram's Lunglei district fled the
village after a 'bawlpu' or 'medicine
man' predicted that disaster would
befall the villagers. Sources said Surjit
Chakma claimed to have seen a 'vision'
and predicted that a massive landslide
would destroy Sedailui.
The villagers who fled were mainly
from the Chakma community. Sources
in Lunglei said around 80 Christians
from 10 families, belonging to the
Baptist Church ofMizoram, did not
flee the village.
Sources added that around 100
Christians belonging to the Seventh
Day Adventist Church also remained
in Sedailui.
Rev R C Lalthanzama, mission
director of the Baptist Church of
Mizoram's Chakma Mission, went to
Sedailui to inspect the situation there
on Friday. He was accompanied by
some priests.
The Chakma community in the area is
known to be extremely superstitious.
Practitioners of 'black magic' and
'medicine men' are also common there.
This is not the first such incident in the
area. A nearby village, Thanzamasora,
had witnessed mass migration of
villagers in March, 2011 , after 5
villagers succumbed to an unknown
disease. The 'bawlpu' ofThanzamasora
had accused his counterpart in another
village of 'cursing' the 66 households
ofThanzamasora.
The villagers had fled to the jungles
and remained there till government
officials reached the remote village
and persuaded them to return. The
officials added that the villagers had
taken the help of the village 'bodhyo'
or healer to cure the sick men. Doctors
later found that the five had been
afflicted by the Indian tick typhus,
after being bitten by ticks in the
jungles.
Chakma Villagers in Mizoram Flee afterDoomsday Vision
4
LOCAL ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
C.C. Singpho, MLA inaugurates New EACOffice at Diyun Town ExtensionACN Staff Reporter
Diyun Town, March, 1 : The newly
constructed Extra Assistant
Commissioner (EAC) building at
Dangoria Baba was inaugurated
today by Mr. C.C. Singpho,
Parliamentary Secretary, Finance &
IT with much funfair and gaiety. Mr.
Singpho also assured the people that
he will do everything possible for the
development of the area.
The local legislator also inaugurated
a girl hostel at Govt. High Secondary
School, Innao, Class room extension
at Govt. Secondary School, Sompoi
and the newly constructed School
building ofGovt. Secondary School,
Diyun at Dangorai Baba earlier in
the day.
Addressing a public meeting later in
the day, the local MLA said that
Diyun Circle is an epitome of unity
in diversity with so many tribes with
distinct culture and identity living in
harmony and peace.
He also announced that Rs.1 crore 10
lacs and Rs. 27 lacs sanctioned from
MsDP for the Community Health
Centre at Innao and labor rooms at
CHC, Diyun and also urged the
contractors to maintain standard of
the buildings.
Responding to the memorandum
submitted, he assured up-gradation
ofDiyun Secondary School,
adequate numbers of teachers and
highlighted the imminent need for a
college in the area. He also said that
the proposal for construction of a
bridge over the river with roads to
connect Diyun and Bordumsa was
supported by CM, Tuki.
He also emphasized on developing
the work culture and exemplified
Chakmas to be exceptionally hard
working and productive supplying
agricultural produce to the markets
ofAssam also.
Also present on the day were ADC
Bodumsa, EAC Diyun, DDSE
Changlang, ZPM ofBordumsa &
Diyun, Anchal Chairperson, PRI
members and officials of the district.
MLA C.C. Singpho addresses the gathering during the inauguration.
On the right: D.Gadi, EAC and his wife
The new office for the Extra Assistant Commissioner, Diyun Town
New Administrator in Diyun,Raises hope
Arunjit Chakma
Diyun: It’s been only a couple ofmonths
that the Diyun town got a new Extra
Assistant Commissioner (EAC) after a
long wait and the people, especially the
Chakmas are feeling blessed with this
sudden development. Wondering what
awe-inspiring actions is the Extra
Assistant Commissioner taking that
everyone is going gaga over him? Well,
there must be something as appreciation
is something that people are stingy with.
A thought just crossed my mind that
maybe I should not appreciate him too
much. I wouldn’t want to be the reason
for getting a good officer transferred to
the remotest place imaginable in
Arunachal Pradesh. Yeah, that is the
perception which might hold some water
as good officers (for Chakmas) in Diyun
usually get the boot.
My view is that he is not doing
different things but doing things,
differently that are his duties. Oh, that
reminds me of Shiv Khera, a great
motivational and inspirational speaker
who gave the mantra “You Can Win”.
Mr. D. Gadi, the new EAC, looks
like a true gentleman, practical and down
to earth who is over and above prejudices.
He has been touring the villages on week
offs to understand the subtleties of each
and every community ofDiyun circle
which makes him a sensible
administrator. People are finding him
friendly and approachable unlike some of
his predecessors who only knew the rule
of thumb.
There are many challenges in
front of him. The major hurdles include
bringing the crime graph down to zero
and being able keep himself posted at
Diyun for long time maintaining
neutrality in all issues. The other very
sensitive topics to be settled are the
bottlenecks in issuing birth certificate to
Chakmas. There are thousands of children
and students, whose future lies in an
impasse, dealing with delayed registration
and hoping to get birth certificate.
As accurately observed by the new EAC,
in the case of the Chakmas, the fault lies
within the system of village governance
and administration and any effort to
strengthen the system will be appreciated
by every educated and like-minded soul.
Assertive and bold leadership is the need
of the hour to fight the prevailing issues,
be it the Citizenship issue, poor village
governance and the all round
development of the Chakma community.
So far rational initiatives have been seen
taken from the office of the new
administrator such as, banning the
unlicensed sale of liquor, unlicensed
extraction of river bed resources, drafting
of customary law, licensing or
provisionary licensing of shops and
businesses and not to forget some
administration sign boards on crucial
points.
The approach and initiatives of the Diyun
administration in regard to the issues like
the development ofDiyun market,
improper drainage system, garbage
disposal system, empowering the village
administration and birth certificate issue
are being highly awaited and watched by
the public. Right steps from the
administrative part will bring peace and
prosperity to Diyun. Hopes are high as
said in the Spiderman - with great power
comes great responsibility.
Mr. D.Gadi
Extra Assistant Commissioner,Diyun
Where is the JHPC on the Chakma Issue ofArunachal?The meeting of the JHPC last held was six months back and now it looks like it has hit a dead-end. Going by the social
networking sites, AAPSU is losing out to SUMA in popularity and they currently find themselves in great trouble!
“Constitution of a Joint High Power
Committee (JHPC) on the Chakma issue
would be more appropriate”, the AAPSU
had proposed. Along those lines, a joint
inspection of the Chakma-Hajong
settlement areas was done for ten days in
July. Subsequently, a press release was
issued by AAPSU which would in essence
constitute their report with reference to the
joint inspection.
What AAPSU learnt in the ten days? That
Moitripur, Gautampur, Shantipur, Jyotipur,
Avoipur, Dumpani, Rajnagar, Modhupur-I
& II, Haripur-I&II and Jyotsnapur,
Kamkhyapur, Udoipur, Dumpather, Lower
Mudoideep and Upper Mudoideep are
illegal settlements. They also found that
Mudakha Nallah, Sukha Nallah, Dangoria
Baba Mandir and Shillong Pahar are forest
reserved areas.
The press release also said that AAPSU
demanded the state government to
immediately conduct massive eviction
drive against illegal settlers inside the
forest reserved areas as it will put an end to
further deforestation and destruction. They
also found massive forest encroachment in
Deban.
Further, referring to the sources collected
from the district administration, AAPSU
said that since 1964, there have been many
crimes committed by the Chakmas. They
have ransacked governmental machineries
including police station, forest department
and also individual properties. AAPSU also
alleged that Chakmas are creating terrorism
in the districts and state as a whole and that
it would not spare even an inch of land to
the Chakmas.
“Refugees should behave like a refugee and
AAPSU will never tolerate any illegal
activities of them”, the union said in a
release vis-à-vis the Chakmas.
Unfortunately, CCRCHAP did not release
their findings after having concluded the
joint inspection, which is literally like
saying: “no objection” vis-à-vis the
AAPSU findings. Being stakeholders in the
joint inspection, CCRCHAP should have
countered the false claims ofAAPSU and
by not doing so, it implies that the false
claims by AAPSU are true – a third person
would most probably think so.
In the first place, as per the resolution of
the JHPC meeting held in Itanagar, it
should have been a joint survey of
territorial boundary ofChakma-Hajong
inhabited areas only. So, why was AAPSU
looking for crime records ofChakmas?
Were they trying to criminalize the Chakma
community?
How on the earth, did AAPSU find
Moitripur, Gautampur, Shantipur, Jyotipur,
Avoipur, Dumpani, etc. to be illegal
settlements? And the statement “Refugees
should behave like a refugee” is utterly
intolerable and kiddish and sounds like the
language of the slavery period and
apartheid age. And, only someone who had
lost his mind or someone who is drunk can
suggest the state government to
immediately conduct massive eviction
drive at Mudakha Nallah, Sukha Nallah and
Dangoria Baba Mandir areas. Besides,
these matters are sub judice in the
Guwahati High Court and it has been asked
to maintain “status quo” and conducting an
eviction drive is forbidden till further
judgment. IfAAPSU have suggested such a
move in spite of knowing the legal status of
the land – which they ought to know,
having been one of the major mobilizing
forces of the Chakma issue – then it
becomes a pertinent inference that they
don’t have respect for the Constitution of
India. And, probably, this is the attitude of
theirs which has them struck out with their
aspirations of progress and that which has
proved to be the bane of their being
themselves.
In this manner, the whole process does not
stand much of a success except for ending
up being a futile exercise. Besides, it all
does not look like a dialogue process but a
monologue. IfAAPSU has any intention to
resolve the chronic Chakma-Hajong issue,
they must also sit down and lend their ears
to what the other person is trying to say.
The meeting of the JHPC last held was six
months back and now it looks like it has hit
a dead-end. Going by the social networking
sites, AAPSU is losing out to SUMA in
popularity and they currently find
themselves in great trouble – precisely, at
the mercy of the Supreme Court of India
vis-à-vis a contempt case which apparently
invalidates the status of the office bearers
ofAAPSU as being office bearers. Though,
there has been no further update on the
issue.
Does it all, in the proverbial sense, toll the
death knell for the JHPC which was once
taken for the committee ofwizards out to
solve the chronic Chakma-Hajong issue?
Darkness Rules in Dumpani
ACN News report
One fine day of September, 2013
the power went off and never
came back in Dumpani village.
The 25 KV Transformer of
Dumpani village reportedly broke
down in September 2013 and
since then it is lying unattended
and unrepaired in spite of the fact
that the Department of Power at
Diyun was approached and also
the matter brought to their
attention on numerous occasions
by the villagers.
Since then, Diyun has also got a
new JE in the Department of
Power but hundreds of families
are still living in darkness. He too
was approached time and again
but it all fell on deaf ears. Is that
the price of being peaceful and
tolerant?
The fed-up villagers have
reportedly decided to buy a new
transformer of their own for
which each family is contributing
Rs. 1 ,500/- and surprisingly this is
not a such lone case. Other
villages reportedly also had to
repair the transformers servicing
their homes for providing
electricity or had to buy new
transformers using their own
money. The new transformer will
cost them nearly Rs. 73,000/- and
some are only secretly hopeful of
a reimbursement.
Let’s see what the ‘Rajiv Gandhi
Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
(RGGVY)’ says. Under the
program, 90% grant is provided
by the Government of India and
the balance 10% as loan by the
Rural Electrification Corporation
(REC) to the State Governments.
REC is the nodal agency for the
program.
Rajiv Gandhi Grameen
Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY)
aims at electrifying all villages
and habitations as per new
definition, providing access to
electricity to all rural households,
providing electricity connection to
Below Poverty Line (BPL)
families free of charge.
As per the implementation
methodology and conditions under
RGGVY, the State undertakes the
responsibility of supplying
electricity with minimum daily
supply of 6-8 hours of electricity
in the RGGVY network.
On behalf of the Chakma people ofArunachal Pradesh,
Arunachal State Bizu Mela Central Committee (ASBMCC)
invites you to visit Diyun on 13th, 1 4th & 15th April 2014
in the grand Bizu festival to mark the 50 years ofChakmas
in Arunachal Pradesh.
The event is also aimed at Chakmas from all aegis and
background sharing a common commitment to help our
society to rise and shine and reviving, preserving and
promoting our rich traditional culture. A number of
activities have been planned in the event that includes
Exhibition of traditional arts and crafts, Traditional musical
extravaganza, Conference on Chakma society, Polity,
Culture, Bor porong etc.
Bizu Mela 2014 will be the bridge to connect Chakma
people from different states and to promote communal
harmony and peaceful co-existence with our immediate
neighbours in Arunachal Pradesh.
Let us come together as one, join hand in hand, united in
heart and soul and celebrate Bizu.
Pekko Dogorer sing sing sing, Mage-Phaguney phellyo inh
Nitti tuli mabong inh, Pascho din noi-Doscho din noi,
Bozoraw madath tinno Din
Please come join us as we celebrate our past and imagine
our future.
BIZU INVITES FOR EVERYONE
5
CITY ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Two behind bar for attempting torape Chakma Women at GurgaonACN News Report
GURGAON: The police on
Tuesday arrested two youths from
Tighra Village, Gurgaon for their
alleged attempt to rape a Pinky
Chakma, the wife ofArun Jyoti
Chakma, who hails from
Kanchanpur in the North District of
Tripura, on February 12. They were
produced in the court and were sent
in judicial custody. The woman is a
housewife while her husband works
in a garment shop. Another girl
from Arunachal Pradesh, Konti
Chakma also lived with them and
was there when the incident
happened. Konti Chakma along
with Pinky Chakma and her
husband have been living in a
rented house belonging to Virendra
Gujjar.
On the night of February 13, the
landlord of the tenement visited
them while they were having
dinner. He was accompanied by the
two youths. They left after
collecting the rent.
Around midnight, the two youths
returned and repeatedly banged on
their door. When the couple along
with the other chakma girl did not
respond, they broke open the door
and entered the house. They first
assaulted both the husband and
forced him out of the house and the
girl and wife and then tore off the
women clothes and tried to rape
them. The Chakma girl managed to
flee first by making an excuse of
pee while the husband and his wife
were still getting assaulted. The
couple eventually managed to fight
back and flee from the house. They
later took shelter in the house of
their friend and informed the
police.
The matter was brought to the
attention of Joint Commissioner of
Delhi Police Robin Hibu and
Deputy Commissioner ofGurgaon
Nazneen Bhasin.
The Sadar police had lodged an FIR
against two unidentified youths
under Sections 376, 511 , 452, 506,
34 of the IPC. On Tuesday, the
police arrested the duo identified as
Samaypal and Sachin, both in the
age group of 22 to 25 years.
"The accused confessed to their
crime," said sub-inspector Rani
Devi, who is investigating the case.
Agartala: In another milestone for
the Chakma ofTripura the Tripura
Govt. on its recent meeting has
formed a committee “Chakma
language Development Advisory
Committee”. The Directorate “ Kok
Borok and Minority Language
Department would publish all the
text books ofChakma Language.
Arun Kumar Chakma, a local MLA
is the chairman of the committee
who will advise the Govt in the
matter of development ofChakma
language and education.
In 2012, August the Government of
Tripura in its cabinet meeting
chaired by ChiefMinister Manik
Sarkar recently, made the historic
decision to introduce Chakma
language in Chakma script in
primary schools ofTripura.
Imparting of education up to
elementary stage in mother tongue is
a national policy.
It was decided that Chakma
language subjects in its own scripts
will be introduced in 58 primary
schools in Chakma concentrated
areas.
The movement for learning Chakma
language in its own scripts has been
going on for over two decades in
Tripura.
In a move to protect and develop the
Chakma and other tribal languages,
the Tripura government has also
decided to set up directorate named
"Kok Borok and Minority Language
Department Directorate" headed by
an IAS officer to start teaching
Chakma, now taught in Bengali
script, in its own script.
Tripura Govt forms ChakmaLanguage Development AdvisoryCommittee
APCSU gets its Maharashtra unit
In the unit, there are student representation from Mumbai, Kanpur, Pune and Aurangabad.Named as Chakma Students Union of Maharashtra (CSUM), APCSU unit is formed underthe leadership of Bhante Dhamma Bodhi and Rajesh Chakma who are the President andthe General Secretary of the Unit respectively.
Pune: The denial of basic citizenship and human rights to theChakmas ofArunachal Pradesh for fifty years has slowly creating
unrest among the Chakma youths studying and working in different
parts of India. The apex body of all the Chakma students and youth,
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students Union (APCSU) has started
integrating all the Chakma youths in different part of India. This year
APCSU units were formed in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Digboi,
Margerita, Lohit, Diyun, Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Kolkata who will
come together during the grand Bizu mela celebration in Arunachal
Pradesh.
In another milestone APCSU got its Maharashtra Unit this month in a
meeting held at Pune. In the unit, there are student representation from
Mumbai, Kanpur, Pune and Aurangabad who are mostly monks.
Named as Chakma Students Union ofMaharashtra (CSUM), APCSU
unit is formed under the leadership ofBhante Dhamma Bodhi and
Rajesh Chakma who are the President and the General Secretary of the
Unit respectively.
In its mail to APCSU, Rajesh Chakma has mentioned that apart from
supporting APCSU financially and physically in all its endeavors the
unit CSUM will be committed to works for overall development of the
Chakma students and encourages higher education among all. They
would also protect and promote and celebrate the culture, tradition of
the Chakma by participating in various cultural programs around
Maharashtra.
Members of the Chakma students Union ofMaharashtra
APCSU, Margherita Unitexcels in College Week
ACN Staff Reporter
Margherita: Arunachal
Pradesh Chakma
Student Union
(APCSU) in
Margherita took
part in different
events during the
college week held
from 17th – 22nd
January in
Margherita
College, Assam.
They feel that
most of the
people in
Margherita are
not aware of the
presence of
Chakma
therefore they
are trying their
bit to present and
showcase the
Chakma’s
tradition and
culture under the
name ofMargherita
College Chakma
Students Union
(MCCSU) in every
possible platform.
In the Volleyball Tournament during
the College Week, the Chakma team
led by captain Vicktal Chakma has
once again emerged as the winner like
every year defeating even the College
staff team. The proud team comprises
Sonjit kr. Chakma (Vice-captain),
Pontu
chakma,
Joshi
chakma,
Kiran kr.
Chakma,
Kanya dhan
chakma, Sonjit
chakma ,
Sushanta chakma
and Bidya sagar
chakma.
In “Hair Style
Competition”,
Priyanka Chakma,
a first year student
was place the 2nd
position. She was
dressed in
Chakma
traditional attire
and wore a
modern Korean
hair style which
delighted
everyone
present at the
event.
Bidya
Sagar, the General Secretary of
APCSU, Margherita Unit, said that
they feel optimistic about the future of
all the Chakmas being integral part of
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students
Union.
New Delhi: With the Grand Biju
Mela just two months away,
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma
Students Union is exploring
numbers ofways to collect funds
to make it a success. In a meeting
held recently in Noida, APCSU
ChiefGeneral Secretary, Prahlad
Chakma informed all its
supporters and members
that the Bizu Mela is
the threshold for a
greater
movement in
Arunachal
Pradesh for
the
Chakma
Communit
y. He said
that the
Bizu Mela is
not just a
celebration of a
new year but a chance
for us to showcase and
express our 50
years long
suffering and misery. It’s a point
where we can unite and awake all
our people to our strength, hence,
it is very important for everyone
to contribute as much amount as
they are capable of for the big
event.
He also thanks the entire Chakma
community in Noida who has
been consistent in paying the
monthly subscription fees since
one year. And their sincere
monetarily assistant have made
APCSU run its office in
Arunachal Pradesh successfully.
Gyanomoni Chakma and Probin
Ranjan Chakma, the Director and
the pPresident ofNoida Chakma
youth Association respectively
have agreed to continue its
support for APCSU and for the
Bizu Mela. More than 300
Chakmas reside in Noida and half
of them stay with their family.
Ranjan Chakma, President of
APCSU updated everyone that
right after the Bizu Mela, the
union would hold a general
meeting with all the Chakmas
where they would invite the
Citizenship Right Committee of
Chakma and Hazong of
Arunachal Pradesh (CCRCHAP),
Chakma intellectuals, Women
representatives and all the
Headmen to discuss the possible
reformation ofCCRCHAP and re-
election of its members if needed
and agreed by the majority. He
hold the view that Chakma
intellectuals currently working
and studying in different parts of
the country would come and
attend the Mela and therefore it
would be easy to hold conferences
during the Bizu Mela along
with them to discuss
and decide what best
could to be done
to solve the
citizenship
issue of the
Chakma
permanently.
He also said
along the line
of Prahlad that
Bizu Mela is not
just a celebration
but a Hizek (Scream).
The Bizu Mela
will take place on
13-1 5th April 2014 at Jyostnapur
Ground, Diyun Tinali. The
Arunachal State Bizu Mela
Central committee may invite
several dignitaries from the State
as well as from the Central Govt.
A number of activities have been
planned in the event that includes
Exhibition of traditional arts and
crafts, Traditional musical
extravaganza, Conference on
Chakma society, Polity, Culture,
Bor porong etc.
Members ofAPCSU gathered before the meeting
New Delhi: In a meeting held on
Friday, 1 3th December 2013
Arunachal Pradesh Chakma
Student Union (APCSU) revised
their portfolios and inducted new
faces in the Union. Among many
others Ven. Nanda Priya Bhante
and Ven. Mangal Jyothi who
attended the meeting through
video conferencing were elected
as the new Public Relations
Secretaries. While Arunjit
Chakma was promoted to the
position ofGeneral Secretary-
Arunachal Unit, Prahlad Chakma
was elected as the ChiefGeneral
Secretary which is a new
nomenclature.
The Union now have General
Secretaries in all APCSU Units
whose role and responsibilities
will be the same as that of the
president in their unit. Bijoy
Chakma is the General Secretary
for the APCSU-Guwahati Unit.
And Rajiv Chakma, Indrajit and
Bidya Sagar will head the
Dibrugarh, Digboi and
Margherita Unit respectively as
the new General Secretary.
Gyanomoni Chakma is the new
Organising Secretary of the
APCSU main Unit while Binoy
Shanti holds the position of a
joint Secretary of the main unit.
Surmita, Maya, Manju and Deva
Jyothi Chakma are the new faces
in the Union who hold the
Development Secretaries
positions for West Delhi and
Noida. Bimal Jyothi who was
earlier the Student Welfare
Secretary is now the
Development Secretary- South
Delhi and Natun kumar will head
the Event Department along with
Roshika Chakma. The Union
also got two young leaders,
Namodish Chakma and
Shachidev Chakma who were
appointed as Assistant
Communication Secretary and
Assistant Finance Secretary
respectively.
The advisory board became more
organised and powerful with
Tezang Chakma as the Legal
advisor and Punya Chakma as
the ChiefAdvisor of the Union.
Anton Chakma who owns lots of
strategies and fresh ideas is the
Union’s Strategy advisor along
with Dev and Ashish Chakma.
Sangha Chakma continues to be
the financial advisor and Uttam
Chakma as the operation advisor.
All the executive members of
APCSU main unit were present
in the meeting and Arunjit and
Nanda Priya attended the
meeting through video
conferencing. “With the coming
of new executive members in the
Union it has became more
powerful” said an executive
member. After the Bizu Mela the
Union will devote full time for
the citizenship issue with series
ofmeetings and conferences with
the general Public in Arunachal
Pradesh. Till now the Union
hasn’t collected any amount from
the public though the public are
in complete support to finance
the Union.
New faces in APCSU
ACN staff Reporter
Bizu Mela not just a Celebration, it’s aHizek (Scream): APCSUACN Staff Reporter
6
NATIONAL ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Regionalism virus spreads in Delhi, threatens India’s integrityDhananjay Mahapatra, TNN | Feb 3, 201 4, 1 2.59AM IST. Republished from Times of India
When the apex court in 1994 was dealing with the deadly effect of these viruses, Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) was threatening Chakma, who had
come to India in the 1960s, to quit the state.
The Arunachal Pradesh government, said, "Settlement of Chakmas in large numbers in the state would disturb its ethnic balance and destroy its culture and
identity. The tribals, therefore, consider Chakmas as a potential threat to their tradition and culture and are therefore, keen that the latter do not entrench
themselves in the state."
But the court put Article 21 over and above everything else and said in NHRC vs Arunchal Pradesh [1996 (1) SCC 742] , "No state government worth the name
can tolerate such threats by one group of persons to another group of persons; it is duty bound to protect the threatened group from such assaults and if it fails to
do so, it will fail to perform its constitutional as well as statutory obligations.
Avirus called 'regionalism'
periodically strikes parts of India. It afflicts
locals with an urge to wreak vengeance
towards "outsiders", who have flocked
there for livelihood, education, job or
business. Shiv Sena, and later MNS, had
mastered the science of calibrated release
of the virus in Maharashtra, especially in
Mumbai.
Politicians, lacking in vision about the
advantages in strengthening the country's
integrity, look to create a niche for
themselves in the political arena by
strategically spreading viruses of
regionalism, ethnic distrust, linguistic
division and communal fundamentalism.
They know that the inevitable violent
reactions would deflect people's attention
from pressing development issues.
These viruses multiply faster in an
atmosphere of distrust, which is fraught
with locals' susceptibility to rumours, and
deliver deadly results. We witnessed this in
the recent killing of a student from
Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar
locality.
Why do students from remote and not-so-
remote parts of India flock to Delhi?
Obviously, it is in quest of higher education
and better job opportunities, which after
more than six decades of India becoming a
republic is very unevenly spread in the
country.
These 'outsider' students are fleeced by all -
from auto-rickshaw drivers, landlords who
rent out shared accommodation, to the local
kirana shop-owner. They know the thumb
rule - 'outsiders' have no right to protest.
Protests invite ethnically derisive cat-calls.
Persistent protest could lead to physical
violence. Despite benefiting monetarily
from the 'outsiders', the locals harbour an
inexplicable distrust, which turns into
animosity when local goons and petty
politicians fan the apprehension that
lifestyle of 'outsiders' could corrupt local
children.
The symptoms behind the Arunachal
Pradesh student's killing had its reflection
in Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti's
midnight raid under the glare ofTV
cameras in Khirki Extension, another south
Delhi locality, against foreigners branded
as drug peddlers and prostitutes who
threatened the locality's cultural and moral
purity.
If the law minister could do a daredevil
rescuer-of-society act to cleanse Khirki
Extension it of the evil effect of 'outsiders'
and get away with it, then the local goons
ofLajpat Nagar could surely take a leaf out
of it to repeat it in an even more violent
way.
Those who spread intolerance through
viruses of regionalism, ethnic intolerance
and linguistic differentiation miss a
possible fallout. Their children/relatives
could be studying, working or doing
business in the land of these 'outsiders'. If
these 'outsiders' too get afflicted by these
viruses to indulge in violent retribution,
will national integrity survive?
That is why the Supreme Court in
Raghunatharao Ganpatrao vs Union of
India [1994 (1 ) Suppl. SCC 191 ] had said,
"In a country like ours with so many
disruptive forces of regionalism,
communalism and linguism, it is necessary
to emphasize and re-emphasize that the
unity and integrity of India can be
preserved only by a spirit of brotherhood.
India has a common citizenship and every
citizen should feel that he is Indian first
irrespective of other basis."
In the same year, the SC had again warned
in S R Bommai case [1994 (3 ) SCC 1 ],
"Regionalism, linguism and religious
fundamentalism have become divisive
forces to weaken the unity and integrity of
the country. Linguistic chauvinism adding
its fuel to keep the people poles apart.
Communalism and casteism for narrow
political gains are creating foul
atmosphere. The secessionist forces are
working from within and outside the
country threatening national integration."
When the apex court in 1994 was dealing
with the deadly effect of these viruses,
Arunachal Pradesh Students Union
(AAPSU) was threatening Chakma people,
who had come to India in the 1960s, to quit
the state. Neighbouring states had warned
the Chakmas against entering their
territory, sandwiching the Chakma between
the frying pan and the fire.
The Arunachal Pradesh government, not
surprisingly, had taken a jingoistic stand
before the SC. It had said, "Settlement of
Chakmas in large numbers in the state
would disturb its ethnic balance and
destroy its culture and identity. The tribals,
therefore, consider Chakmas as a potential
threat to their tradition and culture and are
therefore, keen that the latter do not
entrench themselves in the state."
But the court put Article 21 over and above
everything else and said in NHRC vs
Arunchal Pradesh [1996 (1 ) SCC 742], "No
state government worth the name can
tolerate such threats by one group of
persons to another group of persons; it is
duty bound to protect the threatened group
from such assaults and if it fails to do so, it
will fail to perform its constitutional as
well as statutory obligations.
"Those giving such threats would be liable
to be dealt with in accordance with law.
The state government must act impartially
and carry out its legal obligations to
safeguard the life, health and well-being of
Chakmas residing in the state without
being inhibited by local politics."
The governments would do well to learn
from these SC rulings and provide a sense
of security to 'outsiders', be they in any part
of the country, to ward off threats to
national integrity and uphold the
fundamental right, guaranteed under
Article 19 of the Constitution, to move
freely throughout the territory of India and
reside and settle in any place.
Narendra Modi's wave inArunachal PradeshCompiled from Reuter.com and IndiaToday.com
Narendra Modi, the
leading candidate to be
India's next prime minister
after a forthcoming election,
declared the disputed
territory ofArunachal
Pradesh an integral part of
India on Saturday and urged
China to abandon its
"mindset of expansion".
India and China fought a
brief border war in 1962.
The nuclear-armed
neighbours signed a pact in
October to ensure that
differences on their shared
border do not spark a
confrontation.
"No power on earth can
snatch away Arunachal
Pradesh," Modi, donning the
region's traditional
headdress and jacket, was
shown on television saying
on a campaign stop to the state.
"Times have changed. The world does
not welcome the mindset of expansion
in today's times. China will also have
to leave behind its mindset of
expansion."
India regularly holds elections in
Arunachal Pradesh, which lies in a
remote eastern stretch of the
Himalayas and has been administered
as part of the Indian state for decades.
China questions India's claim to the
territory and calls it South Tibet.
President Pranab Mukherjee described
Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part
of the country on a visit last
November, sparking a heated
exchange. China urged India not to
aggravate problems on their shared
border.
The two Asian giants have a
complicated relationship marked by
both booming economic ties and
growing distrust.
Last May, the two armies were locked
in a three-week standoff in the
western Himalayas after Chinese
troops set up a camp at least 10 km (6
miles) inside territory claimed by
India, triggering a public outcry and
calls that India should stand up to its
powerful neighbour.
Earliar at two rallies in Manipur and
Assam, BJP's prime ministerial
candidate Narendra Modi targeted
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and
accused him of not doing enough for
the development of the North-East
region. Mr Modi said Dr Singh, who
is a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, has
done "nothing" for the region despite
representing it for the last 22 years.
"The PM represents this region in the
Rajya Sabha for the last 22 years, yet
he has done nothing for its
development," he said in Imphal and
alleged that the policies of the Central
government "have ignored the North-
East."
"India has given 60 years to the
Congress. These 60 years have been
ruined," he told the crowd and vowed
that if the BJP comes to power at the
Centre, "it will bring this region on
par with other regions of India."
Calling the death ofArunachal
Pradesh student Nido Tania a
"national shame", he added, "I hope
the Government of India and the
Government ofDelhi come out of the
blame game and work towards
ensuring justice for the young boy and
his family.
Mr Modi also wooed the audience
with a promise to provide better job
opportunities. "I don't understand why
the North-East can't be an IT hub?
Why do people from here have to go
to Bangalore and Hyderabad?" he said
and alleged that the UPA government
has neither the right leadership, nor
the will to develop the North-East.
"Na neta hain, na neeti hain, na neeyat
hain (There are no good leaders (in
the UPA), no policies and no intention
(to do good work)," he said.
Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya
Janata Party is the front-runner in a
national election due by May.
A three-time chiefminister of
booming Gujarat state, he has made
growth a central plank of his
campaign, promising to revive the
sagging economy, cut red tape and
fight corruption.
But his record as chiefminister has
been overshadowed by riots 12 years
ago in which Hindu mobs killed at
least 1 ,000 people, most of them
Muslims. He denies allegations by
rights groups that he allowed or
encouraged the attacks and a Supreme
Court inquiry found no evidence to
prosecute him.
Every year, Tenzin Tsundue,
a 38-year-old Tibetan born in
India, goes to the Foreigner
Regional Registration Office
(FRRO) to renew his status as a
foreigner in India. A new ruling
now makes him eligible for
Indian citizenship, but his annual
pilgrimage will continue. “I
prefer to hold on to my
registration certificate because it
reminds me that I am Tibetan and
this is not my country,” says
Tsundue. Karten Tsering, on the
other hand, is contemplating
taking citizenship as he believes
it’s a move that will take the
community forward. “I’ve seen
our Punjabi neighbours slowly
get better jobs and settle in while
we are the same as when we first
arrived, selling food on the
roadside,” says Karten, president
of the Resident Welfare
Association in Majnu Ka Tilla, a
Tibetan refugee colony in New
Aruna Nagar, Delhi.
This election year, Tibetans
born in India find themselves
engaging with questions of
citizenship, displacement, voting
rights and participation in the
democratic process. In February,
the Election Commission (EC)
ordered all states to include those
born in India between 1950 and
1987 in electoral lists because
according to the Citizenship Act,
1 955, those born in India before
1987 are legally Indian citizens
(the provision was removed in
1987). A 2011 court order also
reiterated these rights.
For the approximately 50,000
Tibetans who can be included in
these rolls though, it is a question
of their future while they still
battle their past. While many
believe that an Indian citizenship
will open doors to improve their
way of life as well as help the
Tibetan cause, others would
rather keep their registration and
identity certificates in an attempt
at retaining their identity as
Tibetans.
India has about 1 .2 lakh
Tibetan refugees spread across
various settlements, mainly in
Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka
and other smaller pockets. The
refugees started moving to India
in 1959 when the Dalai Lama
fled the country following
Chinese-occupation. While the
FRRO issues the official
Registration Certificate, the
Tibetan government-in-exile also
issues a Tibetan identity
document called the Green Book,
which will become a base to
claim Tibetan citizenship later.
Like most early refugees,
Tsundue’s parents worked as
construction labour while he was
born in a Himachal Pradesh
camp, and just like his parents,
he dreams of the day he can
return to a free and independent
Tibet. Tsundue, a writer and
activist, believes that the sanctity
of the struggle for a free Tibet
gets diluted with a change in
citizenship. “For all Tibetans, the
freedom struggle is a legacy of
our elders. But with citizenship
and voting rights you become
Indian. Once you do that you
cannot really ask for free Tibet.
Then you embrace Indianness,”
he says. As an expression of
solidarity towards the idea of
free Tibet, Tsundue too renews
his registration permit annually,
instead of once in five years.
Others like Dorjee Tsetan feel
more positively about the option
offered. Dorjee, who was born in
India in 1983 and lives in
Dharamsala, has not yet decided
whether he is going to vote but is
happy the EC order makes things
clearer for the Tibetan
community, which has never
been very aware of their rights in
India. Dorjee and Tibet’s
government-in-exile, in fact,
agree that there can be no
restrictions on refugees who
want to become citizens and
vote. “The court judgment and
clarity of law in India has
generated mixed feelings. But I
feel becoming an Indian will not
make me less Tibetan,” says
Dorjee.
The loss of identity is a big
fear for the community, but
Dorjee points to several Tibetans
who have moved to the West for
better lives but have continued to
work for the movement. “Voting
rights can offer young Tibetans a
better future and opportunities in
the community,” says Dorjee
who studied at MS University,
Baroda and now works as a
community activist. The
opportunities he refers to are
related to education, working for
the government, right to own
property and businesses. “The
Tibetan struggle is at the centre
but we want the same rights our
Indian neighbours have,” says
Karten. Tsundue, however, is
skeptical about the change in
qual ity of life Indian citizenship
might bring and says, “We see
how even an Indian citizen has to
struggle for his/her rights. I don’t
think it will change our lives
dramatically.”
Whether for citizenship or
against, community members are
in consensus that the political
consequences of voting will not
make a dent in their primary
objective for Tibet. Tsundue be
lieves that political parties may
further divide the community at a
time when unity is important,
while Karten states that the right
to vote will not help the Tibetan
struggle in any way.
Zedon, the Delhi head of the
Regional Ti betan Women’s
Association, agrees. In the center
ofMajnu Ka Tilla, where Tibetan
families socialize and eat, Zedon
collects donations in preparation
of his Holiness the 17th Kar
mapa’s visit. She was only five
years old when she fled the
Khampa area in Tibet in 1960,
and says that in the last 50 years,
the only political connection to
her life dates back to that time,
when the Congress party
established the refugee colony.
“Jawaharlal Nehru signed the
lease of land over to the Tibetan
refugees back in the ’60s,” she
says. “But the truth is we never
came here to settle, and we
cannot forget that.”
Right to vote?Tibetans born in India can now vote here, but manyconsider an Indian citizenship a betrayal of theirfreedom strugglePadmaparna Ghosh & Alisa Schubert Yuasa | Republished from Times of India
H e has been the centre of drawingroom conversations, the hero ofmohalla huddles; he even features inoverseas calls from relatives. He is theaam aadmi who dominated media,swaying opinion from one side toanother, in his less than 50 days ofgoverning Delhi.The former Chief Minister of Delhi has
carved out aniche forhimself withhis ball istic
anti- corruption campaigns, giving voiceand nerve to the latent anti-incumbency sentiment of the commonman on the street.Kejriwal, who graduated from the IndianInstitute of Technology Kharagpur, leftthe Indian Revenue Service to plungeinto the thick of activism, going on tospearhead campaigns l ike the
implementation of the Right toInformation ( RTI) Act at grassrootslevel and draft the proposed Jan LokpalBil l .He shot into prominence as a part ofTeam Anna and moved on to lay thefoundation of the Aam Aadmi Party. Inpublic l ife, he is more of an oxymoronas a politician- activist and his stint aschief minister was an attempt atgovernance through activism that final lycost him his position within 49 days ofassuming charge.
Dressed in his trademark grey trousersand a navy blue sweater, with a mufflerwrapped around his neck, Kejriwal is anicon in search of a clear identity.He rides a blue WagonR, donated toAAP by one of his supporters. But hisfurious aspiration to drive India into thecorruption- free zone sure is a bumpyride through the corridors of the rich andthe mighty. Wil l the exit door to the DelhiAssembly lead to the entry into LokSabha? One can only wait and watch.
Arvind Kejriwal: The politicallychallenged activistSource: http: //indiatoday. intoday. in/story/arvind-kejriwal-the-political ly-challenged-
7
EDUCATION ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
How to cope up with CBSEBoard Exam 201 4 blues
Central Board of Secondary Education is starting March 1 . If the year-long preparation is
already taking a toil on your brain and your grey cells are refusing to co-operate, if a week more
isn't time enough to register all that you should have mugged up by now, sit back and relax.
Here's for you a few Do n Don't
• Stop trying to swallow up the entire syllabus at a go. Try selective and smart learning tricks.
• Consult question banks and prepare your list of topics that needs special care.
• Prepare a time schedule and allot time accordingly
• Keep pen and paper handy. Scribble all that you are trying to learn by heart. Written
impression helps mind register faster.
• Indulge on group discussions with friends and family. With multiple inputs learning becomes
interesting and interactive.
• Take care of your diet, eat at short intervals. Try munching on light snacks and fruits. Food
with high protein will boost your stamina. Go slow on caffeine intake and put a stop to junkies.
• For 15 minutes per day, focus on diaphragmatic breathing and try to relax. Conscious
breathing also works wonders. It is a particular method of balancing autonomous nervous
system that affects stressful conditions.
• Feel the air filling your lungs. Try to match how much air you breathe and how much air you
let out. During exhale consider that you are getting stress out of your body.
• Keep your study environment clean and pleasant. Do not stock your table unnecessarily. Keep
flower and incense sticks nearby. This brings fair amount of positive air and confidence.
• Maintain a regular sleep pattern. A regular seven hours of sleep is mandatory for the body to
function well.
Parents should act as confidence boosters at this time. Unrealistic expectations about scores can
only pull down hell.
Headaches, abdominal pains, sweating, tremor, nausea, muscle tension are symptoms off over
stress. Do not ponder to find clinical help immediately.
All the best!
Where to study Commerce?Best Commerce colleges of India
Commerce is the most sought after academic stream in India. Pursuing a program in the commerce field educates a
person about the know-how of a business. The curriculum thus focuses both on academic subjects, such as statistics
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basics of trade, economics, market policies and fluctuations. The commerce stream is broadly divided into Finance,
Accounting, Economics, E-Commerce and Business Administration.
Before choosing any course in Commerce, students should be clear that Commerce too is a highly demanding
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certain aptitude and a logical bent ofmind to crack it. However, nothing can contest the fact that a degree in any of
the subjects in Commerce will help acquire a handsomely paying job, thus securing a stable future. Moreover, a
course in Commerce equips a student sufficiently to fetch him ample opportunities abroad as well.
Logical bent ofmind, passion for the subject coupled with perseverance is bound to make a course in Commerce a
rewarding investment for a lifetime for any student.
Sri Ram College of Commerce-Delhi Loyola College-Chennai
St.Xavier College- Kolkata Lady Shri Ram College For Women-Delhi
Christ University-Bangalore St.Xavier's College-Mumbai
Hindu College- Delhi Ramjas College- Delhi
Shri Narsee Monjee College ofCommerce and Economics- Mumbai
Madras Christian College-Chennai
Best Commerce Colleges Of India
City Wise Good Commerce Colleges
1 .Gauhati Commerce College
2.K C Das Commerce College
3.Dispur College
4.B Barooah College
5.Pandu College
GUWAHATI
1.St. Xavier’s College
2.Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration
3.J D Birla Institute
4.Shri Shikshayatan College
5.Seth Anandaram Jaipuria College
KOLKATA
1 .Christ College
2. St.Joseph College
3.Mount Carmel College
4.Shri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain
College
5.The Oxford College of Business
Management
6. Jyothi Nivas College
7. Garden City College
8. Maharani College for Women
BANGALORE
1 .Sri Ram College of Commerce(SRCC)
2.Lady Shriram College for Women (LSR)
3.Hindu College
4.Ramjas College
5.Jesus & Mary College (JMC)
6.Hansraj College
7.Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce
8.Sri Venkateswara College
9.Shaheed Bhagat Singh College
1 0.S.G.T.B. Khalsa College
NEW DELHI
Competition to Collaboration
Deepak Joshi
Coming from an Indian education
background where a humongous number of
students compete to access the limited
opportunities we are taught to compete with
the other students and win the competition.
And consequently we developed a habit of
treating every student in our class and every
friend that we have as our competitors. We are
secretive about our notes and books and we get
depressed even ifwe come second in a class of
100 students. I was always this kind of a
student and at that time this habit led to
conspicuous success in my life. I was the best
student academically and also the sports
captain ofmy school. I awon school quizzes
and secured top positions in the Olympiads.
With strong academics and a belief in my habit
of competing with others I stepped into my
engineering college.
However, as soon as I began my
journey in the college, I realized that my habit
of considering others as competitors had
turned into my biggest weakness. First, the
course was extremely challenging and after
taking classes for the full day, I never had
enough time to complete my course in the
evenings. Second, as I ran out of time every
day I could not afford to pursue any leisure
activity. Contradictorily, I could see other
students collaborating with each other to share
the load of the courses. They were enjoying
themselves both in terms of securing good
marks and in terms of participating in college
activities. However, even after realizing my
weakness, I found it traumatizing to change
my habit as I had developed it over a period of
10 to 11 years. I not only felt extremely shy to
interact with my colleagues as my they had
tagged me as an anti-social person but I was
also bullied by them whenever I initially tried
to help someone with the studies or else asked
someone’s help. But the biggest concern was
with my mindset. Since I was making efforts
to get together with the other guys just to get
personal benefits, others could notice my
insincere intent very clearly and thus I could
sense their disliking towards me.
Despite the above challenges I kept on putting
a conscious effort to socialize with other
students. I arranged sports parties at my room
where we would chat about sports as it was a
common denominator for all of us. I also
joined the official student union ofmy college
and started organizing various events.
Gradually, I could notice the difference in my
lifestyle. I started studying in groups and thus
could ask help in a variety of areas. I
channelised my love for competition to the
benefit of the group as I would make sure that
we studied till everyone was crystal clear in
his/her concepts. I managed to sneak in time
for basketball and thus made a new group of
friends. I felt much confident about my
presence and also realised an important lesson
in my life that in this era of unending
knowledge one can only succeed by rising
beyond the feeling of competition and
accessing support from people around me who
have diverse experiences and perspectives. To
my surprise I not only achieved highest marks
in that semester but also became so popular
among students that I was selected as the Vice-
president of the College student body. Further
during my job I built a strong team culture in
every team I joined and successfully led team
members to complete critical projects.
I share this story with more than
90% of the graduates that I have met and
through these interaction I have realized that in
today’s world, where problems are both
increasing in complexity and are related to
multi dimensional approach, industrialists and
organizations acknowledge that even the best
individual efforts cannot produce the results
which a groups of average but collaborating
individuals can. Collective growth is the magic
verse that everyone is following today and this
is what the youth needs to keep in mind before
entering the market. Gone are the days when
being nerdy was the key to a successful life
and the thickness of your specs was
proportional to the drawn salary. Compiled by Prahlad from IndiaToday Education site.
8
OP-ED ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Dear CCRCHAP,
First and foremost, let me clarify that I
am an outsider. I am not one of the
people you are fighting citizenship right
for. But, I can tell you that this right of
citizenship is the most basic yet
fundamental (as basic and fundamental
as the right to breathe the air around us)
entitlement that a human being can ever
have. I know this much because I enjoy
this right elsewhere. And, that you all
have been deprived of this right for
many a decade now is painful enough.
That you all happen to be ofmy own
kin and blood makes this pain almost
unbearable. Since as long as I could
remember I have been following the
Chakma-Hajong issue ofArunachal
Pradesh and have seen the movement
evolve from one of “protecting the right
and liberty of every Chakma” to that of
“demand for citizenship right”. Not able
to do anything for them myself, I did
the only thing possible: I silently prayed
for them. You being the pioneer of the
movement for the fight for this right
will always find a place in history and
in the hearts of the people you fought
for and represented all these many
years. The mere fact that Committee
For Citizenship Rights for Chakma and
Hazong ofArunachal Pradesh
(CCRCHAP) were the sole leading
force in the movement stands as
testimony to the contribution, sacrifices,
and progress that all of you had made in
this movement.
The favourable Supreme Court verdict,
the consequential change in approach
and attitude of various stakeholders on
the Chakma issues, the formation of the
Joint Committee to look for a final and
amicable solution to this quagmire are
indeed achievements which didn’t come
easily. The interventions and lobbying
made by the CCRCHAP at various
levels and at critical stages of the
movement have earned these fruits for
the community. That Chakmas
(negligible numbers may be) would find
their names in the electoral rolls within
the state was something unthinkable till
20 years ago. But CCRCHAP made this
possible. These are well deserved and
hard earned victories of the CCRCHAP
team.
However, the movement is far from
over. It is not even half done.
Citizenship right is not an end in itself.
It will be just the beginning ofmany
more challenges and fights that you all
have to shoulder on for many more
years to come. Post-citizenship rights,
things will only get more complex and
complicated. People at the helm of
affairs now have to be mindful of these
challenges and work towards strategies
that will keep them in good stead when
faced with such eventualities. At this
stage it would be essential to re-access
and reflect on the works already done
and the challenges that lay ahead of the
citizenship right movement. Questions
need to be asked and answers for them
sought. Is CCRCHAP well equipped for
all these challenges and more? Does
CCRCHAP have a second rung of
leaders who can readily fill in the shoes
once the present office bearers call it
quit (as they will someday) or should
the situation arises? These are answers
that you all need to figure out. What
better time than now to do that! The
CCRCHAP can start by sorting out
many issues that have become the bone
of contention between other stake
holders such as the APCSU. They have
grievances against your organisations
and they need to be looked into. The
recent developments (as reported by
ACN) doesn’t augurs well for the
citizenship movement for your people.
When two groups fighting for the same
core issue clashes for whatsoever
reasons, it can spell doom for the very
movement that they are trying to claim
legitimacy for. I will give you two
examples here. On one hand, see what
happened to the CHT cause when the
two groups that claim to fight for the
Jummas right ended up fighting among
themselves. The outcome? Suicidal and
self destructive for the very movement
that they came into existence at the first
place. On the other hand, see the various
Tibetan groups such as the Tibetan
Youth Congress and the govt in exile.
They fundamentally differ with each
other yet they are amicable and civil
with each doing what they think best for
the movement of a free Tibet for they
know that it is only in the means that
they differ, but the end is the same.
There are valuable lessons to be learnt
from here. History also tells us that
when two groups fighting for the same
cause diver their energy and time in
brining each other down, such
movement always failed, and leaders
who led them were always blamed. The
emergence of the APCSU and the new
found energy that they seemed to have
injected into the movement and the
enthusiasm among the youth cannot be
brushed aside. The youth appeal and the
energy that they can bring to any
movement of this nature is significant
for its success. APCSU provides that
extra force that the CCRCHAP needs.
They provide you an opportunity and
not a challenge. They are assets to the
movement and not a liability. And, you
can grab this opportunity and strengthen
the movement further. You will also
admit when I say that there have been
many criticisms on the way of
functioning of the CCRCHAP since
many years. The voices of protests
raised by the APCSU in recent months
are nothing new. These are just a
manifestation of years of
discontentment with certain aspects of
the organisational set up in CCRCHAP.
In light of these voices of discontent
and protests, you are left with two
options. One, try to deny all allegations
as false and stands your ground. Two,
accept that faultiness exists and work
towards mending them. But by bringing
out change in the rules of eligibility for
holding the post of President and the
General Secretary ofCCRCHAP by an
upper age limit of 40 years and 35 years
respectively, the approach that the
CCRCHAP has adopted seemed to be to
take on these voices of dissents and
protests head on. By bringing out these
rules, you have essentially shut the door
on the youth leadership to be a part of
the CCRCHAP’s apex body. This
change of rule might be well intended,
but I am afraid this will alienate the
most active and vocal segment of the
population, the youth and student
bodies. You cannot ignore their voices,
and their participation. Their voice is
only going to get louder and their
criticism against CCRCHAP more
legitimate and stronger henceforth.
Remember, the legitimacy and right to
represent the people is not God-given. It
is earned. You have earned it for
decades, but now you seem to be losing
it to emerging institutions (such as the
student body) which comes out as more
determined, forceful, representative and
hence legitimate before the eyes of the
public. Questions of leadership, issues
of organisational restructure,
transparency and accountability have to
be looked into.
CCRCHAP should open up to the young
people, take them into confidence, make
the organisation more democratic and
consultative and install a system of
transparency and accountability in it.
Hold timely elections and make it more
democratic and representative, do away
with the rules that has age bar on the
eligibility criteria to be a part of the
body, and most of all, keep up the
momentum of the movement alive and
burning. Lest we forget, even nation
states and countries (not to forget their
leaders) have fell apart whenever they
have shown utter disregard for
democratic norms as a system of
governance. This is the right time to
work towards the right direction and
leave a legacy that history will always
remember you for. If those at the helm
now work irresponsibly and with self
interests and short sightedness, history
wont forgive you either. Please do not
let go of this opportunity.
May the force be with you! Best Wishes
and God bless---
Hugi.Eswar(H.E! ! )
The writer was a student ofAdventist
International Institute ofAdvanced
Studies and currently is the regional
director ofBaptist World Mission
An Open Letter to CCRCHAP From An
OutsiderSunil Kanti Chakma
It was clearly mentioned in the famousBuddhist religious book called “Tripitaka” that
“Truth is win; Untruth is fall’ , said by the Lord
Buddha. In other words, anything having the
influence of falsehood has temporary success
because ultimately truth is the winner.
Similar is the case with the 50 (Miao) S/T
constituency, Arunachal Pradesh in which there
were several MLAs, MPs and public leaders who
simply came, sat in those coveted seats of power
and fame and went away without making any
significant mark or difference in the lives of the
people residing in the areas falling under the
constituency especially the ones inhabited by the
Chakma Community. The reason of their
temporary success was obvious: poor
performance, absence of execution of rural
development plans, zero development work
especially in the Chakms inhabited areas that
were overwhelmed by poverty, illiteracy and
backwardness due to the absence of schools,
hospitals, and sanitation and healthcare facilities.
Contrary to that, it was for Mr. Kamlung
Mossang and his commendable administration
that the people began to breathe a sigh of relief
after his winning the election and coming to
power. It is said that development work is in
progress at least in some sectors in the areas
concerned including the Chakma inhabited ones
where he has won seats. Recently, two Primary
Schools were sanctioned and the old Primary
School was upgraded to Middle School at
Dharmapur II village to make education
accessible for all children. Moreover, roads are
being constructed to improve the conditions of
road, transport and communication in the areas.
Better roads will help not only the students in
accessing education who have to walk miles
everyday to go to school but also the public at
large.
In this regard, I would like to extend my
heartiest congratulations to the Hon’ble Minister
and his body of 50 (Miao) S/T constituency on
his grand success. Hope you will keep up your
good job of fair and just administration and think
for immediate further steps of development in all
areas of concern so that we, the common people
have access to all the basic facilities and
privileges including Electricity, Primary &
Secondary Schools, Healthcare centre and
enrolment ofmore eligible Chakma voters in the
electoral rolls to improve our living conditions
which is in a miserable state.
The writer is a resident ofDharmapur-I
Truth is win; Untruth is fall
The purpose ofNido Tania’s
life was not only to spark off a
mini revolution against racism
– or regionalism or whatever
those evils are identified with,
although broadly characterized
by the hideous elements which
are detrimental to national
integrity, the defining
characteristic of India without
which She cannot be – that
hopefully is going to change
things for the better for the
North-Easterners, but also to
give a strong message to whole
ofArunachal Pradesh. Nido’s
message sure does remind the
people of India how important
national integrity is to this
country; all the more his fellow
men ofArunachal Pradesh who
must accept this very message
as it is also very much pertinent
to the state where he was born.
Amidst grief and sorrow, Nido
Tania does not fail to show the
light of hope. Although many
people across India have come
together as one to demand
justice for Nido, forcing every
concerned higher-up to assure
just that, yet everyone in their
hearts have in fact set out to
fight the evils that threaten
national integrity because all of
them truly care for the great
nation of India – this is a mark
of an awakened public; there
was not a shred of doubt though
with regard to the fact that India
has always been wise and
awakened.
As much as Nido has inspired
an awakened India to come
together and get engaged in the
process of delivering justice, in
keeping with the popular adage,
‘ justice delayed is justice
denied’ , he would have as much
liked his fellow men in
Arunachal Pradesh to rise to the
occasion and prove to the rest
of India that they are not far
behind in this regard as they are
as much wise and awakened –
they in particular AAPSU
would have to start with
adopting a more pragmatic as
well as humane approach to
resolving the Chakma and
Hajong citizenship issue, in the
event, they set out to attest to
the fact that they surely practise
for what Nido has emerged as
the embodiment of for the rest
of India. And also, there is no
shred of doubt with regard to
the fact that every Chakma or
Hajong ofArunachal Pradesh
truly believes that Nido Tania
deserves justice as soon as
possible.
When things in your life
seem, almost too much to
handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is
not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise
jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his
philosophy class
And had some items in front
of him.
When the class began,
wordlessly,
He picked up a very large
and empty mayonnaise jar
and proceeded to fill it with
golf balls.
He then asked the students, if
the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up
a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook
the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the
open areas between the golf
balls.
He then asked the students
again if the jar was full. They
agreed it was.
The professor next picked up
a box of sand and poured it
into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up
everything else.
He asked once more if the jar
was full. The students
responded with a unanimous
'yes. '
The professor then produced
two cups of coffee from under
the table and poured the
entire contents into
the jar, effectively
filling the empty
space between
the sand. The
students
laughed.
'Now,' said the
professor, as the
laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize
that this jar represents your
life.
The golf balls are the
important things - family,
children, health, Friends and
Favorite passions. Things that
if everything else was lost and
only they remained, Your life
would still be full.
The pebbles are the other
things that matter like your
job, house and car.
The sand is
everything
else --The
small stuff.
'If you put
the sand
into the jar
first,' He
continued,
'there is no room
for the pebbles or the golf
balls.The same goes for life. .
If you spend all your time and
energy on the small stuff, you
will never have room for the
things that are important to
you.
So.. .
'Take care of the golf balls
first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is
just sand. '
One of the students raised her
hand and inquired what the
coffee represented.
The professor smiled.. . 'I'm
glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that
no matter how full your life
may seem,
there's always room for a
couple of cups of coffee with
a friend! !
The Mayonnaise JarAuthor unknown
INSPIRATION BOX
LETTERS TO THE EDITORDear Editor,
Though I don't know
specifically, what have been
the new amendments that the
committee has made, we must remain
vigilant of their implications, taking
account of their arbitrariness
and lack of popular concensus. For
that ,our student's body APCSU,
which has been playing active and
positive role in bringing greater
concensus amongst the Chakmas
must Come forward in shaping the
dreams
of the community. The present
student leaders have that dynamic
qualities to change the future of the
Chakmas. In fact, they have come
like a breath of fresh air and I feel
there is a wave of change after
their taking guard with some of their
pioneering and laudable works.
Lalit [email protected]
I believe that one day we must overcome our long suffered
problems and immense sorrowful plights in Arunachal
Pradesh.But it is worth mentioning that the main tools of
Chakmas for the attainment of citizenship are the Committee
for Citizenship Right of Chakma and Hajong of Arunachal
Pradesh(CCRCHAP) and the Arunachal Pradesh Chakma
Students’ Union(APCSU).Therefore,I would to urge the both
to go hand in hand and work conjointly for the issue
ignoring the misunderstanding and contradiction that has
grasped in mind.One should not impose unconstitutional
conditions upon the other in the movement of chakma issue
provided that the movement is as per the law established by
the constitution of India.India is a democratic country where
Article 19 of Indian constitution states that everyone has the
Right to Freedom of speech and expression without
infringing the interest of “the sovereignty and integrity of
India.Everyone has the Rights to share his/her views and
opinions with respect to the said issue as it is sensitive issue
for all chakma. Both the committee and union should lend a
ear to the voices and views of one another. Keeping
misunderstanding and clashes will not do because everyone
knows that Unite we stand,Divide we Fall.
Supon Chakma
BA 1st year
Kanoi College, Dibrugarh
Nido Tania’s Message for Whole ofArunachal Pradesh
Anton Chakma
9
EDITORIAL ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
If the Chakmas ofArunachal Pradesh were totry and find their bearings as to where they stand
presently about fifty odd years hence when they
were first made to settle down in a lawful manner
in the erstwhile North Eastern Frontier Agency
(NEFA) – eventually to find themselves to be
residing in the state ofArunachal Pradesh owing
to changes in nomenclature and reorganization
rendered to the region where they had originally
been made to settle down – they would
undeniably agree to the fact that they are troubled
and vexed about the fact that they are denied their
fundamental rights despite being citizens of this
nation. Bafflingly, the Chakmas ofArunachal
Pradesh are faced with this harsh reality despite
many a milestone verdict adjudged in their favor
by the honorable Supreme Court of India as well
as the other higher courts of the country, in
addition to the Centre’s repeated validation of
their status as lawful citizens.
Perhaps, the natural question that arises at this
juncture is: How can the Chakmas ofArunachal
Pradesh circumvent their longstanding affliction
vis-à-vis the baseless but cruel rejection they are
faced with in the backyard of their own
homeland?
Before trying to find an answer to this all-
important question, an objective scrutiny of this
very affliction would lay the foundation stone
towards finding a cogent solution – or at least
help in getting some perspective. To begin with –
what prevent(s) the Chakmas ofArunachal
Pradesh from realizing their elusive dream of
getting to enjoy the basic rights of being citizens
of India?
Everyone would agree that the whole matter has
presently assumed multi-dimensional character
that has grown a lot more complicated over the
years, and all the more compounded in a
synergistic manner by various socio-economic
problems, illiteracy, ignorance, poverty, etc. , all
ofwhich constitute the multiple factors that can
be implicated in making the situation particularly
difficult for the Chakmas; and in the process,
holding them back before they got hold of their
rights and what’s due to them. It is also to mean
that none of these factors can be singled out as
the most serious one to demand overriding
priority. Besides, all of these are interrelated and
each one has a multiplier effect to create more
and more problems.
At the same time, it is not difficult to see at the
very root of the whole matter multifarious
political forces – and not specifically and in
totality the government ofArunachal Pradesh –
who have ruthlessly hijacked a dream of close to
1 lakh Chakmas in Arunachal Pradesh. To add
insult to injury, these cruel forces especially
AAPSU and a few other groups – from the vibes
which can easily be perceived – are selfish and
politically motivated, and these forces through
their myopic view of things perceive that the
sufferings of the Chakma people do somehow
end up serving their vested interests. Although
these malicious elements are horribly ill-advised,
their exploits utterly hideous, perceive the
Chakma issue in a way that is ridiculously
dogmatic and their standpoint so closely a
personification of irrational political posturing in
addition to being characterized by defiance of the
law of the land; yet, they have with much success
rendered the life of the Chakmas ofArunachal
Pradesh agonizingly tragic. And, despite
everything, they are only probably taken for
saboteurs of a long due settlement of a lawful
political process. Interestingly, the same parties
have thought it wise to put forth a parallel
substantiation of this very stance of theirs.
Unfortunately, their seemingly considered
attempt at justifying their view of things as well
as their standpoint is clearly founded on a line of
reasoning which is pitiably antiquated and far-
removed from the circumstances as well as the
sensibilities of the present day, thereby projecting
a sense of judgment on their part which fails to
logically connect the past with the present as well
as take into account and consider the lapse of
time, which in turn had effected the vicissitudes
of time with their inherent as well as attendant
dynamics to come into play, linking up the
moment when they had for the first time branded
the Chakmas and Hajongs ofArunachal Pradesh
as ‘refugees’ with the present day. Evidently, their
stubborn attitude has been much to their liking
serving them the wasteful purpose of effecting
loss of valuable time, wastage of energy and
scarce public resources on one hand and
rendering the real issue almost being lost in all
the hullabaloo on the other, with regard to and by
way of an attempt at denying the established fact
that the Chakmas ofArunachal Pradesh are only
lawfully settled where they currently are and that
they are not illegal settlers as people outside of
Arunachal Pradesh are often made to believe, and
on the pretext ofwhich they have been
inhumanely subjected to denial of their
legitimate rights.
By way of another point of view, these aforesaid
politically motivated forces at work against the
Chakma community ofArunachal Pradesh
realizing their legitimate interests can be at best
taken for pressure groups. Technically, pressure
groups operate within the constitutional
framework; make representations to various
committees and also seek to influence the
executive as well as the political parties by
sending memoranda, personal deputations and
organizing social gatherings. The difference, in
case ofAAPSU and a few other politically
affiliated bodies in Arunachal Pradesh vis-à-vis
the Chakma issue – which AAPSU in particular
have been milking over the years for the purpose
of grabbing some lowly undeserved limelight
over the years – would be that perhaps they only
seem to operate within the constitutional
framework when they employ pressure-group
tactics to influence government actions so as
render them favorable vis-à-vis their own vested
interests. Interestingly, even one or the other
political party in the state was recently seen
showing interest in capitalizing on the Chakma
issue in the same way AAPSU have done over
the years.
By way of picking up the threads of the earlier
attempt at closely examining the longstanding
affliction of the Chakmas ofArunachal Pradesh
and, at the same time, figuratively speaking, the
entire predicament – often referred to as the
Chakma citizenship issue – can be likened to a
constellation, where each factor which stands to
aggravate as well as create more problems that in
turn stand to individually contribute to making
the Chakma citizenship issue a bigger problem as
if it were a chain reaction of problems thereby
necessitating all of the original factors be tackled
simultaneously even as focusing on any one to
the exclusion of the other factors in all likelihood
would prove counter-productive, is a star;
contrary to what most stakeholders of the
Chakma community are seen to equate it to –
which is to a single independent star – when they
are heard saying, as if they habitually think so
and also take that for granted, that all of their
problems would vanish as if by magic once the
Chakma citizenship issue is resolved. And in
doing so, they make the mistake of treating and
also considering the whole matter as a single
entity or a single all-resolving target – as if it
were a panacea for all the prevailing troubles –
thereby failing to meaningfully consider, ‘what it
means to be a citizen in the real sense especially
in the Chakma inhabited areas ofArunachal
Pradesh or any other remote area in the region’ .
In truth, there is really no definitive or
standardized stage of being a citizen or a non-
citizen. If you are looking for some sort of
corroboration with respect to the preceding
statement, simply ask someone who is a dweller
of this place – what meaningful difference has
‘being able to wield a voter ID or ration card’
made in their life; if their life is any different
from those who do not have a voter ID or ration
card to show for.
Yet, the irony of the whole situation is that
nobody in the region in question can claim total
deprivation. As a matter of fact, the inference that
can be drawn by way of finding preliminary
answers to the preceding questions is: whoever
has democratically demanded and claimed their
rights being lawful citizens of the nation and to
the extent they have fought for them, have
bagged as much.
In other words, if each of the Chakmas of
Arunachal Pradesh took stock of their individual
progress of demanding and claiming their
respective rights and then getting to enjoy those,
they would find themselves at different stages in
the process of being citizens. Another way of
looking at it is: an individual would rather prefer
having the rights, facilities, the basic foundation
which would aid him to realize his true potential,
etc. and not have a voter ID or a ration card to
show for than having every document issued by
the government and still be deprived of the most
basic rights.
Hence, it follows that realization of citizenship in
the case of the Chakmas ofArunachal Pradesh is
in fact a process or an indefinite continuum,
which is an end in itself, involving changes at one
stage that in turn individually stand to set in
motion a sequence of changes with continual
feedback affecting earlier causes in the overall
sequence and essentially that which cannot be
attributed a definitive character or some kind of
finality. It is in a way analogous to education – in
the sense that one can never claim to have
achieved or acquired the optimum level of
education in one’s lifetime. In other words, it is a
successive development into the future that does
not imply a break from the past and also, in
essence, that which constitutes possessing the
fundamental power to exercise for all practical
purposes the rights of being a citizen, and that
which does not suffice by merely effecting
official documentation.
By way of sufficing the drawn-out scrutiny of the
longstanding affliction of the Chakmas of
Arunachal Pradesh, it is time to ostentatiously
propose as well as propound the long held-back
solution to getting the better of this conundrum;
and, it is: “Collective Action by means of
Democratic Community Activism”.
Now, before embarking on an attempt at
presenting an exposition with regard to the
preceding assertion, a common ground needs to
be agreed upon with regard to adopting a certain
practicable approach in the process of getting to
the heart of the matter. The common ground
would be: the approach, which the Chakma
community chooses to adopt in their march
towards realizing their goal, must be formulated
only in accordance with the Democratic
Framework that the Republic of India provides
for. If it is asked why it is important to respect
this very democratic framework; the easy answer
is: it provides at least the basic protection, and
that it also penalizes if it is breached. The living
proof as well as corroboration of the preceding
fact being that the Chakma community thrives
still – if it were not for the democratic framework
that India as a nation provides for, the Chakma
community ofArunachal Pradesh would not have
at one point survived the hostility as well as the
malice ofmany a powerful as well as politically-
backed element in the state. Hence and naturally
so, it is in the interest of the whole community to
keep fighting in a manner which is persistently
only democratic; even if it is evidently so, that
this systemic framework is also the reason why
things do not realize implementation in the right
sense of the word when the Centre wants the
State ofArunachal Pradesh in accordance with
procedures and processes of a government, which
is supposedly according to needs of the times
both unitary as well as federal in character, to
facilitate registration as well as enrollment of all
the Chakma voters in the electorate and also
disburse what’s due to them in terms of facilities,
rights, etc.
Now, by way of getting back to the focal point:
What would mean or constitute “Collective
Action by means ofDemocratic Community
Activism”? In essence, this conceptual idea
would constitute the basic foundation or the
vehicle for progress that the Chakma community
ofArunachal Pradesh is in dire need of, so as to
give their overall cause of realizing their
objectives as a community in a meaningful way, a
much needed boost; one that would empower the
whole community in the present time, even as it
would continue to do so in the future.
The fundamental components of this foundation
or the vehicle for progress are as follows:
I. Institutionalized Leadership Founded on
Public Participation which is Departmentalized as
well as Hierarchical: Since systems are sustained
by institutions and the systems in turn sustain the
processes which must go on no matter what, the
leadership must be institutionalized. As well,
there are too many pressing issues which the
Chakma community is faced with; hence, the
leadership has got to have a departmental set-up –
specific departments albeit in a synergy
contending with more or less specific issues; it
has got to be hierarchical as every functional as
well as successful leadership in this world is
perhaps founded on a well worked out hierarchy.
And, the processes involved in public
participation would provide for the requisite
checks and balances. Most importantly, the one at
the helm, more than being 40 or 35 years of age,
must be easily attributed with the qualities of a
true leader, especially integrity,
broadmindedness, boldness, being proactive,
visionary and creative, etc.
II. An Enlightened and Awakened Public:
The role of the general public is almost equally
important as that of the leadership in a
movement. They have to be able to see reason
and support critical decisions of the leadership at
crucial moments. Most importantly, they have to
make the all-important decision of choosing the
most suitable leader, who is worthy of being
followed, to take the movement forward.
If ever the Chakma community are able to afford
such a foundation, they would then be
empowered to make use of every democratic
instrument provisioned in the Indian Constitution
to reclaim their rights and very effectively so;
every step taken by the Chakma community
would be distinguished by a collaborative
approach in terms of initiating as well as
fostering purposeful peace protests, coordinated
as well as orchestrated mass mobilization,
effective management of public relations and
media presence, solid connections with
mainstream India intellectually, economically as
well as culturally, the ability to speak up against
injustice and discrimination by means of a voice
which would always be heard and also responded
to, constructive promotion as well as propagation
of culture and tradition besides being able to
effectively deal with contingencies – all of these
would then be living realities. Above all, the
Chakma community would then be able to very
effectively take the legal recourse whenever the
need arose, especially by means of the important
democratic instrument of Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) which appears to be very
pertinent to the cause of their overall fight for
justice.
Unfortunately, the only as well as the greatest
stumbling block to accomplishing all of these
drawn-up objectives on the back of the so
proposed foundation, however, is: a great portion
of the preceding proposition would at best
constitute a utopian concept – especially asking
for all of the aforesaid leadership qualities in one
fell swoop at the heart of the Chakma community
would be a tall order and if someone were hoping
that the Chakma community ofArunachal
Pradesh would be so progressive, they had most
probably not done their homework. In such
conditions, it would naturally seem like the
Chakma community would have to wait for their
deliverance till incredibly talented and capable
leaders of their own, well-supported by the
general population who would have also received
quality education, came along to guide home
their fellow men. But, the irony is: in order for
this to come to pass, the Chakma community will
have to first break away from the current
situation which is primarily sufficed by denial of
rights – the sole reason why the Chakma
community have thus far been distanced from the
requisite wherewithal for both economic and
intellectual growth and progress. All in all, it is a
vicious circle in which the Chakma community is
trapped. And further still, all this perhaps would
mean that this attempt at trying to put across the
much-anticipated resolution to the much-repeated
question in the first place would apparently seem
to be nothing but a futile exercise.
Nevertheless and in spite of everything, it is
perhaps not entirely a lost cause – “Collective
Action by means ofDemocratic Community
Activism” built on the aforesaid foundation
would still be doable and things would take a turn
for the better if only both the Chakma leadership
as well as the general public developed the habit
as well as a culture of reading books; if not in
entirety, at least those of the Chakma community
who have had the fortune of learning to read. The
idea of reading books being able to accomplish
such aspirations of colossal magnitude would
sound preposterous and, perhaps, it would
deceive many who would without difficulty
dismiss it – saying, it were an idealistic
irrelevance – until one knew the power of reading
books. Although the preceding statement should
have come from someone who is at least an avid
reader, yet a deep conviction that the power of
reading books could do so much, born of only
shallow understanding obtained through a frail
practice of reading books, begs to be spoken thus.
One can never question the power of reading
books though, for the simple reason that it leads
towards the light at the end of the proverbial
tunnel; it inspires, enlightens, awakens and also
heals minds; it hones an individual’s good
qualities while rooting out his bad qualities; it is
the window or interface through which the
readers avail themselves of the opportunity to
interact with the greatest minds of this world
whose aura surely rubs off on the readers and in
the process they are egged on to think and act like
great minds themselves in a manner which
reflects balance of thought, perspective, judgment
and action. Most of all, it has the potential to
reveal in its inconceivable way the elusive
solution, in case it is yet to be discovered, to
conquer or even transcend the greatest obstacle
faced by the Chakma community ofArunachal
Pradesh.
In any case, though, one of the basic approaches
which the Chakma community needs to adopt is
one of democratically demanding and claiming
each of their rights at every given opportunity,
which would in essence constitute a sustained
pressure of legitimate demands; and in the
process, gradually, they need to democratically
get the local authorities, legislators, AAPSU, etc.
and all of them who happen to be standing
between them and their rights, used to the habit
of handing them their rights, facilities, etc. In
other words, the Chakma community needs to
persistently work democratically and make all of
them, who think they can hinder the Chakma
people from getting hold of their rights and what
is due to them, come to terms with the fact that it
is only natural that the Chakma community gets
what’s rightfully theirs.
How the Chakmas ofArunachal Pradesh Can Get the Better ofTheir
Longstanding Affliction
1 0
IDENTITY ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Brief story of Chakma
• The Chakma tribal community forms part of the great
Tibeto-Burman language family.
• The name Chakma derives from Sanskrit word Sakthiman
or beholder of power.
• In history, Chakma peoples are believed to be working in
Bagan Palace for Bagan King as ministers, advisers and
warrior.
• Bagan King rule Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Manipur
and Assam.
• The Chakma are the largest indigenous ethnic group in
Chittagong Hill Tract ofBangladesh and make up half of
the region's population.
• Today, the geographic distribution ofChakmas is spread
across Bangladesh and parts of India in Arunachal Pradesh,
Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, western Burma, China and
Diaspora communities in North America and Europe.
• In Burma, they are known as Daingnet people.
• Chakma has its own written language and speaking
language, custom and tradition.
• Their language was tainted after British Colony took away
from Burma in first Anglo-Burmese war in 1826.
ORIGIN
PARTITION OF INDIA: INJUSTICE DONE TO THE CHAKMAS• During Partition (August 1947), India was divided
on the religious line.
• Muslim-majority areas went to form Pakistan.
• Surprisingly, Chakma-dominated Chittagong Hill
Tracts of present day Bangladesh formed part of
Pakistan even though Muslims were only meager 2
%.
• The Partition axed the Chakma life. It was the doom
day.
• The Chakmas have been patriots.
• They fought against the British, and did not allow
the conquerors to conquer them.
• Following the Partition, they were celebrating the
Independence Day on 15 August 1947 by unfurling
the Indian tricolour in Rangamati, the main town of
CHT.
• It was pity that they did not even know they were
already Pakistanis, much against their own will. The
Pakistani troops pull down the Indian flag.
The Chakmas could not give a united stand against
the injustice done. Indian government did not do
much significant. It failed to recognize the Chakmas’
contributions and sacrifices during the freedom
movement.
PERSECUTION UNDER PAKISTAN AND BANGLADESH RULE• Given the communal division between India and Pakistan,
that theBuddhist Chakmas would be persecuted in Muslim
Pakistan was a foregone conclusion.
• Chakmas were brutally killed, tortured, attacked and their
women folk raped under the Pakistan rule.
• In 1964, the Kaptai Dam reservoir was built that
submerged around 44% of the CHT’s agricultural lands and
made tens of thousand Chakmas homeless and foodless.
• Those displaced were neither rehabilitated nor
compensated nor treated well. Thousands became IDPs and
refugees.
• In 1971 , Bangladesh was liberated with India’s help.
• But that did not bring any change in the policy of the
Muslim government towards the Chakmas.
• With active participation of the Bangladesh military, the
Chakmas were attacked, massacred, kidnapped, and raped
and their houses burned.
• There was no reprieve. Life was no longer livable.
Hundreds fled from their homes to escape from attempts at
their lives.
FROM RULERS TO REFUGEES• The Rulers have turned into Refugees, courtesy the brutal
policies of the successive governments of Pakistan and
Bangladesh.
• In 1964, around 30,000 indigenous Chakmas displaced by
the Kaptai Hydro-Electric dam in CHT of then East
Pakistan migrated to India.
• They were given settlement by the government of India in
the North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA), the present
Arunachal Pradesh, after consultation with the local tribal
chiefs.
• While being shifted to the NEFA, Government of India
issued valid migration certificates to the migrants and
assured them of citizenship rights in due course.
• “They came in a hopeless, pathetic condition, just with the
clothes that they wore” recalls one senior Mizoram official,
who was part of the Assam government team that received
the Chakma in the Cachar and Lushai hills.
PRESENT CRISISArunachal Pradesh• There are presently about 65,000 Chakmas in Arunachal
Pradesh.
• All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union has been leading a
hate-campaign against the Chakmas and inciting the
otherwise sympathetic local population to drive the
Chakmas away from the state.
• Political parties exploit the Chakma issue for electoral
gains.
• They have been denied basic rights, including ration,
education, employment and the right to live and peaceful
life with dignity.
• On 9 January 1996, Supreme Court of India directed, inter
alia, that the life and personal liberty of each and every
Chakma residing within the State shall be protected and
that, except in accordance with law the Chakmas shall not
be evicted from their homes.
• The Delhi High Court in its judgment of 28 September
2000 (CPR no. 886 of 2000) directed the authorities to
enroll all eligible Chakma and Hajong voters into the
electoral rolls but till now only around 1600 are actually
enrolled.
Mizoram• There are about 100,000 Chakmas in Mizoram.
• They gained the Chakma Autonomous District Council
(CADC) in 1972, which is still resented by the Mizo
political leaders.
• But the District Council covers only one-third of the
Chakma population in the state.
• The Chakmas living outside the District Council
(including Sajek Valley area) are subject to regular
harassment and discrimination by the State government in
various forms. Life is no less painful in Sajek area of
Mizoram.
• The Chakmas have been living in acute poverty and
without access to basic healthcare, education and
infrastructure such as roads, electricity connectivity.
Most Chakma household is engaged in traditional Jhum
cultivation. Chakmas also call it “Duk Haam”, meaning
“hard task”. As forest cover is diminished and production
scanty, another name for life has become “struggle for
survival”.
Bangladesh• The Chakmas have been reduced to minority in their own
homeland due to illegal implantation of thousands of plains
settlers i.e. Muslims.
• Although a peace accord was signed between the Chakma
rebels and the Government ofBangladesh in 1997, peace
and development have been elusive in the Chittagong hills.
• Besides persecution by the Bangladesh government, the
Chakmas themselves are divided into two main groups and
killing each other.
• Thousands were killed in the armed encounters.
Bangladesh security forces regularly resorted to mass
detention and torture of villagers and left many of them
crippled for life. Hundreds ofwomen were raped
Compiled from the source: http: //swapsushias.blogspot.in/201 3/08/the-story-of-tribe-named-chakma.html#.UxFYaPmSyTY
Conflict in the ChittagongHill TractsAn Understanding Of The CHT Peace Treaty/Accord
Thousands were killed in the armed encounters.Bangladesh security forces regularly resorted to massdetention and torture of villagers and left many ofthem crippled for life. Hundreds of women wereraped.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (hereafter CHT),
located in the south eastern part of
Bangladesh was wracked by intense armed
conflict for nearly two and a half decades.
The conflict between the tribal communities
who live in these hill tracts and the
government ofBangladesh, which began
in 1972 finally ended in 1997 after the
conclusion of a peace agreement popularly
known as the “CHT Peace Treaty”. However,
even after one and half decades, most of the
provisions of the treaty remain
unimplemented. The land of the local people
which was taken over and distributed to state
sponsored Bengali settlers, has not been
returned. The promise ofwithdrawal of cases
against the members of the guerrilla force has
not been fulfilled and regional council which
was to govern the CHT remains in a limbo. It
has raised serious concerns about the
sustainability of
the peace process initiated through the Peace
treaty of 1997.
The main parties to the conflict were
Parbattya Chhatagram Jana Samhati Samiti
(PCJSS), the political organisation of the
local tribes, who collectively call themselves
as the “Jumma People” and the government
ofBangladesh. The conflict began after the
formation ofBangladesh as an independent
and sovereign republic which adopted
constitution that set up a unitary system of
government which did not recognise the
multi ethnic and multi-lingual character of
the people.
The Jumma people saw this as an attempt to
impose homogeneity and establish hegemony
of the majority Bengali community.
The CHT Peace Treaty/AccordThe Parbattya Chhattagram Jana Samhati
Samiti (PCJSS), the political platform of the
Jumma people signed a treaty with the
Bangladesh government on 2 December,
1 997
The accord addressed five major issues in
the CHT.
1. Devolution of power to the Hill District
Councils;
2. Setting up a Regional Councils and
CHT Ministry as the units of self-
government in
the CHT;
3. Establishment of a land commission to
deal with conflicts over land and natural
resource rights;
4. Recognition of the cultural integrity of
the indigenous peoples and
5.Withdrawal ofmilitary forces from CHT
and the de-commissioning and
rehabilitation of JSS forces.
The treaty was opposed by several groups of
Jumma people Pahari Gano Parishad (PGP or
Hill Peoples Council), Pahari Chattra
Parishad (PCP or Hill Students Council) and
Hill Women Federation (HWF). The
disaffected groups argued that the accord
failed to reflect the genuine hopes and
aspirations of the peoples of the Chittagong
Hill Tracts and has failed to fulfil the
main demands of the Jumma people namely,
constitutional recognition to the national
ethnic minorities of the CHT with guarantee
for “Full Autonomy”, restoration of
traditional land rights, demilitarisation of the
area, and withdrawal and resettlement of the
Bengali settlers in the plain land.
In December 1998, the groups opposed to
the Peace Treaty formed a regional
political party in the CHT, It was named
United People's Democratic Front
(UPDF). The main objective of the
UPDF was to establish full autonomy in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts through peaceful and
democratic means. At the founding
conference of the party a five member
convening committee was formed with Prasit
Bikash Khisha as its convener. The UPDF
and PCJSS have engaged in retributive
kidnappings, extortions, and murders since
1997.
Post Accord: The Unfulfilled Promises
1 . The government ofBangladesh had committed
to withdraw Bengali settlers from CHT and that
these persons were to be resettled to other plains
districts of the country. Unfortunately, the
government failed to initiate the necessary steps
to implement the withdrawal programme. On the
contrary, the government formulated
“development” projects like rubber plantation and
issued licenses for exploration of natural gas
which was seen by the Jumma people as a process
of further alienation of their land and encouraging
Bengali settlers.
2. Land Commission was to be set up for
settlement of disputes over ownership of land of
the Jumma people which was illegally taken over
by the settlers from the plains. It was to have full
authority to annul the ownership of land by illegal
settlers of land in the hill tracts. The government
had unilaterally appointed a Land Commission
in 1998. The JSS refused to cooperate with this
commission. Land Commission remained a
contentious issue for nearly twenty years as the
law ofBangladesh did not recognise the collective
land rights of the Jumma people.
3 . Under the terms of the accord, members of
Shanti Bahini were granted amnesty and all old
cases against them would be withdrawn. By
March 1989, about 2000 members of Shanit
Bahini, the armed wing of PCJSS, had
surrendered their arms. Until now, only 400 such
cases have been withdrawn by the government.
On The contrary, tthe government revived old
cases against some of the returnees in violation of
the terms of the treaty which guaranteed amnesty
to returnees.
4. The provision for the withdrawal of the army
camps remains unimplemented. No time limit has
been set for the withdrawal of the army and police
camps. Out of 230 army camps, more than a 100
BDR (paramilitary) and 80 police camps which
were set up in the CHT during conflict period, so
far only 32 temporary camps have been
dismantled. The army's involvement in civil
administration continues as the government order
authorising army's involvement in maintenance of
law and order remains in force.
The Beginning of the Conflict:In March 1972, Manabendra Narayan Larma
formed the Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) to continue
the struggle for regional autonomy. The failure
of this peaceful movement gave way to the
emergence of an armed group named the
Shanti Bahini (Peace Brigade). It became a part
of the JSS.
After the beginning of the armed struggle by the
Shanti Bahini, Bangladesh Government
launched a counter insurgency programme. A
large number of battalions ofBangladesh Army
were sent to the Chittagong Hill Tracts and
cantonments as well as army barracks were set up
in 5 different districts of the CHT. The Jummas
were often detained and tortured by the army.
Thousands were killed in the armed encounters.
Bangladesh security forces regularly resorted to
mass detention and torture of villagers and left
many of them crippled for life. Hundreds of
women were raped. For further consolidating
their authority, the security forces uprooted many
villages and forcibly kept the people in "cluster
villages" which in reality were “concentration
camps” where the people lived under constant
supervision of the military.
Bangladeshi Settlers:In the late 1970s President Zia sponsored migration ofBangladeshi settlers into the CHT,
providing land grant, cash and rations. It began as a covert operation. Initially, the government
denied the existence of this programme. However, later the government acknowledged that there
was a programme of sponsored migration ofBangladeshi settlers. The settlers were allotted
agricultural land, given money to build their homes and free ration for a period. By 1981 , under
the patronage of the army and Bengali civilian administration the Bangladeshis settlers made up
nearly one third of the total population of the CHT.
Forcible Conversion and Religious Persecution:Forcible conversion was used as a method of assimilation. Al-Rabita, a Saudi government
funded NGO, with the support of the military converted thousands ofBuddhist Jumma people to
Islam. The Jammat-i-Islam, an Islamic fundamentalist party became active. While the number of
mosques and Madrashas (Islamic schools) increased rapidly, hundreds of religious places of the
Jumma peoples were destroyed by the Bangladesh military. In 1986, within a period of eight
months 54 Buddhist temples were destroyed and 22 Hindu temples were burnt down by the
Bangladesh military.
Compiled from the research: http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/49985/1 /IDL-49985.pdf
Kaptai Dam of Bangladesh: A curse for theChakma
11
FEATURE ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
Deban, on the verge of developmentDue to some recent developments in the area made possible by some foreign NGOs the region today is making fast track changes in all terms.
Robin ChakmaDeban: Deban a beautiful place situated 32
kms from Diyun in the heart of the
Namdhapa Wildlife Sanctuary,Arunachal
Pradesh surrounded by steep hills and the
swift Noa-Dehing river was a remote and
backward place some 8-10 years back
down the line with no proper road
communications, electricity and nearly zero
economic activities.
There are about 8 villages in this region all
ofwhich comes under the sub-division of
Miao. The region is mostly populated with
the Chakmas. Due to some recent
developments in the area made possible by
some foreign NGOs the region today is
making fast track changes in all terms.
Earlier, the whole region only had a
Primary School which was later upgraded
to Middle School with the establishment of
Private Primary Schools by the villagers on
their own self. Now, one can find at least
one school whether Government aided
school or a private school collectively run
by the villagers in every village.
The region saw its first electricity supply
this year and two of the 8 villages are
enjoying electricity namely Punyabhumi
and Pakhan. The service lines are being
drawn beyond Pakhan which is the second
village and Punyabhumi being the first.
The laying works are still in progress.
Though, the works of laying electricity is
in progress the road to Deban from Diyun
is no better than a perilous journey. The old
road which once connected Diyun with
Deban has long been shattered due to
massive landslides and difficulties in
maintenance due to the extreme conditions
during monsoon and lack of proper aids
during the winters. It is also difficult to run
heavy vehicles such as a ruler in this region
as most of the soil is sandy and full of
pebbles which make it risky with the risk of
more landslides resulting from pressure.
Recently, it was proposed to build a new
road towards Deban bypassing the old
road. The old road has been kept almost
abandoned since long. Only during the
winters that some light vehicles ply from
Diyun of carrying light amounts goods.
However, despite of all these recent
developments, many children are still
missing schools due to ignorance, lack of
knowledge about the importance of
education and lack of knowledge about the
outer world as some of the villagers still
never saw a proper town in their lifetime.
In the whole region, there is not even a
single Community Health Centre or a
pharmacy or either a Primary Health
Centre. The villagers have to walk all the
way some 30-40 kms. to get medical care
either at Miao or at Diyun which becomes
impossible during the monsoon due to
heavy rains, landslides and the ever
flooding Noa-Dehing river. In all, good
medical care is beyond their dreams.
So is their market. The villagers again have
to walk the same distance to sell or buy
goods either at Miao or at Diyun.
If everything goes steady fast as proposed,
then some years later, Deban shall become
a paradise for the tourists as it does have
the potential to be!
Miao ghat on Dihing River
A view of the sun rise
In my recent visit to Karbi Anglong, I,once again, gained some surprising insights
about the residing Chakma people. Invited
by the Village Headman ofKali Nala, a
Chakma village, I went to a small township
and a weekly market locally known as
Barlangfer. From there I went further to a
sparsely populated village named Tokkre
Nal, walking some 10 - 1 5 km on a route
which can hardly qualify for a road and has
no means of transportation.
During my interactions, I came to know of
some 25 - 30 families ofwhich only five
are living nearby and the rest are scattered
over several hilltops. Inspired by the efforts
ofDr.AB Chakma, The Gaon Bura(GB) of
late, they have agreed to build a proper
village and some have even started putting
up their niches but, these stilt houses, made
out of bamboos, wood and straws, lack
basic requirements of a permanent
residency. Through our conversations about
the administration of the villages, I realized
about their lack of trust on the leaders.
They argue that since the leaders
themselves disagree to live amongst them
in the village, then how the leaders can
expect the public to build a village, which
they are anyhow building for the sake of
their GB.
With no education system, no healthcare
amenities, and no modes of
communication, the villagers’ only source
of income are chillies. Cultivating meagre
amount of staple foods such as rice and
other vegetables, they have to buy all
needed resources from the market at high
prices. Consequently, if not all of the
population, then at least those Chakmas of
the village with whom I interacted, have no
motivation to live here permanently and
they plan to migrate as soon as they acquire
enough resources through their one and
only hope- red-chillies. Surprisingly and
yet expectedly these chillies are sold back
to the person from whom the villagers take
their loans, making it very convenient for
the money lenders to cheat people by
setting unfair prices much lower than the
actual market rates.
I also attended a meeting by the villagers
addressing their difficulties and
possibilities. Held on the 13th of Jan 2014,
meeting’s main agenda was to build
villages according to the old brazen
villages and prepare an agenda to ask the
Govt. to provide all the needed amenities.
However, due to internal scepticism of the
leadership, the gathering was not effective.
Robin Chakma, ACN Reporter on his recent visit to Karbi Anglong,Assam
1 2
EXPRESSION ARUNACHAL CHAKMA NEWS NEW DELHI , MARCH 1 st - 1 5th, 201 4
"Your initiative is praiseworthy indeed! I try tofol low your issues that shed light to the plightof our people. I t's just unimaginable to becalled al iens when our people have been bornand brought up on the same land as others. Ifeel if the support of our people in Tripura,Mizoram, Assam and other parts of India hadbeen with you from the from the beginningitself it must have augmented your movement.I know this current generation is dauntlessand you are not going to give in to al l sorts ofpressure.Keep up your good work and victory is goingto be ours for sure!"Sanjib Chakma
Deputy Collector -Govt of Tripura
" Arunachal Chakma News is the first everkind of paper form of journalism in the historyof Chakma in whole of India and even in theworld too. Although this news letter is just atits inception it is equally better with rest thenews papers in terms of design and quality ofpaper. The most import thing is that this ACNwil l be the source of knowledge for al l ouryoungsters and upcoming generation to learnand give their views. I am really thankful to thefounders for this innovative thought andpioneering this beautiful project. I wishes avery best of success."
Devendralal Chakma
Asst.Manager-Emirates Airl ines"Days are gone when Chakma women were
limited only within household works, now it’s thetime for everyone to take part in thedevelopment of our community. We can doanything if we wish to; we have the strength ofunity and cooperation among us. I would l ike toencourage all my female Chakma to comeforward along with the men and work togetherfor our rights. The Indian constitution andfundamental rights are not unknown to us. Let’swork hand in hand and change the perceptionof the word REFUGEE from the mindsets of thepeople of Arunachal. "
Phomi Chakma
MSc. in Life Science-Dibrugarh University
" As the Chakmas havebeen facing problemseverywhere, I have felt longago that we need a Media ofour own. I am glad that theArunachal ChakmaStudents Union has takenthis initiative in form of ACN.As it has just taken birth,they have to work very hardto make it successful. I f wehave our own Media, we cantel l our problems andsufferings to the world. Thiswil l play a great role to solveour problems."Best wishes to the ACN!!
Susanta Chakma
Founder and Director
Sneha Foundation and
School
"ACN is a platform which enables theChakmas across the globe to stand underone umbrella. Through ACN, we can beaware of social, rel igious, economical, andpolitical factors surrounding us; we can havethe updates of various happenings andincidents of the Chakmas. ACN is anopportunity for the aspirants who want topursue their career in the media field."
Dev Chakma
Client Services Special ist
CS Corporation
"In a true sense, identityhas always crippled the
growth of our society andnow its the time to wake
up to create our presence. I ts an hour of
conscientious efforts andteam building towardsjustice and integrity.
let's abstain from all theactions which hinders ourvoice , instead contributesomething that becomes
a seeking element ofrecognition and pride ."
Romel Chakma
Graduated from NIFT- Bangalore and
currently at National Insititute of Design
"Students and youthshould be thankful andgrateful to APCSU forgiving a platform to allChakma youths ofArunachal to build theirleadership skil ls andsimultaneouslyworking for thesociety."
Dhrub Chakma
Asst.Manager-Indian Bank
I t is worth mentioningthat the main tools ofChakmas for theattainment of citizenshipare the CCRCHAP andAPCSU. Therefore, Iwould to urge the both togo hand in hand andwork conjointly for theissue ignoring themisunderstanding andcontradiction!
Supon Chakma-Student, DU
BODHICARIYASEC.SECONDARY
SCHOOLCBSE BOARD
NEW TOWNKOLKATA
ADMISSION OPENBEAUTIFUL GREEN HOSTEL
EXCLUSIVELY FOR CHAKMA
Contact
080 1 7 920848www.bodhicariya.org
email : [email protected]
PHOTOS OF THE FORTNIGHT
Ranjan Chakma,
President of
Arunachal Pradesh
Chakma Students
Union (APCSU) and
Punya Chakma,
Chief Adviser
(APCSU) during the
protest at Lajpat
Nagar against the
kil l ing of our fel low
brother Nido Tania
APCSU-Dibrugarh
Unit during a get
together.
FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEFI t is strikingly painful in the heart to know that while the members of Bizu Mela Committee are spending sleepless night preparing for the big event, some of the members fromCCRCHAP allegedly impeding the process either by stopping people from donating or by labell ing the Mela as wasteful. Earl ier this month, they have amended theirconstitution as to make it completely impossible for any young person to join CCRCHAP. These two incidents have been the most glaring anti-chakma mistakes committed bythem in this year. The Bizu-201 4 mark fifty years of misery and happiness of the Chakma in Arunachal. Never has anyone provided a platform to share a common commitmentto move the Chakma community to a next level and when the Bizu Mela committee is striving to do that why anyone should hinders them from doing so?While it is pertinent to highl ight the successes of the CCRCHAP, there must be reasonable l imits to the idea of autocracy that it bel ieves in. I t has firstly distant itself from thecommon Chakma and now from the students and the youths. CCRCHAP must abandon its self-imagination as an anti-democracy movement and embrace its role as anelected committee. The committee must also strive to be more reflective and self-critical. I t can start by changing their autocratic amendments in its constitution and hold re-election and at the least publical ly support the Bizu Mela.Given its recent appointments of executives from the vil lage level and few positive news from their well wishers there is good reason to believe that this wil l be possible.However, its adamant negative response wil l suggests that there is anti-community at its core that left unchecked wil l ensure the eventual downfal l of the whole Chakmacommunity.Therefore, request CCRCHAP and all the public to attend the general public meeting called by APCSU to be held on the 1 8th April 201 4 in Arunachal. I t is, by al l accounts,the only hope that CCRCHAP and APCSU come to a consensus! Nevertheless! The time of APCSU powered with ACN looks promising.
PRAHLAD CHAKMAEditor-in-Chief and Managing Director,ACN