Chakma Autonomous District Council uniqueness among ADCs in India

By Suman Chakma

Autonomous Administrative Divisions of India :
     There are several autonomous administrative divisions of India to which the central government has given varying degrees of autonomy within the state legislature. The establishment and functions of most of these autonomous councils are based on the sixth schedule to the Constitution of India.

In Assam :
The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has legislative, administrative, executive and financial powers over 40 policy areas in the Bodoland Territorial Areas Districts comprising four districts of Assam. It was established in 2003 following a peace agreement between the Government of India and Bodo rebels and is functioning since 2003 under the provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC, Karbi Anglong District ) is an autonomous council in the district constituted under the provision of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council (formerly North Cachar Hills Autonomous District Council) is an autonomous council constituted under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India to administer the district.

In Jammu and Kashmir :
The  Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil (LAHDC) and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh (LAHDC). Both of the Councils governs their respective district areas with limited political autonomy.

In Meghalaya :
The  Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) is seated at Tura and covers East Garo Hills district, West Garo Hills district and South Garo Hills district.

The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) is seated at Jowai and covers the Jaintia Hills district.

The  Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) covers West Khasi Hills district, East Khasi Hills district and Ri Bhoi district.

In Mizoram :
The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) is an autonomous council for the Chakma people living in the south-western part of Mizoram. The CADC is constituted within Chawngte sub-division of Lawngtlai district, Chawngte is now one of the proposed districts of Mizoram.

The Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) is an autonomous council for the Lai people in the south-eastern part of Mizoram. It is constituted within Lawngtlai district excepting CADC's areas and some parts of Saiha district.

The  Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) is an autonomous council for the Mara people living in the southern part of Mizoram within Saiha district.

In Tripura :
The  Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is an independent council administering the tribal areas of the state of Tripura. Its council and assemby are situated in Khumulwng, a town 20 km outside Agartala, the state capital.

In West Bengal :
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is a semi-autonomous administrative body for the Darjeeling hills in West Bengal, India.

Latest Updates :

Autonomous District Councils and Panchayati Raj Insitutions in North-East India :

By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury

     The North-East India, home to numerous diverse ethnic groups and located strategically with borders with Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, has seen much violence and bloodshed over the past few decades. These include insurgencies in Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram and growth of militant groups in Meghalaya. In addition there are conflicts and confrontations over land use and control as well as issues of language, identity formation, demographic change and minority and majoritarian relations. Alienation, mis-governance and corruption as well as underdevelopment are common frustrations in the region which is one of the richest regions in terms of natural and mineral resources in India.

To tackle the problems of this unique area and safeguard the democratic traditions and cultural diversity of its people, the framers of the Constitution conceived of the instrument of tribal self-rule. This stands embodied in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This Schedule was drafted by a Sub-Committee on North-East Frontier (Assam Tribal and Excluded Areas) of the Constituent Assembly headed by Gopinath Bardoloi, the then Premier of Assam. The effort was to accommodate the collective aspirations of tribal communities within the broader framework of a democratic political system characterised by centralised powers, in a situation characterised by a mix of apprehension, confusion and hope in the days immediately preceding the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

     The non-Sixth Schedule States in the North-East where 73rd and 74th amendments (Panchayati Raj Institutions) have been implemented are Assam (barring Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council and NC Hills Autonomous District Council), Manipur, Tripura (barring Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council), Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

Between ancient, medieval and modern period of Indian history, the growth of Panchayats had ups and downs. The Mayo’s Resolution of 1870 gave impetus to the development of local institutions by enlarging their powers and responsibilities. In 1882 Lord Ripon provided democratic framework to these institutions. In 1907 the Royal Commission on Decentralisation was established which encouraged the ‘Local Self Government’. Thereafter, came a series of efforts in the form of committee, commission and Act. (The Govt. of India Act, 1911; the Govt. of India Act, 1935). However, the colonial rulers could not contribute significantly.

     Panchayats were included in Article 40 under the Directive Principles of the Constitution of India. The Post- independence phase of Panchayat Raj is marked with significant developments. On the recommendation of the G.V.K. Rao (1985) and L.M Shinghvi (1986) committees, the Rajiv Gandhi Government in 1989 introduced a Bill for amending the constitution for giving constitutional status to Panchayats, But he failed to pass the Bill. It was P.V Narasimha Rao Government who could amend the constitution in 1992 by introducing 73rd Amendment to the constitution alongwith the Nagarpalika 74th Amendment Act. The Panchayati Raj institution then became a constitutional machinery for rural governance in India.

     The tribal dominated states under 5th and 6th schedules of the Constitution were, however, given option either to introduce Panchayati Raj institutions or to continue with their traditional self-government institutions. All the states of India including 5th and 6th schedule states except Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram amended their Panchayati Raj Act to accommodate the provisions of the 73rd Amendment Act.

The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 mandates provisions for :

          1)   Establishment of a three-tier structure (Village Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti or intermediate level Panchayat and Zilla Parishad or district level Panchayat).

          2)   Establishment of Gram Sabhas at the village level. Regular elections to Panchayats every five years.

          3)   Proportionate seat reservation for SCs/STs.

          4)   Reservation of not less than 1/3 seats for women.

          5)   Constitution of State Finance Commissions to recommended measures to improve the finances of Panchayats.

     The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 vests power in the State Government to endow Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government such as: Preparation of plans and their execution for economic development and social justice in relation to 29 subjects listed in the XI schedule of the Constitution. Authority to Panchayat to levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees. Transfer of taxes, duties, tolls and fees collected by the States to Panchayats.

     The North -East India consists of eight states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagland, Tripura and Sikkim, covering more than eight percent of the total geographical area and 4 percent of the total population of the country. A large part of the North - East India is governed by the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution. The Panchayats (Extension to the schedule areas ) Act, 1996 extends the 73rd Amendment: to the Fifth Schedule areas. Three states viz. Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya are exempted from the purview of the 73rd Amendment.

     The Sixth Schedule envisages establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). These councils have been given Legislative, Administrative and Judicial powers under the Sixth Schedule. No law of the Centre or the State in respect of the legislative powers conferred on the Autonomous District Councils could be extended to those areas without their prior approval. The district councils are also empowered to constitute Village councils and also Village courts.

     While the ADCs have the advantage of legislative powers which the Panchayats do not have, the Councils unlike Panchayats do not have provision for reservation for women, and powers such as social forestry management.

Articles 244(2) and 275(1) - Sixth Schedule - Provisions for administration of Tribal Areas in the States of :

Assam: The North Cachar Hills District Council and The Karbi Anglong District Council. Elections to the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) also formed under Sixth Schedule have been held on May 13. Results are yet to be declared.

Meghalaya: Khasi Hills District Council, Jaintia Hills District Council and Garo Hills District Council.

Tripura: Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.

Mizoram: The Chakma District Council, The Mara District Council and The Lai District Council.

     The District Councils comprise of 30 members for a term of five years. The Governor of the state is empowered to nominate not more than four members to the Council while the others are elected on the basis of adult suffrage. The Chief Executive Member (CEM), the Chairman and the deputy Chairman of the Council (equivalent of Speaker and Deputy Speaker) are elected from the members and the CEM selects the other executive members. There are different internal rules for different Autonomous District Councils. In some councils like Mara in Mizoram, the electorate are eligible adults (anyone above 18 years) but in others like Karbi Anglong right of access to traditional lands and length of stay in the region are regarded as as a qualifying criteria for being included in the voters list for the ADCs.

     The Sixth Schedule contains provisions as to the administration of tribal areas in the state of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. The aim of the Sixth Schedule was to protect hill and other tribal communities from the control and power of the groups and the plains. The process of protection began with the formation of the first District Councils in Assam, as far back as 1951. The Sixth Schedule provisions are regarded as a mini-Constitution within the main Constitution but the whole Schedule needs a close look to remove flaws, contradictions and shortcomings. Earlier, Arunachal Pradesh (earlier known as North-Eastern Frontier Agency) was also part of the Sixth Schedule and administered by the Governor of Assam as the agent of the President.

     The North-East with its large number of tribal groups and newly emerging educated elites has a peculiar political history. Most of these communities had self-governing village councils and tribal chiefdoms even during late British period. Nation and state formation was absent and even in the most advanced area of the region, then Assam, the economy was run by the British. But the effort should be to give all States the opportunities provided by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. This should be done by safeguarding their traditions, without tampering with their essential rights and giving each state the chance ton use its own nomenclature for such systems of governance, with local acceptance.

In addition to varying Powers and Functions, CADC has the following disadvantages :

                      

                                                    " Remember all things are possible

                                                                               for those who believe. "

                                                                                                     ~ Gail Davers

1. Employment System in CADC :

     According to 2011-2012 Annual Budget, CADC received approximately 39 crores 29 lakhs :

(a). Non-plan : 24 crores and 24 lakhs  of rupees as salary component. 95 lakhs of rupees within non-plan is for non-salary purposes like office maintenance, etc. Out of 95 lakhs, again  45 lakhs is for local bodies like village council development, etc. So, ultimately only 50 lakhs of rupees remain for the maintenance and running of offices.

(b). Plan :  The amount is 14 crores and 10 lakhs. They are meant for developmental purposes. Whereas, in CADC 9 crores 40 lakhs in addition to 24 crores 24 lakhs, is spent for additional jobs  from plan budget. The rest 4 crores 70 lakhs is for non-salary purposes i.e. developmental works. But, out of  4 crores and 70 lakhs, 3 crores is for constructing CADC's Secretariat Building financed by the Drafting Finance Commission.  Thus, in reality 11 crores 10 lakhs rupees should be meant for developmental purposes but is not actually happening due to excess addition of jobs given in different periods in CADC. And the demanding of jobs does no cease here. Even I need one !!! Hahaha...

     According to the government of India, CADC can spent for administrative causes from Plan Budget, which is permissible up to 25 per sent only. But, in CADC the account for both Plan and Non-Plan became randomly managed. And the works for developmental purposes either remain meagre or incomplete. 

     About 33 crores 44 lakhs of rupees, CADC is spending in jobs whether big or small. As a result, 5crores 65 lakhs only for developmental purposes, from which again 3 crores is deducted for Secretariat Building. This is the present condition of CADC.

     "CADC is almost turned to Chakma Autonomous Employee Council, instead of Chakma Autonomous District Council. For the reason they(employees) almost consume 85.59 % of total CADC's annual budget." 

2. Lack of Income source : 

     Due to lack of other employment opportunities in spite of government services only, the rate of income of the mango-people in CADC is horizontal (limited), mostly depend on job holders for work, job holders on CADC's salaries, which encourages monopoly system and politically manipulated. So, no extra input and as a result no-extra output.

           In simple mathematics,  No input (source) = No income = No output (products)

     Also, the areas of CADC is constituted of Chawngte sub-division, without highways (forget about  blacktopped national highways), which probably is the only one of its kind in India. So, the income of the peoples in CADC is limited. As Offices, Medicals and Hospitals, Institutions, etc are limited in numbers. 

     And the transport and communications to and from Chawngte (Kamalanagar for Chakmas, the Head-Quarter of CADC) is not daily, sometimes weekly is also not available if the season is monsoon especially.

3. Suggestions or Opinions :

(a). Necessary as priority : Giving unnecessary jobs to the candidates as political demand should be made extra-ordinarily restrict until the earlier debt of CADC, due to malfunctioned be cleared. Official accountability for necessary expenditure should be maintained. Planners, Decision makers, elite Leaders should be abreast of the trend for job the generation would face to come.

(b). Shift Plan employees to Non-Plan : CADC's government should take every possibilities to make shift the present Plan employees to Non-Plan employees, which will increase the present budget from a few crores to many crores. And the same can be invested in lieu of day to day chores to developmental projects, purposes, etc. which will not only increase CADC's income but also be benefited from a few to many of the local peoples or citizens.

(c). To make 1,000 = 45,000 : If the total employees, from Peons to grade 'A' Officers of CADC is constitute to 1,000 who are consuming 85.59 % of total CADC's annual budget. Then we can expand the numbers of employees but reducing the salaries of the concern employees who are taking political advantages, instead of otherwise got retirement due to expiry of their job tenure. Due to politically wrapped privilege, some of the employees(vary from one constituency to another constituency) from CADC are taking advantages, without doing their duties for what they were appointed. They should be replaced by the most necessary and qualified candidates. In this way, the number of 1,000 can be equivalent to 45,000 citizens(who otherwise not getting any pie from the CADC government), who if are the sole citizens of CADC. Which means 45,000 populations of CADC are getting the benefit of 1,000 employees.

 " CADC-it sagore bolgun, turing pugo dokke aaji hei nijandoa CADC ganore. "

                                                                                                                                                   ~ Nirupam Chakma   
                                                                                                                                         Former Minister and MLA,                                                                                                                                                             Mizoram Assembly

(d). To establish an Emergency-aid-Fund : As many Chakmas from within Mizoram outside CADC, Tripura, Ohhulle (BD) and Arunachal Pradesh and others, etc as employees are getting benefits from CADC (as CADC is the only seat for political administration of Chakmas all over the world), they should payback by donating some amount, which should be made compulsory for all by the CADC government to help the Chakma society during emergency. Now, there is no safety and security for the Chakmas in CADC at all during emergencies.

4. Strategies to be opted for CADC : 

(a). Introduce External Sources : 

     External sources here includes Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER http://www.mdoner.gov.in/ ) and other Ministries, etc  to aid CADC for income generating projects with CADC initiatives like Hand loom and Textile Industries, Food Processing Technologies, and Animal Husbandry, Poultry farms, etc. 

     The government of CADC should always be in contact and in the mood of seeking helps from them. CADC should also encourage the interested students to flourish in particular field he/she interested for future benefit. For instance, if one is interested to Food Processing Technologies, others to Designing, etc.

(i) Propagate Hand loom and Textile Industries, Food Processing Technologies, and Animal Husbandry, Poultry farms, etc : 

     If the Factories, Industries, Farms, etc could not meet the demanding face of the today market. Initially, at least it can propagate at local level or state level, which will not only make the land commercially valued (increasing the revenue of the CADC government) but also make the citizens resourceful. 

     Usually, we use to throw if the home products like mango, pineapple, jackfruit, etc become soft and deteriorated due to excess ripe. But if we have machineries or Food Processing Technologies, etc we can edit their values as Value Edit Products like, juices, sauce, flavours, etc in Juice Concentration Plants, etc.

(ii) Mineral Water Production : If the Government of CADC is not confident with the devolution of other Ministries, it can commence in promoting the production of Mineral Water at local level at least. Who knows if the Centre is stupendous with the innovative initiative of CADC, it may helps through DoNER minisrty and various others.

(b). Improving Infrastructures and basic amenities :

     The infrastructures and amenities within the areas of CADC ought to be modified or improved. All the sub-villages, villages and towns within its jurisdiction should be channelize by linking one region to others.  The narrower roads must be widen and paths should be turned to roads. All the bridges that connects one road to others should be erected properly like one of its kind is that Chawngte bridge that connects its adjoining areas sans any obstruction. I think, Kamalanagar is the sole Head-Quarters among the Autonomous District Councils(ADCs) in India without proper basic amenities like electricity, water supply, telephone lines, Hospitals, etc. It would be a lie, if I say they are utterly absence but they are pseudo effective.

     Probably CADC is the only  ADC among the ADCs in India with single College, single Bank(no ATM booth), two Community Health Centres(CHCs, one functional another one can not say), a sub-division, etc. which simply marring the image of its so called AUTONOMY.

(c). Condition with Centre(Delhi) :

     In order CADC to avail direct funding from centre, she need Indian Administrative Services (IASs), or at least Retired Mizoram Civil Services (MCSs) to enjoy the post of Executive Secretary, Indian Audit & Account Service (IA & AS) for Accountants in various departments for maintaining the accounts or Trained persons or others for various posts etc. 

     This is not one day dream nor the dream of one. It is for all the CADCians. So combined efforts to be made by one and all, and for that CADC should propagate awareness among the students and able persons massively.

     If CADC possess all the above prescribed features then, this will make CADC defenitely a unique and prosperous one !!!

                        

   This is my dream for Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), what yours ???

                                                                                                               ~  an onus Citizen

Note:  " I am sharing this with my fellow CADCians so that everyone ( whoever studying outside CADC, doing part time jobs, appearing competitive exams, etc. ) may choose an alternative option to help CADC to upgrade and uplift before every job holder of CADC mortgage to bank, outsider business men, traders, etc is only possible with our initiatives. "

How Social Media Helps Chakmas to Address Issues in Mizoram

By Suman Chakma

A Brief Note on Social Networking :
     "Social networking" has been around forever. It's the simple act of expanding the number of people you know by meeting your friends' friends, their friends' friends and so on. They are a part of one's life in today world.

    According to Mr. Sorav Jain (Masters in International Marketing Management, Leeds University Business School, U.K.), who has also been awarded with the Best Market Research Presentation Award. Following are the 10 most popular social networking sites of the world. They includes :

     1. Facebook: It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg (Chairman and CEO), Equador Severin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes on 2 November 2004 and is the most popular Social Networking site of the world.
     2. MySpace: It was founded by Chris DeWolfe and Tom Anderson in 2006. It is now owned by Specific Media LLC and pop music singer and actor Justin Timberlake.
     3. Twitter: It was founded by Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Evan Williams and Biz Stone on 21 March 2006.  
Twitter is a very simple service that is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about social networking service providers today.
     4. LinkedIn: It was founded by Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly and Jean-Luc Vaillant in 2003. LinkedIn is an online social network for business professionals, which is designed specifically for professional networking, to help them find a job, discover sales leads, connect with potential business partners. 
     5. Bebo: It was founded by Michael Birch and Xochi Birch in January 2005. In U.K, Bebo is the second best social network.
     6. Friendster: It was founded by MOL Global (Ganesh Kumar Bangah, CEO) in 2002. It was one of the first Web sites to bring it into mass culture. It was designed as a place to connect with friends, family, colleagues and new friends over the Internet.
     7. Hi5: It was founded by Tagged (Ramu Yalamanchi) on 21 June 2003. It shares many similarities with many social network sites; however, it introduces some twists that make it worthwhile for people who love trying out new and interesting online communities.
     8. Habbo: It was founded by Sulake Corporation (Sampo Karjalainen Aapo Kyrola) in 2000. The Habbo online community is inhabited by pixelated, cartoon-character alter egos. You can meet others in public rooms (nightclubs, restaurants, shops) and create private rooms for selected friends. Habbo social networks is very popular in places like the United Kingdom, Japan, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Finland and more. 
     9. NING: It was founded by Gina Bianchini, Marc Andreessen (Chairman) and Jason Rosenthal (CEO) in 2004. It is the leading online platform for the world's organizers, activists and influencers to create social experiences that inspire action.
     10. Classmates: It was founded by Classmates Online, Inc. (Randy Conrads) in 1995. Classmates.com is different from most social networks, in the sense that most of its features are available to premium member.




                           " Democracy is the road to socialism. "
                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                      ~  Karl Marx


1. Introduction : 
       Since I have joined social networking sites (Orkut, was my first of its kind), I made friendship with so many peoples, so are others. I hope and belief that most of the Chakmas introduced themselves in social networking sites with Orkut as like me. I guess, Orkut was more  popular at that time. Meanwhile, they (my new friends) also met their new friends. In this way our networks expands and turn beyond horizon. Now, of course, commonly by means of "facebook, twitter and blogs".

2. Impacts of Social Networking on Chakmas : 
     Everything has its negative and positive influence. So, I shall consider here only the positive one, despite of so many ill effects.
    
     The results of social networking among the Chakmas became more pronounced in Mizoram (India) only after the inception of Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF http://mcdf.wordpress.com/ ) on 11 October in the year 2009 under the Presidentship of Dangu Hemanta Larma and co-founder Dangu Paritosh Chakma, which was a turning point of the Chakmas towards development in Mizoram. Most of the Chakma youngsters have also been convinced, and stood firm and join them as a representatives from different corners, places, organisations, etc to uplift the otherwise downtrodden Chakma's societies in Mizoram. Although, there were already many Chakma's civil organisations in Mizoram like Mizoram Chakma Students' Union (MCSU), Central and Zonal Young Chakma Association (CYCA and ZYCA respectively) and Chakma Mahila Samittee (CMS), and many others,etc. All of them were silent, they were like nothing but a puppet of the local politicians, without whose support their households do not run longer actively without taking loans from others,which was their weakness. Also several Student Bodies were also not active and politically influenced until the appearance of MCDF which lessen them from political involvement a lot. I salute you for your right innovation and noble services.

     Before the initiation of MCDF, there was no genuine publicity regarding the Chakmas in media, newspapers, etc. People know us around the world as refugees or junglees, which is not true in real. (Tega and Toizong valleys (now Mizoram) were a part of Chakma Kingdom during British Rule, Meanwhile  Zo tribes (now Mizo) were wandering elsewhere in different groups at different places headed by Older peoples in that particular grouping as Chief).

                                          " Ekko tara (Hugi) aamare rule gottondea- Luro sugor salot uttondea. "

     Once, there appeared a namesake newspaper from Kamalanagar, the Head-Quarter of Chakma Autonomous district Council (CADC) having named Adama Phor- The village Light. However, that newspaper could not become so much popular, due to lack of informations and technologies and thus discontinued. But, now with the advancement of technologies, media and informations, etc even though sans having any local newspapers, the Chakmas can convey the messages, shares opinions, fight for the same cause and empowered them. In this way the Chakma peoples in Mizoram become aware and are fighting against any political propaganda and vandalism. One of such kind was against Lalthanhawla's ( present Chief Minister of Mizoram ) racist remark ( http://www.merinews.com/article/chakmas-decry-racist-lalthanhawla/15849295.shtml or http://www.sinlung.com/2011/05/lal-thanhawla-racist-remarks-hurt.html or http://meghalayachakmastudentsunion.blogspot.in/2011/09/petitions-to-mr-lalthanhawlachief.html ) on the Chakmas, which we could not have done sans media and social networking support. The onus for demonstrating such "UNITY and FRATERNITY" among us is because of social media and social networking. It also make us realize that 'TEAM' work meaning- 'Together Everything Achieves More'. So let us everyone adhere to team work. 

An Undated photograph of  Pre-Mizoram 
Lushai women

     Sometimes, we could not have understood each others if there were no aid from social networking and social media for discussion between the Chakmas and Mizos clash frequently which is due to Dangu Benjamin Rualthanzauva, Founder of a Mizo community blog ( http://www.misual.com/2012/11/24/chakma-te-hi-tu-te-nge-an-nih/#more-107326 ), who is nothing but an anti-Chakma racist. He used to write against the Chakmas if he happen to write in his blog. For instance, once he penned a  topic in his blog with a gloomy undated photograph wherein there were four unknown women with bare body only covering the female parts and claiming that the women in the photo were Chakma gals, but later on proved that they were Mizo gals. This is how he cost his labour in maintaining his blog with such non-sense subject. I am not saying that every Mizo who scroll his blog trust in his writing, as they are intelligent enough to choose good or bad, but such futile and annoying subject may creates hazardous consequences at large. He is simply marring his image and time, showing his incorrigible nature. Even some Chakmas feedback the same thing to such meaningless subject as a retaliation. These things won't be over, and more unwelcome treat would be seen in near future, but we can lessen it if all the intellectuals involve here (discuss in social forum like facebook, twitter, blogs, etc.) which will certainly help in rejuvenating the bilateral relation between the Chakmas and the Mizos in Mizoram. And we can take the advantage of today's social networking and social media, which playing as a pivotal role before creating such misunderstanding and misleading. 

     Now, even the Fellow Researchers, Professors, Scholars, etc are browsing the informations, datas, via internet without practically surveying and researching. If such opposite informations are already available regarding a particular community or thesis in lieu of genuine one then they will take that as priority instead of hard works and toiling. It then results negative imprintings. Thus, whoever, taking the informations, datas from that same concern Professors, Scholars, etc beliefs in according to the reports. It ultimately lead to hatred and dishonoured. One of such example by Suparna Nandy, a blacklisted CMJ, University Scholar (http://www.caesjournals.org/spluploads/IJCAES-BASS-2012-198.pdf), who has have might not heard even a word of about the Chakmas before her thesis but has now completed examining the political activities of the Chakmas in Chittagong Hill Tracts that help developed the migrated Chakmas to set the goal of identity creation in Mizoram. 

3. Communication and Relations among Chakmas :
     If there were no social media or social networking, we the Chakmas through out the world would not have known each other. I would have asked myself, who the hell this Dr. Amit Chakma ? or Dr. Bhumitra Chakma or Dr. Tapas Chakma ? or may be Raja Debashish Roy ? Now I know them nicely than they are nice. And I am proud of them. Very rarely we know about the Chakmas of Rakhine, a Myanmar state without the help of internet belonging informations. So, without social media and social networking we would have felt unrelated or alienated among the Chakmas. It is social networking or social media which is playing pivotal roles in making us friendly and homely even though we are deserted to each others and are far from one another.

     Without all these informations present today in the internet viz- wikipedia, registered websites, blogs, pages,etc, we would have been felt limited, worthless and aimless, despite losing even all our fundamental rights we are enjoying a bit today.

THE CHAKMAS: A brief note on their status & position today

By Suman Chakma

    In this article, I would love to present you the living conditions of the Chakmas in the outside world of the Chakmas excepting Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), in Mizoram which is the sole seat of political administration of the whole world of Chakmas. These includes their political powers & identity, employment opportunities, daily livelihood and cultivating habits,etc.


Living conditions of the Chakmas Worldwide today:

I) In outside CADC, within Mizoram:
     There are now more than 1,00,000 Chakmas in Mizoram. A section of them have sort of self-rule within Mizoram in the form of Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) constituted in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Chakmas constitute 10% (according to 2011 census) of the total populations of Mizoram. They are the second largest group in Mizoram after majority Mizo.

     In CADC, about 35 per cent of the Chakmas living in Mizoram in India are included, the rest 65 per cent of the Chakmas in Mizoram are outside CADC. The outside Chakmas of CADC in Mizoram also faces the same problems and misfortunate situations which other Chakmas are facing in the outside world, as the government of CADC can not provide any help or support to them. And the government of Mizoram has little role over them in the form of developmental scheme and aiding funds, as they consider the Chakmas in Mizoram have already been showered with bless from Jesus Christ with autonomous power. Moreover, the Chakmas are Buddhists in religion, which is why also imparts a negative impression in the Christian dominating state. So, the Chakmas of outside CADC in Mizoram are included neither within CADC nor within Mizoram outside CADC or both (Aeh Changhma gunn di-hakke sereh posson). There is no sympathetic facilities for them except antipathy and apathy from the Mizoram's government. Thus, they fend for themselves as there is no other ways.

     The political power of the Chakmas outside CADC in Mizoram can be said as NIL, with unknown identity having voting right only. Their employment opportunities depends on their hard works and toils. Most of them earns their livelihood as daily wages. Others helps themselves  by Jhum-cultivation. God knows about the meagre section of peoples how they live. But a good markable quality they are blessed with that is their dedication towards their profession whatever may be it is, which is a good one, and a similarities with the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and other north-eastern states and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh. However, in my opinion, this would not last long for good until and unless we do not help each other and remain united. Following TEAM, meaning "Together Everyone Achieves More".


II) In Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh:
     There are about more than 3,00,000 Chakmas in Bangladesh. The Chakmas are the largest tribe of Bangladesh. The Chakmas generally lived in the highland valleys. Most Chakmas are Buddhists, but some practice animism.

     Although, I personally did not go for survey, detailing about the Chakmas in Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban (within Chittagong Hill Tracts). But, now datas are available in the internet, websites, blogs, projects, etc from which most of the Researchers does this day for research purposes sans toiling in person. As this is 21st century, an informative era, everything (I mean informations) can be googled and study with in a blink of an eye. That the political power of the Chakmas out there within CHT is like CADC as mediocre in power and administration or may be lesser. The Chakma peoples from every corners, villages, sub-division, towns in CHT are rushing abroad like common France, Korea, Canada, London, Australia, Malaysia and so on, as if Tsunami in the Pacific areas, Katrina in the Atlantic areas, Earthquakes everywhere, etc are washing them off away from their homeland. I say you folks," there is no peace and proud in this rude world but inside home !!". Khagrachari, Rangamati, Bandarban and others are your home, your motherland. They will give you more peace may be not proud {as they were and are still under-developed because of you peoples, who left her (motherland) helpless and lead to capture by the intruders like long-beard and shabby bangali settlers in your own land} than in Paris, London or whatever. Like it does me, I belong to Borapansury, CADC !!!. The Chakmas of Bangladesh are doing  selfish though they are working hard to get VISA or joining SPOKEN LANGUAGE COURSES. I am not including those who are professional like Dr. Amit Chakma, or Dr. Bhumitra Chakma and many others etc. They make me proud being a fellow Chakma. I am also not excluding you all (Originally Chakmas- all the Chakmas belongs to one family that's why all of us are related each other if we follows Gozas or Guttis) from my rude words, who have my blood cells in your veins and arteries and are from within CHT who fleed away and left your motherland.

     It is not the faults of those helpless Chakmas who are guarding the motherland with bravery activities.It is yours who left.This gave the opportunity to Sheikh Hasina led Bangla government to burn down your Buddhist Monastery and Pagodas into ashes and slay and torture your loving sisters, mothers and family members. Take the example of Subhash Chandra Bose, the freedom fighter of India. He travelled to Germany, Japan and formed Azad Hind Fauj in 1942 to throw away the britishers who is already ruling India,but he failed somewhere in north-eastern states of India and never appear again. However, Gandhiji was successful without arms following Ahimsa (the non-violence movement), which a real buddhist should follow like the Tibetan Buddhist monks are doing today. If the Tibetians were in your place they would have freed their motherland but it is because of  the Chinese,though the Chinese do not have long-beard and ugly looks  but they are more worse than those long-beard shabby bangali settlers. They are inhumane in nature. You are nothing less worse than the Tibetans, the internalional refugees now. People will know us as international refugees not the inhabitants of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), because of you peoples who are selfish and leaving the motherland with the help of some white peoples or taking the help of Lord Buddha's robe in the name of helping back after earning Euros, Pounds, etc within stay in white places. I do not want to mention and waste  my blog with PCJSS and UPDF, they are meant for killing each other not for the protection of motherland and its people. Wake up both of you groups !! Have negotiation and save our people. His Holiness Maha Thera Sadana Nanda Bhante (aka Bhana Bante) tried to prevent you from from killing each other and left you, but still you do not keep his words and follow him.

To the Chakmas of Bangladesh: Kindly, take away the tip (bindi or something they call with love) from your girls's forehead when they decorate themselves especially during traditional occasions  etc. They looks as ugly as bangali women in Bangladesh.

III) In Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and others states:

A brief note on the background of the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh:

     Under the Indira-Mujib agreement of 1972, it was decided that the Chakmas who came to India from the erstwhile East Pakistan before 25 March 1971, will be considered for the grant of citizenship. Moreover the Supreme Court in its ruling of 9 January 1996 has directed the State Government to forward all applications of Chakmas for citizenship to the Government of India and not to evict any of them while their application is under consideration. M.M. Jacob, while expressing the view of the Central Government stated that,

"The presence of these Chakmas in the area has also not resulted so far in any major law and order problems though some isolated instances of friction between locals and these Chakmas have come to our notice…. That the Central Team which visited Arunachal Pradesh to study the problems of these refugees expressed the view that the grant of citizenship would introduce an element of responsible social behavior in these refugees".

He further added,

"Refugees from Bangladesh who came to India between 1964 and March 25, 1971 are eligible to the grant of citizenship according to the policy of the Government, as most of the migrants have already been granted citizenship".

Further more he asserted that,

"Keeping the above in view there is no question of deporting these refugees from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The general public in the state will have to be convinced that the burden of rehabilitation of the refugees will have to be shared by the country as a whole including Arunachal Pradesh".

     I shall not say much about the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh as everything depicts by the above given paras. As per Government of India record, the population of the Chakmas in Arunachal Pradesh is approximately 60,000. Now, it is more. The population in Chakmas, Changlang district is 40,000 followed by that in Lohit with 15,000; Papumpare has only 5,000 Chakma population. If the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh feels that they are being abandoned or uncared-for by the centre. It is not at all true. They have every right as much as the every citizen of Arunachal Pradesh has. The rest is a political play to gain political favour by the local political leaders and local student's body shenanigans. 

     The Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh are untiring hard-working, professionals, and united irrespective of regional fellings, they all belong to Arunachal Pradesh whether they belong to Changlang, Lohit or Papumpare. Unlike CADC, mostly Chawngteite, no no.....Kamalanagarite (The Chakmas belong to Head-Quarter of Chakma Autonomous District Council), they have this unique quality,the feeling called "regional feeling". We can expect no innovative steps or help from them but only shameful things. You led us down, you waste products of CADC !!!

To the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh: Try to change frequently the members of the COMMITTEE FOR CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS OF THE CHAKMAS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH (CCRCAP) to get effective results and run actively. I have a doubt about them.

If you readers, are not enough quenching about these toiling  refugees (not from heart) now keep on scrolling here: ARUNACHAL CHAKMA TIMES.

     There are about 65,000 Chakmas in Tripura accourding to 2001 census. The Chakmas in Tripura are mostly doctors, engineers, etc in professions. Recently Tripura Civil Services (TCS), but they are mixed of Bengali-Chakmas in cultures, I guess they are all-rounders. Keep it up guys to create a new COMMUNITY called Chakmo-Dev barma (cock-tail of Chakma and Dev Barma) or Beng-Chak (cock-tail of Bengali and Chakmas) and so on.
       
The Chakmas of Tripura have powers & functions and social identity as well. Keep it up Bengo boys !!!

There are also many Chakmas in Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal states in India, Rakhine state in Myanmar, and other parts of the world whose suffering are beyond words and unknown to us. They have neither constitutional rights nor an identity. May god helps you all and I feel sorry, for you are being a part of Us.


Concentration of the Chakmas Worldwide today:


                                                                                      Table - 1 

                                                                                                       Chakmas in the World

                                                                 Country                             Total Population       Total Percentage
                                                            All Chakma Population                 550,000                           100

                                                            Bangladesh                                    300,000                              55
                                                            India                                                200,000                              36
                                                            Burma                                             20,000                                 5
                                                            Other parts of the world                30,000                                4

                                                              Sources: UNHCR Report on Migration, Global Resettlement, 2009
                                                                                            

                                                                   

                                                                                                                       Table-2
                                                                  Status of Chakmas in the Northeast and Eastern States of India

                                                State                           Status                 Scheduled Status              Total Population

                                              Arunachal Pradesh          Refugees             Refugees                                60,000

                                              Assam                                 Citizens                 ST                                           5,000 

                                              Meghalaya                        Citizens                  ST                                              610

                                              Mizoram                            Citizens                  ST                                        71,283 (8.5%)

                                              Tripura                               Citizens                  ST                                        64,293 (6.5%)

                                              West Bengal                      Citizens                  ST                                         3,000

                                                    Source: Office of the Registrar General, Government of India, 2001 on Population. 

                                                    Also see Migration Report-2009.

This article was also published in Meri News (Power to People), India's largest citizen journalism based news platform.