In excercise of the discretionary powers conferred by Para 16(2) read with Para 20BB of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, the Governor of Mizoram is pleased to assume all functions or powers vested in or exercisable by the Chakma Autonomous District Council vide the Govt. of Mizoram Notification No.A.43016/3/2018-DC&MA(C)/232 dated Aizawl, the 16th December 2022.
Kamalanagar, 22 December 2022: The two-day closing ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) concluded at Kamalanagar Helipad with traditional gaiety and fervour on Wednesday. All the villages participated in the cultural exhibition including song and dances with much pomp and gaiety.
His Highness Raja Devasish Roy, the titular Raja of the Chakmas and former Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) graced the occasion for second day as Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Dg. Reetesh Roy, Dgb. Arjyashree Chakma, Dg. Rubel Chakma, Dgb. Tejashree Chakma, Dg. Tanak Chakma, Dg. Rupayan Tongchangya, Dg. Trishila Chakma, Dg. Nikhut Dewan, Dg. Somantor Chakma and Dg. Cyrus Edward Naji.
Distinguished guests Dr Buddha Dhan Chakma, MLA, Mizoram; Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Former Minister Govt. of Mizoram and current National President, Chakma National Council of India (Central Committee), Dg Suhash Chakma, Founder, Chakma Development Foundation of India; Dg Devjan Chakma, TPS (Retd.), Rejyo Karbari, Tripura Rejyo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg Shanti Bikash Chakma, Rejyo Kabideng, Tripura Rejyo Chakma Samajik Parishad, Dg. Nirmal Chakma, Ehjal Karbari, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg. Madhu Sudhan Chakma, Member, Advisory Board, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad and others have attended the programme.
The celebration started with opening song by Arts & Culture Deptt., CADC; followed by presentation of Mementoes of the Chief Guest and other Special Guests by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, 2022.
The programme showcased the varied aspects of the Chakmas performed by the students from various Schools, Chakma Mahila Samiti and Young Chakma Association in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the demonstration on the transition of the Chakma society from past to present by Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti. The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti and Arts & Culture Department, CADC.
Inauguration of Exhibition Hall on Chakma Traditional Wares by the Chief Guest displayed varied implements and tools of which some of them are obsolete and rarely used in the family chores now.
His Highness Raja Devasish Roy speaking on the occasion called for unity amongst the Chakmas irrespective of their countries and states, formation of International Chakma Language Board to check the original dialect, amendments of Chakma Customary Law in line with Human Rights among others. He thanked Dgb. Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India for granting Autonomous District Council to the Chakma people of Mizoram though only partially fulfilled. He felt that the Chakma Autonomous District Council should flourish in all directions not only for its people but for the entire Chakma community across the globe.
He presented gifts to the guests who have come from different states of India.
Later in the day, a Chakma documentary – ‘Changma Zinghani Gonghanir Hideb’ (A documentary film on the socio-cultural and economic life of the Chakma people) was released by the Chief Guest showcasing the various aspects of the life of the Chakma people from birth to death.
Dg. Nirupam Chakma recalled the founders of Chakma Autonomous District Council and paid his tribute to them. Citing a Chakma song – ‘Ami Changma Jaat, Jador Ragei Maan,’ he called for unity among the Chakmas which is the motto of the Chakma National Council of India (CNCI) and maintain love and respect for the community and their duty for the upliftment of the Chakma community.
He reminded the youths referring another song – ‘Ami Dejor Gabusse-Gaburi, Ami Bobissot; Ami Dejor Maan-Somman Ragebong Ejjot’, that it is their responsibility carry forward CADC and the Chakma society in the years to come. He implored them to contribute to the CADC, instead of asking what the CADC has done for them. It is their duty to spread Chakma nationalism.
He appealed to all to contribute to the society irrespective of their profession and ward-off all evils which will spoil the brand of the Chakma community.
Dg Suhash Chakma while speaking recalled Raja Administrative System and need for its revival, from where at some point of time in history, the Constitution of India originated and thus gave birth to this piece of land for the beautiful confluence of culture.
He referred that even during undivided British India the Chakmas were at par with the European due to their legal expertise and administrative system during that time. It is high time; we protect and preserve our cultural identity and give equal rights and opportunity to the women community too.
“Dg. Sneha Kumar Chakma, a founder of CADC was a member of the Constitution Drafting Sub-Committee for the Excluded Area which is under Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India now. This may be one of the reasons for the creation of Chakma Autonomous District Council,” he added.
Dg. Devjan Chakma, Rejyo Harbai, Tripura Chakma Rejyo Parishad on his first visit expressed his happiness and lauded the founders of Chakma Autonomous District Council and explained their painstaking role they played for the creation of CADC. He elaborated the past administrative system that prevailed in Chakma society which they are reviving in the state of Tripura.
Dg. Durjya Dhan Chakma explained about the history of creation and administration of Chakma Autonomous District Council. He noted that during last 50 years, several developments have taken place which includes amendments of Rules, Acts and Regulations have been made and the budget of the council have been enhanced from 4.22 lakhs to 112 crores 10 lakhs 19 thousand as per 2022-23 budget.
He referred that the Chakmas have been the victims due to several historical events since 1947 with the partition of India-Pakistan, due to construction of Kaptei Dam in 1964, with the creation of Chakma Autonomous District Council in 1972 wherein only a part of the Chakma-dominated areas is included; with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019 as it is not applicable in the states particularly where the Chakmas have been oppresses and subjugated.
Last but not least, presentation of a brief transitional report on Chakma Autonomous District Council by Dg. Digambar Chakma, Secretary, District Council Secretariat and Secretary, CADC Golden Celebration Committee, 2022.
The celebration was concluded with traditional gaiety and fervour.
Kamalanagar, 20 December, 2022: Chakma Autonomous District Council today kicked off the celebration of Golden Jubilee closing ceremony organized at CADC Secretariat Complex and Kamalanagar Halipad. Dg Robert Romawia Royte, Hon’ble Minister of State i/c Sports & Youth Services graced the occasion as Chief Guest who arrived from Aizawl this morning accompanied by Dr. Lalrozama, IAS, SYS Deptt. & District Council & Minority Affairs Deptt.; Er James Lalramnghaka, AE, MSSC; Dg R. Lalhnuna, PAC Member MNF Fen. Hqrs.; Dg H. Lalrinawma, President, Aizawl East-II Block.
Distinguished guests Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, West Tuipui Assembly Constituency, Dg Suhash Chakma, Founder, Chakma Development Foundation of India; Dg Devjan Chakma, TPS (Retd.), Rejyo Karbari, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg Shanti Bikash Chakma, Rejyo Kabideng, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad, Dg. Nirmal Chakma, Ehjal Karbari, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad; Dg. Madhu Sudhan Chakma, Member, Advisory Board, Tripura Rejypo Chakma Samajik Parishad have attended the programme.
Unveiling the CADC Golden Jubilee Memorial Pillar at CADC Secretariat Complex by Dg Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar because of whose initiative the tribal community are safe under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. He paid tribute to the Founders of the Chakma Autonomous District Council and thanked the employees of CADC for their one-day pay contribution towards the celebration of closing ceremony of CADC Golden Jubilee.
At the main venue, the celebration started with chanting of prayers for peace by Bhikkhus, followed by Message of Gratitude to the Founders of the Chakma Autonomous District Council by Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, DCSWO, CADC and Member, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, 2022.
The programme showcased the varied aspects of the Chakmas performed by the students from various Schools and Chakma Mahila Samiti in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the demonstration on Unity in Diversity by the Students of Vijoygiri Academy, dance performance by the Students of KMM Comprehensive Middle School.
The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti and Arts & Culture Department, CADC.
Dg Robert Romawia Royte while speaking expressed greetings and warm wishes to the people of Chakma Autonomous District Council on the occasion of celebration of 50th anniversary of the Chakma Autonomous District Council.
He shared his experiences working with the people of CADC before becoming a Minister. Due to his efforts, various private schools with North Eastern Council Funds were constructed at Kamalanagar. He implored the leaders of Chakma Autonomous District Council to work for the people and development of CADC as it aged 50 years now. He hailed Dr B.R. Ambedkar for his contribution towards strengthening the Constitution for the safeguard of the tribal minority under the Sixth Schedule.
He appealed the leaders of CADC to work in co-operation with the machinery of State as it plays a crucial role in implementing various functions including Administrative, Legislative and Financial support to the Chakma Autonomous District Council as the duo share the same budget.
Highlighting various developmental works undertaken by the various State Departments in CADC area informed that the Power & Electricity Line from Lungsen to Kamalanagar shall be completed by his next visit in January next year. Construction of all-weather road from Kamalanagar to Borapansury at the cost of Rs 43.81 crores shall begin soon, internal roads at Borapansury, Longpuighat and Kamalanagar at the cost of Rs 1.5 crores, 1 crore and 2.5 crores respectively, IT and Skill Development Centre at Govt. Kamalanagar College in collaboration with NEILIT for various courses in Information & Communication Technology. He also informed that Volleyball Court at Kamalanagar at the cost of 30 Lakhs shall be constructed soon among others.
Earlier today, he inaugurated the Astro Turf Football Ground at Kamalanagar which is the only Football Ground in CADC area. The project is funded under PMJVK at a cost of Rs.532.50 Lakhs which includes site preparation, security fencing, concrete paver block footpath around the ground.
The Chairman, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee while speaking introduced and welcomed the guests and dignitaries who came from New Delhi, Tripura, Aizawl and various places outside CADC. He thanked the Media Personnel who came from distant places to join the program.
The celebration will continue in the evening and the next day as per schedule.
Kamalanagar, Dec 7, 2022: A meeting pertaining to the celebration of closing ceremony of the CADC Golden Jubilee was held today at the Conference Hall of CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar. The meeting organized by the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee was attended by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC who is also the Chairman of the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee, all Head of the Departments, representatives of the Sub-Committees of the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee among others.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman recalled Dg Sishir Kumar Chakma, A&CO, CADC who recently passed away and his contribution towards making the inaugural programme a successful one. He also expressed his thankfulness to all the employees of CADC from 4th grade to the Head of the Department who have contributed one day pay amounting to Rs. 33,85,165 for the impending celebration slated from 20th December, 2022 to 21st December, 2022 at Helipad Ground, Bajeisora. He implored all to bring a sense of mass participation as the programme is a lifetime moment for one and all.
As sought in the meeting, the representatives of various Sub-Committees of the CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee namely – Souvenir Publication Committee, Felicitation Committee, Games & Sports Committee (Traditional), Exhibition Committee (Traditional Wares), Photo Album Committee have shared their respective reports and the items in line for the celebration.
The Flag of CADC shall be distributed to each and every household of all the 88 villages under CADC to mark the occasion. Sign Board bearing small account of the village shall be put up at entry and exit point of every village.
Earlier, it was decided that the Golden Jubilee celebration will be held through the year with the opening and closing ceremony to be organised at Kamalanagar. In between celebration programmes will also be organised at the sub-headquarters. However, on 10th November, 2022, owing to the resignation of the CEM, CADC and the consequent dissolution of the Executive Committee of CADC, the planned celebration of the Golden Jubilee in the sub-headquarters of CADC was postponed.
The meeting was concluded with vote of thanks from the Chair.
