Press Releases

NCC Commanding Officer holds interactive session at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, 27 August 2026: Col. Sagar K Mohanty, Commanding Officer, 2 Mizo Battalion NCC, Lunglei, accompanied by Lt. Col. Crossmawi L. Hmar and Smt. Uma Rana, Girls Cadet Instructor, held an interactive session on the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at the Art & Culture Hall, Kamalanagar, today. The Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC, Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Heads of Departments and staff of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) attended the programme.

During the session, Col. Mohanty gave an overview on the history, objectives, scope, mission and various activities of the NCC through a PowerPoint presentation. He explained the role of the organisation in developing discipline, leadership, character, physical fitness, a spirit of adventure and a sense of service among young people.

He also shared the circumstances and efforts that led to the establishment of the 2 Mizo Battalion NCC at Lunglei and spoke about his experience in the process. He briefed the gathering on the progress made by the Battalion and some of its success stories since its establishment.

He referred to the first-ever National Cadet Corps (NCC) Fest and Parasailing Camp in Mizoram which took place in Lunglei from May 5 to May 11, 2026 during which Chakma cultural items were presented and widely appreciated. He further stated that a number of NCC cadets from the CADC area, including a girl cadet, had subsequently joined the military forces through the opportunities and exposure provided by NCC.

The Commanding Officer said that boys and girls in Mizoram have a natural aptitude for firing and suggested that a suitable site be identified at Kamalanagar for establishment of a firing range. Such a facility, he said, would enable NCC cadets from the area to undergo firing training here instead of having to travel to Lunglei. He also appealed to parents to support and encourage their children to join the NCC and make use of the opportunities available through the organisation.

Col. Mohanty further shared that he plans to write a book titled Magical Mizoram, in which Kamalanagar would receive a special mention.

The Hon’ble CEM appreciated Col. Mohanty and the accompanying officers for conducting the interactive session at Kamalanagar. While describing the session as truly inspiring, he said the NCC Commanding Officer’s message on the benefits of taking part in NCC would be taken to other parts of CADC.
Dg. Nirupam Chakma said he was particularly impressed by the objective of developing human resources through the NCC, particularly by instilling discipline, character, a spirit of adventure and a sense of service to the nation among young people, and the opportunities it provides to students for personal development and their future career.

The CEM also stressed the importance of encouraging female leadership and providing greater opportunities for girls. Referring to the recent NCC fraternity meet held at Kamalanagar, he said that he was pleased to see a large number of NCC cadets from CADC area participating in the programme. He suggested that opportunities should also be created for more students from Longpuighat and Borapansury to join the NCC.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma also referred to the reluctance of some parents in the CADC area to allow their children to join the NCC, an issue that had also been raised by Col. Mohanty during his presentation. He expressed hope that the interactive session would help address such concerns and encourage more parents to support their children in taking up NCC activities.

The CEM requested the NCC authorities to take initiatives to organise more NCC programmes at Kamalanagar and assured that the CADC administration would extend the required cooperation for such programmes.

CEM Calls on Village Councils to Know Their Powers and Functions

Kamalanagar, 26 August 2026: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) Village Council Association organised a programme today at Teachers’ Inn, Kamalanagar, for the distribution of copies of the Chakma Customary Law and the CADC Village Council Act to Village Councils under the CADC. Representatives of 86 of the 88 village councils attended the programme. Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC, attended as the Chief Guest.

In his address, the CEM appreciated the initiative taken by the Village Council Association and advised both newly elected and experienced Village Council members to read and familiarise themselves with the laws governing Village Councils and to understand their powers and functions. He suggested that members could also seek the assistance of teachers in local schools to better understand the provisions of the laws.

The CEM further informed that the CADC would organise a follow-up programme in coordination with the Village Council Association to facilitate clarification of doubts and address issues relating to the implementation of the relevant laws, with the assistance of concerned officials.

Referring to the amendments relating to Village Councils, Dg. Nirupam Chakma highlighted the extension of the tenure of Village Councils to five years, the inclusion of the Gram Sabha, and the entrustment of the conduct of Village Council elections to the State Election Commission, instead of the Local Administration Department, with the objective of ensuring free and fair elections.

He also referred to the provision for making the local Member of District Council (MDC) an ex-officio member of the Village Councils within the concerned constituency. The CEM stated that, after assuming office, he had directed the concerned department to issue instructions to Village Council Presidents (VCPs) to invite the concerned MDCs to Village Council meetings. He further said that if an MDC does not attend a meeting despite having been duly invited, the matter should be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

The CEM said that the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule, once passed, would provide greater powers to Village Councils. Referring to the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DA-JUGA), he said that 383 villages in Mizoram had been selected under the initiatives, including most of the villages under the CADC. He urged the Village Councils to prepare Village Development Plans, place their proposals before the Gram Sabha, and submit the duly approved plans to the CADC for further action.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma stressed the importance of training and awareness regarding the Chakma Customary Law and assured that the CADC would take necessary initiatives in this regard. He also advised Village Councils to maintain proper records and ensure that their Secretaries were adequately equipped to assist in the discharge of the judicial functions of the Village Councils.

The CEM expressed concern over reports of the alleged sale or transfer of CADC land passes to outsiders and urged Village Councils and the public to remain vigilant in such matters. He said that appropriate action would be taken against persons found involved in any illegal activities. Regarding the issuance of trade licences to outsiders, he said that such matters should be considered through the proper Village Council process and in the larger interest of the CADC.

Speaking about the ongoing financial crisis faced by the CADC, where a major portion of the budget allocation is consumed by employee salaries, the CEM sought the collective cooperation of all stakeholders to stabilise the financial situation. He stated that, since assuming office, his administration had maintained strict fiscal discipline by putting a halt to fresh appointments, promotions, pay upgradation, postings and transfers.

The CEM also informed the gathering that he planned to visit villages across the CADC to understand their needs, problems and developmental requirements first-hand. He further stated that he intended to visit Delhi to explore possibilities for development, particularly for villages located in border areas, and to learn more about the Vibrant Villages Programme.

CEM Dg. Nirupam Chakma Reviews CADC Development Plan with Focus on Public Welfare and Long-Term Vision

Kamalanagar, August 25, 2026: A review meeting on the formulation and execution of a comprehensive development plan for the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was held today in the CADC Art & Culture Hall at Kamalanagar under the chairmanship of Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC. The meeting was attended by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Hon’ble Chairman of CADC, Executive Members, the Advisor to CEM, the Vice Chairman of the Planning & Development Committee, Members of District Council (MDCs), and Heads of Departments (HoDs) of CADC.

Dg. Prabin Chakma, Planning and Development Officer, opened the session by outlining the primary objective of the meeting, which was to identify and review specific departmental intervention areas for the structural development of CADC. He explained the prescribed proforma designed to structure and give shape to these intervention roadmaps. Following his presentation, various Heads of Departments and departmental representatives presented their perspectives on potential intervention areas and actionable projects that each department could execute within their respective sectors.

Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Hon’ble Chairman, CADC, addressed the gathering following the departmental presentations, remarking that the real ownership of the development plan must rest squarely with the Heads of Departments and the employees as the elected political leadership will change every five years. Subsequently, Executive Members, the Advisor to the CEM, the Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee, and participating MDCs spoke, echoing the same sentiment and emphasizing collective administrative effort across all sectors to ensure effective service delivery.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member, delivered the main address, detailing the rationale behind the development plan and citing recent consultations with the Hon’ble Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram regarding the development of CADC. He noted that 97% of the budget is currently allocated toward employee and school teacher salaries, leaving very little margin for carrying out development works, and emphasized that formulating this development plan serves as a direct initiative to benefit the public. He further highlighted various social security and welfare schemes of the Government of India, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)and etc., urging the Social Welfare Department of CADC to actively facilitate public enrollment so that eligible citizens can avail themselves of these benefits. He remarked that no eligible person should be left out of these schemes in CADC.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma urged officials to avoid complacency in the face of upcoming administrative challenges, outlined his long-term vision for CADC, and affirmed that the primary responsibility for executing these plans rests with the employees under the guidance of the Executive Committee and political leadership. He reiterated that he will periodically review the development plan being framed.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, CADC, who acknowledged the contributions and inputs of all present leadership and officials, after which the session was formally adjourned.

No.37/2026-27

CADC Passes budget for 2026-27 amounting to Rs. 2,48,43.49 lakhs

Kamalanagar, 24 August 2026: The third sitting of the Emergency Session of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was held today at the CADC Session Hall, with Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC, in the Chair.

The House took up for discussion and consideration the Reappropriation of Local Receipt Fund, 2025–2026, and the Demand for Grants, 2026–2027 (Budget Estimate), which had been laid before the House by Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC and House Leader, during the first sitting of the Emergency Session on 20 August 2026. Following discussion, the financial proposals were put to vote and unanimously passed by the House.

Under the Receipts head, the Budget Estimate (2026-2027) provides for Rs. 181.61 lakh under Local Receipts, Rs. 16,939.80 lakh under Normal Grant-in-Aid and Rs. 145.34 lakh towards Village Council remuneration.

During 2025–2026, CADC had collected Rs. 192.48 lakhs in Local Receipts against the budget target of Rs. 145 lakhs, exceeding the target by Rs. 47.48 lakh.

The provision for salary of Rs. 16,939.80 lakh under Normal Grant-in-Aid is below the estimated salary requirement of Rs. 17,515.38 lakh for 2026–2027, resulting in a deficit of Rs. 1,230.58 lakhs for the current fiscal year alone. Taken together with the salary deficit of Rs. 6,377.79 lakh carried forward from the previous year, the total salary requirement stands at Rs. 23,893.17 lakh – resulting in a deficit of Rs. 7,608.37 lakh.

A provision of Rs. 655 lakhs has been made under Normal Grant-in-Aid for non-salary expenditure covering administrative requirements and maintenance, roads and bridges, school infrastructure, agriculture and horticulture, educational and sports materials, literacy programmes, training and livelihood-related activities, assistance to cooperative societies and social welfare programmes, works under MDC-LAD Funds and other essential activities.

Under Village Council remuneration, Rs. 67.36 lakh has been provided for salary and Rs. 77.98 lakh for non-salary expenditure. The approved provisions include construction or repair of link roads and PCC pavements in the respective village areas. In addition, Rs. 5,000 has been provided to each Village Council from the Local Receipt Fund towards office expenses.

Under the Capital Account, an amount of Rs. 235.93 lakh is provided for repayment of HUDCO dues, comprising Rs. 216.20 lakh towards capital repayment and Rs. 19.73 lakh towards payment of interest. No fresh borrowing has been proposed under the Capital Account for the current financial year.

Under the Public Accounts head, the Employees’ Pension Cell has an opening balance of Rs. 309.74 lakhs, with Rs.309.42 lakhs under the Pension Fund and Rs. 0.32 lakhs under the Pension Contributory Fund. No fresh receipts or expenditures have been planned this fiscal year under this head. Under the National Pension System, the projected employees’ contribution is Rs. 222.61 lakh, with an equal matching contribution by CADC in respect of 282 subscribers.

With the successful passage of the Reappropriation of Local Receipt Fund, 2025–2026 and the Demand for Grants, 2026–2027 (Budget Estimate) in the house, the Emergency Session was prorogued by the Chairman.

No.35/2026-27

CEM Dg. Nirupam Chakma calls upon the youth to join NCC in greater numbers

Kamalanagar, 24 August 2026: The Kamalanagar NCC Fraternity Meet, 2026, organised by the NCC Unit of Govt. Kamalanagar College under the 2nd Mizo Battalion NCC, was held at the Art & Cultural Hall, CADC, Kamalanagar, today. The meet was the first of its kind to be held in the Kamalanagar area. Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while Pu Lalmalsawma Ralte, SDPO, Chawngte, was the Guest of Honour.

The programme was also attended by former MLA Dg. Buddha Dhan Chakma, Dr. Satyajit Das, CTO, Govt. Kamalanagar College NCC Unit, and representatives of local NGOs.

Speaking at the programme, the CEM said that NCC helps young people develop discipline, confidence, leadership and a sense of responsibility. Referring to the NCC motto, “Unity and Discipline”, he said that these values could help young people become responsible citizens.

He spoke about the relevance of NCC for students in CADC, particularly those from remote areas. He said NCC provides opportunities for students to attend camps, participate in activities at the national level and interact with students from different parts of the country. Such exposure, he said, could help students gain confidence, learn from new experiences and become aware of opportunities beyond their local areas.

The CEM also spoke about the benefits of NCC for students pursuing higher education and careers. He referred to scholarships, competitive examinations and opportunities available in the Armed Forces and other uniformed services. He said that the discipline, physical fitness, teamwork and leadership experience gained through NCC could also be useful in students’ studies and future careers.

He encouraged more girls from CADC to join NCC, saying that participation in the organisation could help them build confidence, maintain physical fitness and develop leadership skills. He also encouraged young women to consider careers in fields such as the Armed Forces, administration, entrepreneurship, teaching, science and other professions.

The CEM called upon the youths of CADC to join NCC in greater numbers and make use of the opportunities available through the organisation. He assured that the CADC would extend support to initiatives relating to youth, education, discipline and national integration.

He congratulated the officers, instructors and cadets of the 2nd Mizo Battalion NCC for organising the meet and wished them success in their future activities.

No. 34/2026-27

CADC Launches “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” at New Secretariat Complex

𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐫, 𝟐𝟑 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) launched the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” programme at the New Secretariat Complex, Udalthana, today. A tree plantation drive was held in and around the complex as part of the launch.

“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0” is the third edition of the nationwide tree plantation drive being conducted from 5 June to 30 September 2026 under the aegis of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE. The campaign encourages tree plantation as a tribute to mothers and promotes environmental awareness and responsibility through plantation and care of saplings.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC, was the Chief Guest and formally launched the programme by planting a sapling in memory of his late mother. Members of District Council (MDCs) and senior officers of CADC also took part in the plantation drive. Each MDC planted a sapling dedicated to their mothers at different locations within and around the Secretariat Complex.

A total of 30 saplings of different tree species were planted during the programme.

The programme was organised in coordination with the Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department and the Public Works Department, CADC.

The plantation drive was attended by senior officers of the Council, including the Executive Secretary, CADC; Court President & Recorder, CADC; Secretary to District Council Secretariat, CADC; Senior Finance & Accounts Officer, CADC; Deputy Secretary (GAD), CADC; and District Council Conservator of Forest, CADC.

CADC amends CCB Rules on dual membership

Kamalanagar, 21 August 2026: The second sitting of the Emergency Session of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was held today at the CADC Session Hall under the chairmanship of Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC. The House took up discussion and voting on four amendment rules.

The CADC (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2026 which seeks to amend Rules 11, 22 and 23 of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) Rules, 2002, as amended in 2003 was discussed and passed in the house. The proposed amendment was taken up for discussion and voting, and were passed with 17 members voting in favour, one against and one abstaining. Four members remained absent from the House.

The amendments made were:

  1. The existing provisions of sub-rules (1) to (6) of Rule 11 of the Amendment Rules, 2003 have been substituted with the original versions of sub-rules (1) to (6) of the Principal Rules, 2002 in compliance with the direction of Supreme Court in its Order & Judgment of Civil Appeal No. 9212 of 2026 [Arising out of SLP(C) No.11399/2026) (Rustom Chakma vs The State of Mizoram & Ors).
  2. Insertion of a new proviso in Rule 22 (1) of the Principal Rules, 2002 or Rule 2(1) of the Eight Amendment Rules, 2025 for appointment of Deputy Chief Executive Member from the existing members of the Executive Committee, if the Chief Executive Member thinks necessary.
  3. Substitution of Appendix-1 in Rule 23 of the Principal Rules, 2002 with new Appendices for the form of Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy for the members of the Executive Committee of Chakma Autonomous District Council.

The House subsequently considered the CADC (Salaries and Allowances of CEM and EMs) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026 and the CADC (Salaries and Allowances of Chairman and Deputy Chairman) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026. Both amendments provide for insertion of new provisions in Rule 12 of the principal Rules, 2003, as amended in 2012 and 2023, relating to provision of personal staff and drivers on a co-terminus basis with the tenure of office. Both amendments were passed unanimously.

The CADC (Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026 were also taken up for discussion. The amendment provides for insertion of a new provision in Rule 8 of the principal Rules, 2003, as amended in 2012, to provide one Personal Assistant and one driver on a co-terminus basis with the tenure of office of the concerned member. The amendment was passed unanimously.

Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the years 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 were also placed before the House.

The House will reconvene on Monday, 24 August 2026. The business scheduled for the next sitting includes discussion on the Reappropriation of Local Receipt Fund, 2025-2026, and the Demand for Grants, 2026-2027 (Budget Estimate).

There being no other business, the second sitting of the session was adjourned.

First Sitting of CADC Emergency Session 2026 held; Hon’ble CEM calls for implementation of para 13 of Sixth Schedule

Kamalanagar, 20 August 2026: The first sitting of the Emergency Session of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was held today at the CADC Session Hall. The sitting was chaired by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC and House Leader, placed before the House a number of legislative and financial matters for consideration during the session.

Among the legislative matters placed before the House was the CADC (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2026, which seeks to amend Rule 11 of the CADC (Constitution, Conduct of Business, etc.) Rules, 2002, as amended in 2003.

The amendment was proposed in compliance with the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court requiring the Chakma and Mara Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram to review their rules relating to dual membership.

The other legislative matters placed before the House were:

  1. The CADC (Salaries and Allowances of CEM and EMs) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026.
  2. The CADC (Salaries and Allowances of Chairman and Deputy Chairman) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026.
  3. The CADC (Salaries, Allowances and Pension of Members) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026.

The House Leader also placed before the House the Reappropriation of Local Receipt Fund, 2025–2026, and the Demand for Grants, 2026–2027 (Budget Estimate).

While presenting the financial matters, the House Leader stated that Paragraph 13 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India provides that:

“Estimated receipts and expenditure pertaining to Autonomous District Council are to be shown separately in the annual financial statement. The estimated receipts and expenditure pertaining to an autonomous district which are to be credited to, or are to be made from, the Consolidated Fund of the States shall be first placed before the District Council for discussion and that after such discussion shall be shown separately in the annual financial statement of the State to be laid before the Legislature of the State under Article 202.”

He stated that the provision contained in Paragraph 13 of the Sixth Schedule had never been implemented in Mizoram and required immediate correction. He said that, from the time of its creation in 1972, CADC, the administration has been striving to carry out the constitutional mandate and fulfil the aspirations of its people.

He further stated that financial constraint remains the main stumbling block towards achieving the developmental requirements of the area. He referred to the need for improved road connectivity, educational facilities, employment opportunities for youth, healthcare, livelihood support and skill development, and said that CADC required greater financial assistance from the State Government as well as the Central Government for realizing the Chakma Autonomous District Development Plan.

With regards to Local Receipt collections, the Hon,ble CEM informed the House that against the budgetary target of Rs. 145.00 lakh for the year 2025–2026, the actual collection stood at Rs. 192.48 lakh, registering an increase of more than 32 per cent over the target. He remarked that this achievement under trying circumstances reflected on the high sense of accountability and purpose of the employees.

He also placed before the House the financial position relating to salary expenditure under Normal Grant-in-Aid. The budgetary requirement for salary in the current year has been estimated at Rs. 17,515.38 lakhs, and including the Rs.6,377.79 lakhs deficit carried over from the previous year, the total requirement for salary stands at Rs. 23,893.17 lakhs. Against this requirement only Rs. 16,939.80 lakhs has been sanctioned as Grant-in-Aid from the State Government. This has resulted in a deficit of Rs. 7,608.37 lakhs for the year 2026-27 with Rs. 1,230.58 lakhs being the deficit for the current year and Rs.6,377.79 lakhs being the deficit carried over from the previous year. He further informed the House that to address this deficit, the matter was being pursued with all earnestness before the State Government.

The proposed expenditure from Local Revenue includes works and programmes relating to roads and bridges, school infrastructure, literacy programmes, sports promotion, agriculture and horticulture, village-level infrastructure, social welfare assistance, and maintenance of CADC offices and public facilities.

In his concluding remarks, the Hon’ble CEM stated that the budget has been placed under the difficult circumstances of a salary deficit of Rs. 7,608.37 lakh, a year of Governor’s Rule, and an administration that was still finding its footing. “I have not sought to conceal these difficulties. I have placed them before the House with full transparency, because I believe the people of CADC, and this August House, deserve nothing less than the truth,” he said.

The legislative matters placed before the House will be taken up for discussion and voting during the next sitting on 21 August 2026. The House will also discuss and vote on the Reappropriation of Local Receipt Fund, 2025–2026, on Monday, 24 August 2026.

With no other business to be transacted for the day, the sitting was adjourned. The House will resume tomorrow to discuss the matters placed before it and reconvene on 24 August 2026 to take up the matters scheduled for that sitting.

Chakma Black Day observed at Kamalanagar to recall the historical injustice of 1947

Kamalanagar, 17 August 2026: The Chakma National Council of India (CNCI), Mizoram State Committee, in association with Central Young Chakma Association, Central Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union and Chakma Mahila Samiti, observed the 11th Chakma Black Day today at the CADC Art & Culture Hall, Kamalanagar, the headquarters of Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram to commemorate the inclusion of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in East Pakistan following the Partition of India in 1947.

The observance marked 17 August 1947, when the Radcliffe Boundary Commission Award was publicly announced and the CHT was placed in East Pakistan. The speakers described the decision as a historical injustice, noting that the CHT was overwhelmingly inhabited by non-Muslim indigenous communities, including the Chakmas and other Jumma peoples.

Addressing the gathering, Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC and National President, CNCI, said that the historical circumstances surrounding the inclusion of the CHT in Pakistan were recorded in contemporary documents and should not be treated merely as an oral tradition or community sentiment. Referring to the minutes of a meeting held in New Delhi on 16 August 1947, he said that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had objected to the possibility of the CHT being allocated to East Bengal. He referred to Nehru’s observation that the CHT was an excluded area, had no representation in the Bengal Council and had a population that was approximately 97 per cent Buddhist and Hindu. Nehru had also stated that there was no doubt that the people of the CHT preferred to form part of India and that, on religious and cultural grounds, the CHT should form part of India.

Recalling the events surrounding Independence, the speakers said that the indigenous people of the CHT had expected their homeland to remain in India. They recalled that the Indian National Flag was hoisted at Rangamati on 15 August 1947 and that the subsequent announcement of the Radcliffe Award on 17 August revealed that the CHT had been included in Pakistan.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma said that the allocation of the CHT was particularly significant because the area had an overwhelmingly non-Muslim population. He referred to the historical record as evidence of the objections raised at the time and described the decision as a rupture in the historical, cultural and political life of the Chakma people and other indigenous peoples of the CHT. The contemporary record also shows that the allocation was disputed during the 16 August meeting, where Nehru questioned whether it was within the terms of reference of the Boundary Commission and argued that the CHT should form part of India on religious and cultural grounds.

The speakers further recalled the long-term consequences following the Partition, including displacement, loss of ancestral land, insecurity and other hardships suffered by the indigenous peoples of the CHT. Dg. Nirupam Chakma referred in particular to the subsequent displacement caused by the Kaptai Dam, which submerged large areas of cultivable land and displaced large numbers of people from the CHT.

Dg. Nirupam Chakma said that 17 August is a day of remembrance and not celebration. He made it clear that Chakma Black Day is not directed against any community, religion or country, and that the observance is not against the people of Bangladesh or ordinary citizens. He said the purpose is to remember historical events, preserve Chakma identity and peacefully express the community’s aspirations. He also said that remembering history and maintaining friendship among peoples are not contradictory and that historical issues should be discussed honestly and respectfully.

Calling upon the younger generation, Dg. Nirupam Chakma urged Chakmas to study their history and original documents, preserve their language, literature, music, dance and traditional knowledge, strengthen education, create opportunities for youth, improve their economic position and protect their constitutional rights. He called upon the community to remain united and pursue its aspirations through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means.

The significance of the day was also addressed by Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC; Dg. Amarsmriti Chakma, Vice-President, CNCI Mizoram State Committee; Dg. Santosh Chakma, Religious Secretary, CYCA; Dangubi Indu Moti Dewan, Senior Vice-President, CMS; and Dg. Parbesh Chakma, President, CMCSU.

The speakers emphasised the importance of preserving Chakma history, identity, language, culture and heritage while strengthening unity among the community and ensuring that the younger generation remains conscious of its historical roots.

They also recalled that the CNCI adopted the decision to observe 17 August as Chakma Black Day at its National Convention in Guwahati in 2016. Since then, the day has been observed annually in different parts of India to remember the historical events surrounding the CHT’s inclusion in Pakistan and to create greater awareness among the Chakma community and the wider public.

The programme was attended by CADC MDCs, Village Council Presidents (VCPs), representatives of Br. YCA, Kamalanagar area, CDCTA, CDCEA, CDCOA, CDPA and representatives of political parties of the CADC.

The observance concluded with a call to preserve Chakma history and identity, maintain unity and work for the welfare and progress of the community through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means.

No. 30/2026-27

CADC Celebrates 80th Independence Day

Kamalanagar, 15 August 2026: The 80th Independence Day of India was celebrated across the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) today, with Independence Day programmes held at the CADC Secretariat Complex, Kamalanagar, and various other locations across the Council. At the CADC Secretariat Complex, Dg. Nirupam Chakma, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM), CADC, hoisted the National Flag as the Chief Guest.

Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC, Executive Members, Members of District Council, former Councillors, other dignitaries, invited guests, senior officers and staff of CADC were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the CEM paid tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and acknowledged the contribution of soldiers, security personnel, farmers, workers, scientists, teachers and citizens in strengthening the nation.

Speaking on the role of the Sixth Schedule and the CADC, Dg. Nirupam Chakma said that the Council, along with its elected representatives, has a responsibility to function with integrity, transparency and accountability and to maintain a clear development vision.

He said that CADC’s development priorities should include better roads and communication, healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities, irrigation, drinking water, electricity, digital connectivity and stronger livelihood opportunities. He called for greater productivity and market orientation in agriculture and promotion of horticulture, fisheries, livestock, handloom, handicrafts, food processing, bamboo-based industries and other local enterprises.

The CEM also stressed the need to provide greater opportunities for young people through skill development, vocational education, ITI-level training, entrepreneurship and modern technology. He said that strengthening schools and educational institutions was essential for the future development of CADC.

Referring to the preservation of Chakma identity, he said that development and preservation of cultural heritage must go together. He called for the protection of the Chakma language, literature, music, dance, traditional knowledge, arts, crafts and Buddhist cultural traditions while also embracing modern education, technology and innovation.

On grassroots development, Dg. Nirupam Chakma described the Village Councils as the foundation of grassroots democracy in CADC and said that they need greater capacity and better planning for transparent implementation of development programmes. He said development should reach every village and include village-level infrastructure, livelihoods, drinking water, sanitation, roads, community assets and economic opportunities.

In this connection, the CEM also announced that the Executive Committee in its meeting, decided to allow the existing nominated members of Village Councils to complete the residual period of their respective terms. He described the decision as a special gesture on the occasion of Independence Day.

Addressing the youth, the CEM encouraged them to acquire skills, learn new technologies, explore entrepreneurship and remain open to emerging opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, modern agriculture, renewable energy, tourism and new forms of enterprise.

He also called for greater opportunities for women in education, entrepreneurship, agriculture, self-help groups, handicrafts, food processing and public leadership, stating that women must be equal partners in the development of society.

On governance, he said that public money belongs to the people and must be used honestly and efficiently for development. He called for transparency, accountability, efficiency and discipline in administration and said that political differences should not become an obstacle to development.

Referring to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the CEM said that CADC should also have a clear vision for its contribution to the development of India. He spoke of the aspiration for a Viksit CADC with quality education, better connectivity, accessible healthcare, productive agriculture, skilled youth, empowered women, vibrant local enterprises, sustainable villages, stronger tourism and cultural industries, and transparent and responsive governance.

On the occasion, he called upon the people to work together for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive CADC, empower the youth, strengthen villages, protect culture and the environment, ensure transparent and accountable governance, and contribute to the making of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Independence Day was also celebrated at various locations across CADC, with elected leaders of the Council attending the celebrations as Chief Guests. Dg. Molin Kumar Chakma, Adviser to the CEM, hoisted the National Flag at Parva; Dg. Lakkhan Chakma, Executive Member, at Bajeisora High School; Dg. Supreme Raj Chakma, Executive Member, at KMM Comprehensive Middle School, Kamalanagar-III; Dg. Doymoy Daveng Chakma, Executive Member, at Public School, Kamalanagar; and Dg. Sanjib Chakma, Member of District Council, at the YCA playground, Borapansury-II.