Press Releases

Chakma Organizations in Mizoram Protest Violence Against Ethnic Minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Kamalanagar, 23rd September 2024: On Sunday (22nd September 2024), a massive protest rally was organized by Chakma Civil Society Organizations and political parties of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) to protest against the recent violent attacks on ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. The rally, held in Kamalanagar, the headquarters of the CADC, saw the participation of thousands of people, including Buddhist monks, political leaders, and students, calling for immediate intervention of the Government of India to stop the atrocities perpetrated against indigenous communities in CHT.

The violence, allegedly carried out by illegal settlers with reported support from the Bangladeshi Army, has resulted in widespread destruction. Over 100 houses, including several Buddhist temples, were set ablaze. Dozens of civilians were brutally killed, and many others were left injured. Hundreds of families, belonging to the minority communities, have been rendered homeless as their homes and properties were destroyed in the attacks.

In a memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and submitted through the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Chawngte, the organizations strongly urged the Government of India to intervene to stop the violence. They also demanded for the constitution of an impartial and independent Inquiry Commission to thoroughly investigate the indiscriminate firing that led to the deaths of innocent tribal people, the arson of homes and religious institutions, and the extensive destruction of property in the CHT; immediate withdrawal of the magisterial powers granted to the Bangladeshi Army in the CHT to prevent further atrocities against the indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities by the military; full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997 to bring lasting peace to the region; and to provide adequate compensation for the victims of communal violence, including assistance to rebuild homes and restore their livelihoods.

CADC Approves Reduction in Trade License Renewal Fee, Establishment of Social Security Cell, among others.

Kamalanagar, 23rd September 2024: The 14^th Executive Committee Meeting of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) was held on Friday (20^th September 2024), where several important resolutions were passed pertaining to trade regulations, social welfare schemes and administrative reforms in CADC, among others.

In a major decision, the committee reviewed the Chakma Autonomous District Council (Trading) Regulations, 2006, particularly concerning trade license fees. The council decided to maintain the existing fee structure for fresh trade licenses for residents, while non-residents will continue paying the current rates for temporary licenses. Besides, a 10% reduction in the license renewal fee for resident traders was approved.

The committee also gave a nod to the establishment of a dedicated cell under the Social Welfare Department for implementing the Government of India schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. Moreover, health insurance policy of the State Bank of India (SBI) for CADC employees will be taken up by the Finance & Accounts Department, CADC, for introduction, opening of account and maintenance.

The Executive Committee also approved the proposal for framing of the CADC (Control of Parking and Collection of Parking Fees) Regulations, 2024, and the CADC (Display of Advertisement & Hoarding) Regulations, 2024, in conformity with similar regulations under the Lunglei Municipal Council. The draft regulations will be submitted for approval in the next session of CADC.

In an effort to strengthen administrative processes, a Personnel and Administrative Reform Cell will be set up under the General Administration Department (GAD). The committee resolved to engage Shri Sadanand Chakma (DTO), Shri Bijoy Kanti Chakma (RDO), Shri Suman Chakma, AEO (Agri), Shri Ashim Roy Chakma, OS (GAD) and Shri Prityrup Chakma, Assistant (GAD) for staff training.

The meeting also approved a cash reward of ₹50,000 for Miss Kerie Chakma, daughter of Shri Shanti Ranjan Chakma of Kamalanagar-II, in recognition of her achievement in sports. Miss Kerie, a state-level champion in cricket, has been selected to play at the national level cricket tournament.

CADC CEM Lauds Teachers as Pillars of Nation-Building on Teachers’ Day

Kamalanagar, September 5, 2024: The Hon’ble Chief Executive Member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council and MLA of the 36-Tuichawng Constituency, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, today extended his heartfelt wishes to the teaching fraternity on the occasion of Teachers’ Day.

In his speech as the Chief Guest at the Teachers’ Day celebration organized by the Govt. Kamalanagar Higher Secondary School, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma highlighted the significance of the day by sharing a short biography of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birthday is celebrated as Teachers’ Day. “Dr. Radhakrishnan was a man of immense qualities, a truly accomplished personality,” he remarked, stressing the invaluable contributions teachers make to the society.

Emphasizing the indispensable role of teachers in building a civilized society, he stated, “Teaching, like other professions, is a paid job, but what makes it special is the profound impact it has on the fabric of our nation. Without teachers, we cannot imagine a functioning society. Teachers don’t just pass on knowledge from textbooks; they mould students into responsible members of the society. That is why they deserve the honour and respect that comes with the Teachers’ Day.”

During his address, he conveyed the ideals of the teaching profession by quoting lines from Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son’s teacher. He highlighted how Lincoln had urged the teacher to focus not only on academics but also on instilling moral values and good character traits in nurturing the young minds.

He also shared his personal experience as a teacher at the Govt. Kamalanagar Higher Secondary School, where he served for two years before entering politics. He acknowledged that there might be teachers posted in Kamalanagar, often considered a “hard posting” from urban areas like Aizawl and Lunglei, who may face challenges in adjusting to the local environment here. He apprised them that the people of this part of the state need their service and encouraged them to approach him if they face any difficulties. He assured them of his assistance in his capacity for the welfare of the children.

CADC Felicitates Top Performers of Science Talent Search Examination

Kamalanagar, September 3, 2024: The Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) felicitated the successful candidates of the CADC Science Talent Search Examination, 2024, in a ceremony organized by the District School Education Board (DSEB) at the CADC Conference Hall today. The examination was conducted on July 29, and the results were announced on August 5. Out of a total of 50 candidates, six were declared successful in the examination.

The top three ranked candidates were awarded cash prizes of ₹20,000, ₹15,000, and ₹10,000, respectively, along with certificates of recognition. Dg. Bidarson Chakma from Duloram Public Higher Secondary School secured the 1st rank, followed by Dg. B. Jaagawn Chakma from Nirvan Residential School in 2nd place, and Dg. R.T. Kritish Chakma from New Angel Public Higher Secondary School in 3rd place. Consolation prizes, consisting of a cash prize of ₹3,500 each along with certificates, were awarded to Dgb. Niribili Chakma (4th rank) from Duloram Public Higher Secondary School; Dg. Bir Bir Devbarman from New Angel Higher Secondary School; and Dg. Amar Jeet Chakma from Nirvan Residential School, who both secured the 5th rank.

The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chief Executive Member (CEM) and MLA Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma as the Chief Guest, with Dg. Mohan Chakma, Chairman, as the Guest of Honour. The event was also attended by other Executive Members, officials from the DSEB, CADC officials, and the guardians of the awardees.

In his address, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma congratulated the successful candidates and emphasized the importance of science in today’s world, highlighting opportunities beyond the traditional fields of medicine and engineering. He expressed hope that this achievement would inspire students to work hard with determination. Referring to the lower turnout for the exam this year, he urged DSEB officials to view it as a challenge and to work towards attracting more candidates in the future.

Other speakers at the event included Dg. Mohan Chakma, Chairman; Dg. Anand Kumar Chakma, President of the DSEB; Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, Education Officer; and Dg. Digambar Chakma, Court President. They extended their heartfelt congratulations to the successful candidates and stressed the need to sustain these educational programs, which play a crucial role in nurturing a competitive spirit and encouraging academic excellence among students.

CADC Mourns the Loss of Sericulture Officer, Dbg. Binita Chakma

Kamalanagar, August 29, 2024: The Chakma Autonomous District Council held a solemn condolence meeting today at the premises of the CADC Secretariat in memory of Dgb. Binita Chakma, the District Council Sericulture Officer, who passed away on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) at Agape Mult Speciality Hospital, Aizawl, after a brief period of illness. She was 46 years old.

Condolence in memory of Dgb. Binita Chakma

The condolence meeting was attended by the Hon’ble Chief Executive Member and MLA, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, Councillors and officials from various departments of the CADC amidst a sombre atmosphere as they paid their respects to the departed officer for her invaluable service to the CADC and the community.

Delivering a heartfelt eulogy of the departed officer, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, expressed profound sorrow over her untimely demise. He remembered her as a dedicated and efficient officer, who not only served the CADC as an employee but also served the community as an active member of the Chakma Mahila Samiti. “Her passing is not just a personal tragedy for her family but a tremendous loss for the entire Chakma community,” he said. On behalf of the Executive Committee of CADC, he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The President of the Chakma District Council Employees’ Association (CDCEA), Dg. H. Nutan Chakma, also expressed deep sorrow over the untimely passing of Dgb. Binita Chakma. He fondly remembered her as a good-natured person with exceptional talent even during her student days and how she later achieved the distinction of being the first graduate in Sericulture from the Chakma community.

Dgb. Binita Chakma started her service in CADC as a Sericulture Extension Officer and was later promoted to the post of District Council Sericulture Officer, which she continued to hold dedicatedly until her passing. Her service spanned 14 years, 11 months and 13 days.

Dgb. Binita Chakma is survived by her husband and two children.

Obituary of Late Smt. Binita Chakma

Obituary of Late Binita Chakma Download

78th Independence Day Celebrated at Kamalanagar

Kamalanagar, 15 August 2024: The 78th Independence Day of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the artificial football playground in Kamalanagar, the headquarters of Chakma Autonomous District Council today. The celebration programme, organized by the District administration was honoured by Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, MLA of the 36-Tuichawng Constituency and Chief Executive Member of CADC, as the Chief Guest. It was also graced by the presence of Executive Members, Members of the District Council (MDCs), officials from various departments of CADC and the State Government, and other dignitaries.

In his address, the Chief Guest paid homage to India’s freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, and others. He also acknowledged the contributions of post-independence visionaries who have helped transform India into a global power. Special homage was given to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his role in creating a strong constitutional framework that has empowered marginalized and minority communities of the country. He also highlighted the various achievements of CADC during 2023-2024, including developments in education, infrastructure, and social welfare, as well as ongoing developmental projects in the Chawngte Sub-Division.

Twelve parade contingents, representing different schools and the NCC unit of Govt. Kamalanagar College, participated in the march past. The audience was entertained with vibrant displays of cultural dances performed by cultural artists from the Art & Culture Department of CADC; the Central Chakma Mahila Samiti, Kamalanagar; Branch YMA Chawngte-P, and school-children.

Prizes were distributed to the parade contingents, judges, and participants in cultural dances by the Chief Guest. Nirvan Residential School, Public School, and P.C. Higher Secondary School secured the first, second, and third prizes, respectively. Later, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, accompanied by his colleagues, visited the Community Health Centre Chawngte, where he presented gifts to the patients and interacted with the medical staff.

Earlier in the morning, Dg. Mohan Chakma, Chairman, CADC, hoisted the national flag in a short programme organized at the premises of the CADC Secretariat. Addressing the gathering there, he paid rich tribute to the heroes of the national freedom struggle who secured India’s independence in 1947. He lauded the vision of the nation’s founders for creating a Constitution that ensures equal treatment of all communities, regardless of their size or influence.

The Chairman also mentioned about the recent meetings of the ten ADCs from the Northeast, held in New Delhi and Shillong, concerning the 125th Amendment Bill to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, the CEM of CADC, had participated in these meetings. He expressed hope that, should the proposed amendment be passed, it will bring about significant benefits to CADC.

CADC Monsoon Session Wraps Up in One Sitting

Kamalanagar, August 12, 2024: The Monsoon Session of the 11th Chakma Autonomous District Council for 2024 which commenced today was concluded in a single sitting at the Council’s Session Hall in Kamalanagar.

During the one-day session, the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the Chakma Autonomous District Council for the fiscal year 2016-17 was placed before the house. The report was placed by Dg. Montu Chakma, i/c CEM on behalf of the House leader and Chief Executive Member, Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma who is currently on an official tour to attend a meeting of the ADCs with regards to the amendment of the 6th Schedule to the Constitution of India.

The session was attended by 13 out of the 24 members of the house. Since, there was no other business to be transacted, the Monsoon Session was prorogued by the Chairman, CADC.

CADC officials successfully complete training at ATI, Aizawl

Kamalanagar, 9 August 2024: A batch of officials from various departments of the Chakma Autonomous District Council have successfully completed a 4-day special training program as Master Trainers from 6th to 9th August 2024 at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) in Aizawl. The training course was facilitated by the Executive Committee of CADC, as a part of its strategic plan to build its internal training capabilities.

The officials who underwent the training are Dg. Sadanand Chakma, DTO; Dg. Bijoy Kanti Chakma, RDO; Dg. H. Nutan Chakma, DCFDO; Dg. Suman Chakma, AEO; Dg. Ashim Roy Chakma, OS and Dg. Prityrup Chakma, Assistant.

During the course, the trainees were imparted training on Personality Development, Conduct Rules, Service Excellence, CCS (CCA) Rules, ACR/PAR, FRSR, Office Procedures and the Framing of Recruitment Rules, among several others. They will henceforth be conducting future training sessions for interested employees of the Chakma Autonomous District Council, which is expected to reduce the Council’s dependency on external training sessions for its employees.

CADC Science Talent Search Exam, 2024 successfully held

Kamalanagar, 29 July, 2024: A total number of 50 candidates, including 19 girls and 31 boys, appeared in the first CADC Science Talent Search Examination, 2024, held today at Kamalanagar Public School. The exam was conducted by the District School Education Board (DSEB), and is open to students of class VII & VIII from Schools affiliated to the board. Each school had the opportunity to select 5 (five) students to compete in the examination.

The examination tested the students on areas such as Science (40 marks), Mathematics (40 marks) and Critical Thinking (20 marks). All the top 10 performers will be awarded with a certificate of merit and cash prizes. The top three ranked candidates will receive cash prizes of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively while rest of the candidates will each receive cash prize of Rs.3,500. However, candidates must score at least 60% and above to be eligible for the prizes.

The CADC Science Talent Search Exam has been initiated to identify and nurture talented students in the Science subject and to instill in them the spirit of healthy competition. The date for result declaration is expected to be announced within a week.

Dg. Montu Chakma, i/c CEM chairs meeting to address road maintenance

Kamalanagar, 13th July 2024: A meeting was chaired by Dg. Dg. Montu Chakma, Executive Member & i/c CEM at the CADC Rest House Conference Hall on Saturday to discuss measures for repair and maintenance of the roads within Kamalanagar town and its adjoining villages. It was attended by Dg. Mohan Chakma, Chairman, Executive Members, MDCs, the Executive Secretary, officials from the State Public Works Department (PWD), CADC PWD, and representatives from local NGOs, Auto Drivers Association and Pick-Up Drivers Association.

Dg. Tojim Chakma, J.E, on behalf of the State PWD provided the detailed project reports of the road constructions, including that of the internal roads within Kamalanagar town under its purview. He reported that the construction of the road from Chawngte-C to Jamersury has been completed and the contractor has assured its maintenance under the default liability period. However, he informed that the default liability period for the Jamersury to Mandirasora road has elapsed, and there was less chance for its repair. Regarding the Chawngte to Borapansury road, he confirmed that a work order for pavement construction has been released under NABARD with a contract period extending to March 2025.

Dg. Mohan Chakma, Chairman, CADC thanked him for providing the project updates, which he said, was crucial for clearing the doubts of the public regarding the share of responsibilities between State PWD and CADC PWD. Acknowledging the public concerns over the deteriorating road conditions, he assured that CADC would cooperate fully in maintaining internal roads within its purview. He also proposed forming a joint monitoring committee with representatives from all local NGOs to ensure quality work during road constructions.

Representatives of the local NGOs voiced their concerns over the poor road condition and immense hardships being faced by the residents, particularly the students community, as a consequence. They urged both the SPWD and the CADC Executive Committee to take measures for early restoration of the severely damaged roads for the welfare of the public.

The following resolutions were taken in the meeting:

1.The State PWD, Mizoram, will undertake the repair of major damages of internal roads within Kamalanagar town within a period of 30 days.
The PWD CADC has been instructed to identify sections of internal roads within Kamalanagar town that require urgent repairs.
The repair of roads under the purview of the Chakma Autonomous District Council will be discussed in its Executive Committee meeting to be held on 15th July 2024.
The PHE Department, Government of Mizoram, will be requested to expedite the laying of pipelines and ensure there are no water leakages along the public roads to prevent further deterioration of road conditions.
The local NGOs will take measures to sensitize the public to promote sense of responsibility towards protecting community infrastructure.