Kamalanagar, April 29, 2023: The 51st CADC Day was observed today in the premises of CADC Secretariat. Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, Education Officer (P/S) who is in charge Executive Secretary, Chakma Autonomous District Council hoisted the National and CADC Flag followed by the chorus singing of the CADC anthem to mark the occasion.
Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, in his speech, remembered with gratitude and honour all the founder leaders of CADC like Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Mideya Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma and Dg. Gaur Nitai Chakma who were instrumental in getting a separate Autonomous Council for the Chakmas of Mizoram out of Pawi-Lakher Regional Council.
He also stressed that there are numerous others who had contributed to the creation of Chakma Autonomous District Council from the beginning but remained unsung due to lack of proper documentation and records.
“People from all sections of the Chakma Society including public, employees and religious leaders have contributed in securing the Council. They had a dream of having their own land in the form of Autonomous Council. To preserve language, culture and for all-round development of the Chakmas, they felt the need for a land of their own,” he added.
During the interim period of the first Executive Committee of the Chakma Regional Council in 1972, the then employees along with the leaders of the Council took the onus upon themselves to transform the Council towards the path of all-round development.
He appealed to all the Heads of Departments, Officers, Employees and others serving under Chakma Autonomous District Council to participate in fulfilling the dream envisaged by the founders of CADC.
Now, the remarkable transformation of CADC can be observed how much it has developed in the last 50 years and hence, we all have the role to play toward its development.
Rajiv Nagar, April 12, 2023: A team of officials from Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) led by Dg. Kulendra Bikash Chakma, I&PRO, CADC reached Rajiv Nagar today. They set out from the Kamalanagar, the Headquarters of CADC on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Dg. Inglon Chakma, Court President & Recorder, CADC; Dg. Monu Ranjan Chakma, PAO, CADC and Dg. Suman Chakma, SRO cum AI&PRO, CADC among others.
Dg. Robert Romawia Royte, Hon’ble Minister, Sports & Youth Services, Tourism, Information & Communication Technology and District Council & Minority Affairs will grace the occasion as Chief Guest of Day 1. While Dg. Er. H. Lalzirliana, MLA & Vice Chairman, Road & Infrastructure Development Board and Dg. K. Laldawngliana, MLA & Vice Chairman, Commerce & Industrial Development Board will be the Guest of Honour.
Earlier, a 42-members Cultural Team from Chakma Autonomous District Council led by Dg. Tribanko Chakma had reached Rajiv Nagar to participate and showcase cultural items during the event which is the first of its kind in Mizoram.
On 4th March, 2023 a 6-member team from Rajiv Nagar convened a meeting with all the Heads of Departments, CADC and NGO leaders at Kamalanagar with the proposal to organise the 1st State-Level Bizu Miloni at Rajiv Nagar, a culturally rich village in Mamit District of north-west Mizoram where the proposal was unanimously accepted as the General Election to Chakma Autonomous District Council is due in May this year due to which the program could not be held within CADC.
Bizu Miloni programme will be a 3-day long celebration of Bizu festival that commemorates the commencement of a new year of the Chakmas. It is proposed that every year, henceforth the Bizu Miloni programme will be celebrated across the Chakma areas in Mizoram and the venue of the programme shall be rotated within this area.
Delegates from Tripura as well as the Chakma villages within Mizoram will also be attending the program as it will not only mark the celebration of Bizu festival at state level but also act as a means to foster brotherhood among the Chakmas in India.
Kamalanagar, 26 February, 2023: A team of delegates from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) headed by Dg. Akihito Sakurai who came from Lawngtlai yesterday interacted with various Head of Departments in a meeting organized by Chakma Autonomous District Council today in the Conference Hall of CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar. He was accompanied by Dr. Michiko Ebato, Co-Team Leader; Dr. Sanjay Verma, Dgb. Keiko Kani, Dg. Ryunosuke Ogawa, Dg. Dinesh Kumar and Dg. Shalabh P. Bharadwaj.
Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, CADC; Dg. Buddhankur Chakma, Sr. Finance & Accounts Officer, CADC; Dg. Prabin Chakma, Planning & Development Officer, CADC; Dg. Bimbisar Dewan, District Council Conservator of Forest, CADC; Dg. Jagadish Chakma, District Council Horticulture Officer, CADC; Dg. Nilo Ranjan Chakma, Assistant Conservator of Forest, CADC and Dg. Suman Chakma, Assistant Information & Public Relation Officer, CADC among others have attended the meeting.
A Souvenir of CADC Golden Jubilee, Notebook and a Calendar of CADC was presented to all the visiting members as a token of gift from CADC.
Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma while welcoming the visiting team members expressed his happiness for their visit to Kamalanagar and their keen interest towards CADC and its people. He informed that this visit to CADC from International Agency like JICA is the first of its kind as CADC is one of the remotest and underdeveloped part of the country. He gave a brief report on CADC and appraised many challenges which bar the path for its development. He mentioned that only a meagre amount is left from the non-salary component meant for development which is not even enough for the maintenance of Offices is one of the reasons that CADC is lagging behind in every spheres. With the visit of the JICA team, the people of CADC not only will be beneficial but also certain structural development like roads will take place even though it is still at rudimentary stage to say, he added.
People will earn permanent livelihood through alternative source of income other than jhum cultivation when certain projects under JICA will be taken up in the time to come, he further added.
Dg. Akihito Sakurai informed that the purpose of their visit to Kamalanagar is to study and access the conditions for conservation of forest and its biodiversity within CADC area and the feasibility of projects under JICA in CADC. He invited all to share their views on the subjects accordingly. After which a round of interaction with the team members was held with respective Head of Departments.
Dg. Bimbisar Dewan presented a report on climate, forest cover and its types, vegetation, demography, socio-economic life of the people and bio-graphical importance of forest in CADC area. He mentioned that the area of CADC is comparatively small with an area of 686.25 sq. km, from which approximately 76% is forestland but, due to lack of alternative source of income majority of the population depend on jhum cultivation for their livelihood. Out of 15, 572 families (as per Village Population Register, 2022), more than 70% of the families depends on jhum cultivation and agricultural activities for their permanent livelihood.
Dg. Prabin Chakma while explaining mentioned that a project on Bamboo Plantation in the wasteland area outside Indo-Bangla Border Fencing in the western part of CADC was submitted to the Finance Commission sometime back, but the project never materialized and hence no such project on forest conservation was made again.
However, he mentioned that with the increasing population, some are eying the virgin forest in the catchment area of Palenosora, which is the only source of water left to feed the populace of Kamalanagar town area. He also mentioned, earlier, the sound of the flow of water in the rivers of the nearby area can be heard from a distant place but, now the amount of water that flows decreased so much that it has left to nothing in some parts. From this we can deduce that the forest is massively damaged though without any reliable data, he added.
Dg. Buddhankur Chakma explained about the financial status of CADC and how some Department in CADC is left to skeleton due to lack of fund and project. He mentioned that it is true that Soil & Water Conservation Department has scope to contribute for conservation of soil and water but, due to lack of fund it is simply an idle department.
He thanked Young Chakma Association (YCA), a community-based organization and Tharum, a forest-based organization for their endeavours in protecting and preserving the forest in CADC. Both the organizations support the authority as and when necessary, he added.
The meeting was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prabin Chakma.
After which the team went to visit the Central Nursery at Sadarasora. They will leave for Aizawl today.
The visit to CADC was a part of their field visit to different districts of Mizoram including 3 Autonomous District Councils namely Chakma, Lai and Mara Autonomous District Council of Mizoram.
Kamalanagar, 8 February, 2023: A farewell programme was organized by the Grade – A Officers and Level – 10 above Staffs combined under Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) today at CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar to say formal goodbye to the three retiring Officers. They are Dg. Hriday Chakma, Dg. Nanda Kumar Chakma and Dg. Bindulal Chakma. A set of traditional scarf, one Dow, one Buddha Statue and a Certificate of Appreciation each was presented to them as a token of appreciation for their long services. Dow was presented to keep them active and fit in household works.
All the Grade – A Officers and Staffs above Level – 10 along with their better-halves have attended the programme among others.
Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, Chakma Autonomous District Council in his speech conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the retiring Officers for their honest, clean record and long services to the Chakma Autonomous District Council and wished them a happy and healthy retirement life.
Dg. Digambar Chakma, Legislative Secretary, Chakma Autonomous District Council shared his happiness over the retirement of the Officers and considered them lucky as they are retiring in good health condition. Thus, congratulated them from the core of heart for the momentous day.
He lamented that earlier many Officers had retired without any farewell as the system was not introduced. Now, the system is introduced to give compulsory farewell which is a sign of unity. It is better late than never, he added.
He thanked the retiring officers for their contribution in various capacities to the Chakma Autonomous District Council and wished them their retirement life as good as the service life.
Dg. Hriday Chakma had joined in service as I&PRO, CADC in 1989 and subsequently held various important posts until he was retired as Court President & Recorder, CADC on 31st December, 2022. In his speech, he highlighted the various initiatives taken under various capacities but, some of them were successful and earned revenues for the CADC where others were in vain.
He deliberated that Court President & Recorder, CADC is the only post which can work independently without any pressure from the Government. Thus, he suggested that such officer be appointed as per his record and experiences to deter from any misuse of power.
He also mentioned that during his early service life, they had published a weekly newspaper called ‘’Shallyeng’’ which gradually disappeared due to lack of financial support and demand. He thanked one and all for the wonderful event.
While Dg. Nanda Kumar Chakma joined as Junior Engineer in 1983 and served CADC in various capacities and retired as Rural Development Officer, CADC on 31st January, 2023. In his speech, he mentioned that he had organized several Zonal and Cultural Meet in and outside CADC to foster brotherhood amongst the Chakmas within and outside CADC. Many Sporting Clubs were formed and playgrounds were allotted to the villages in order to promote Sports while he was District Sports Promotion Officer, CADC, he added.
He suggested that, if possible, Officers should be sent for training from time to time irrespective of the Department as it will be beneficial for him/her as well as the concern Department.
Dg. Bindulal Chakma had joined in service as Forest Guard in 1996 and after training and subsequent promotion retired as Dy. FRO, CADC on 31st January, 2023. He thanked all for organizing the Farewell Programme which he never expected in his service life.
At the end, it was resolved that the Chakma District Council Employee’s Association (CDCEA) shall be reformed as soon as possible for the greater interest of the employees under CADC.
After which, a photo session was arranged with the retiring officers. The programme was concluded with a simple dinner party at CADC Rest House, Kamalanagar.
Kamalanagar, January 26, 2023: Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, Chakma Autonomous District Council unfurled National Flag on the occasion of celebration of 74th Republic Day of India, organized in the premises of CADC Secretariat, Kamalanagar.
Accentuating the importance of the day, he recalled Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar the architect of the Constitution of India.
Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya in his address appealed to the leaders, senior members and officers to refresh the minds of the youths who are easily swayed by the naysayers and fake news. He urged the youths to make use of social media for productive and beneficial purpose and refrain from such destructive engagement.
He implored the youth that instead of indulging in negativity, to focus on higher studies and target for civil services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) which are in dire need in our society. The appeal comes in the backdrop of rampant and unrestricted use of social media especially WhatsApp in the recent time to criticize the Executive Committee of 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council.
However, he remarked that despite the unfriendly geographical location of the Chakma Autonomous District Council which has been the hurdle for the pace of development of the Council, it is still making progress in its way. He mentioned that due to road connectivity in the Council, accessibility has become easier. He also mentioned that we have our own religious leaders who otherwise had to come from Burma. There is one meditation centre at Kamalanagar which also signify our progress in the field.
He further mentioned that though the 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council went through thick and thin in this term and witnessed five (5) Chief Executive Members (CEMs), yet the flagship programmes like SEDP and others did not get affected. He also referred many Central Schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission under which free water connection is being provided in remote villages.
He recalled that in the term of 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council, three members of District Council (MDCs) have their lives. They are Dg. Pranab Kumar Chakma who died due to heart attack and Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma who lost their lives in a tragic car accident recently.
In the closing note, he appealed to the officers to uphold the Rule of Law.
Kamalanagar, January 17, 2023: An official condolence programme was held today for Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma, MDC, CADC and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma, MDC, CADC at the CADC Secretariat, Kamalanagar. Mortal remains of Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma were brought at the venue for floral tributes by the councillors, all political parties, NGOs and employees of Chakma Autonomous District Council.
Dg. Pronit Bikash Chakma, Executive Secretary, Chakma Autonomous District Council briefed the programme and shared his prayer and thoughts with the bereaved families.
Dg. Kali Kumar Chakma, Chairman, Chakma Autonomous District Council while grieving thanked all who have rendered their services in the aftermath of the tragic accident that occurred on Monday morning which claimed the lives of the two councillors and helped bringing the bodies of the deceased to Kamalanagar, the headquarters of CADC. He also thanked the Office Bearers of Lunglei District MNF party who waited at Lunglei last night for the escorting team who brought the deceased bodies from Aizawl to Kamalanagar.
Dg. Digambar Chakma, Secretary, CADC Secretariat briefed the life history of Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma and their services towards CADC. He also mentioned the posts they held in various capacities.
Earlier, Dg. Mohesh Baran Chakma had served as UPST (SSA) under CADC. He was the only child of Dg. Samratsur Chakma, Ex-EM, CADC from 11-Ajasora Constituency. After his father’s death, he joined active politics and was elected as an MDC. He held the posts of Deputy Chairman, CADC; Executive Member, CADC; Adviser to Planning & Development Committee, CADC and Adviser to CEM, CADC during this term. He is survived by wife Dgb Sunita Chakma and 3 daughters – Chitti Parita Chakma (15 years), Chitti Bovita Chakma (13 years) and Chitti Sujugi Chakma (8 years). He was 41 years only.
Dg. Charan Singh Chakma had served as a Cultural Artist under CADC. After the death of his uncle Dg. Pranab Kumar Chakma, Ex-EM, CADC, he was elected during the by-election in 9-Ugudasury South MDC Constituency held on 6th June, 2019.
He held the posts of Deputy Chief Whip of CADC, Executive Member, CADC and Adviser to Planning & Development Committee, CADC during this term. He is survived by his wife Dgb. Kabina Chakma and 3 daughters – Chitti Pattomi Chakma (15 years), Chitti Chorchori Chakma (12 years) and Chitti Rashiami Chakma (4 years). He was 38 years only.
Floral tributes were paid to the deceased councillors on behalf of Dg. D. Lalzirliana, Minister, District Council & Minority Affairs Department, etc., Government of Mizoram and Dr. Lalrozama, Secretary, District Council & Minority Affairs Department, Government of Mizoram by Dg. Sadanand Chakma, DTO, CADC & OSD to Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner & Caretaker, 10th CADC followed by all the Departments under CADC, all NGOs, all political parties, various schools within Kamalanagar and others.
Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati sent condolence messages to the wives of Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma. The Governor is deeply pained and shocked to learn about the untimely demise of their husbands. He further conveyed his heartfelt condolence on this unfortunate occasion and prayed that the Almighty give strength to them and their families in this hour of grief.
Dg. R. Lalzirliana, Hon’ble Minister, i/c District Council & Minority Affairs Department, etc., Government of Mizoram also sent a condolence message. Addressing the family and friends of Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma, he condoled the untimely death of Shri Mohesh Baran Chakma, MDC of 11-Ajasora MDC Constituency and Shri Charan Singh Chakma, MDC of 9-Ugudasury ‘S’ MDC Constituency of Chakma Autonomous District Council. He further added that he is proud to have worked with them during their brief tenure as MDC of the Chakma Autonomous District Council.
Dg. V. Zirsanga, Hon’ble CEM, LADC also sent a condolence message. He along with his colleagues condoled the passing away of Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma and Dg. Charan Singh Chakma. He further added that during this time of grief and sorrows, their thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to the bereaved families and the Chakma people. He also further added “CADC has lost two true and brilliant leaders. And may all have the strength to bear this irredeemable lost”
Dg. Amol Srivastava, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Lawngtlai & Caretaker of 10th CADC sent a condolence message. The DC & Caretaker, CADC along with the officers & staff of CADC condoled the untimely death of Shri Mohesh Baran Chakma, MDC of 11-Ajasora MDC Constituency and Shri Charan Singh Chakma, MDC of 9-Ugudasury ‘S’ MDC Constituency of Chakma Autonomous District Council and Bana Chandra Tongchangya of Boroituli Village in a tragic car accident today at 4:30 am near Aizawl, the Capital City. The DC further added that “The untimely demise of the two councillors is an irreparable loss to the Chakma Autonomous District Council and the entire community.” He sent his sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved and prayers for the early recovery of the persons injured.
Dg. Buddha Lila Chakma, MDC recalled the deceased councillors and express his sympathy and grief with the bereaved families.
Dg. Durjya Dhan Chakma, MDC on behalf of all the MDCs, CADC while grieving mentioned about their kindness and friendliness with all sections of the society. He mentioned that due to passing away of the deceased colleagues, it is a great loss for all. He also mentioned about their unique story and sojourn in this life.
Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA shared his grief and sadness with the bereaved families. He mentioned that such incident has happened for the first time which claimed the lives of two councillors and believe that they had otherwise a bright future.
All the political parties, NGOs and family members have also shared their grief and thoughts with the bereaved families and friends.
A photo session was arranged with families of the deceased, with all councillors, with all political parties, with all NGOs and with all employees of CADC which concluded the programme.
The mortal remains of the two councillors were then taken around Kamalanagar Town for the people to pay their respects. Then they were taken to the CDMNF Headquarters for a brief tribute before finally being taken for cremation.
Aizawl & Kamalanagar, Jan 16, 2023: Three Members of Chakma Autonomous District Council (MDCs) met with an accident this morning. They were Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma, MDC, 11- Ajasora MDC Constituency; Dg. Charan Singh Chakma, MDC, 9-Ugudasury South MDC Constituency and Dg. Lakkhan Chakma, MDC, 17-Jaruldubosora MDC Constituency. They were accompanied by Dg. Bana Chandra Tongchangya of Boroituli and Dg. Dilik Chakma of Jaruldubosora.
Mohesh Baran ChakmaCharan Singh Chakma
Dg. Mohesh Boran, Dg. Charan Singh Chakma and Dg. Bana Chandra Tongchangya of Boroituli were found dead on the spot while Dg. Lakkhan Chakma and Dg. Dilik Chakma of Jaruldubosora sustained injuries and were rushed to the Trinity Hospital, Aizawl. The incident took place at around 4:30 am at Melthum near Aizawl. They were in a Gypsy while on their way to Aizawl for official purpose.
Both Dg. Mohesh Baran Chakma and Dg. Charan Chakma were elected MDCs from the MNF party. Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma was elected during the last General Election to Chakma Autonomous District Council held in 2018 while Dg. Charan Singh Chakma was elected in a by-election to 9-Ugudasury MDC Constituency. This is their first instint as MDC.
Earlier, Dg. Mohesh Baran Chakma has served as UPST (SSA) under CADC. He was the only child of Dg. Samratsur Chakma, Ex-EM, CADC from 11-Ajasora Constituency. After his father death, he joined active politics and was elected as an MDC. He held the posts of Deputy Chairman, CADC; Executive Member, CADC; Adviser to Planning & Development Committee, CADC and Adviser to CEM, CADC during this term. He is survived by wife Dgb Sunita Chakma and 3 daughters – Chitti Parita Chakma (15 years), Chitti Bovita Chakma (13 years) and Chitti Sujugi Chakma (8 years). He was 41 years only.
Dg. Charan Singh Chakma had served as a Cultural Artist under CADC. After the death of his uncle Dg. Pranab Kumar Chakma, Ex-EM, CADC, he was elected during the by-election in 9-Ugudasury South MDC Constituency held on 6th June, 2019.
He held the posts of Deputy Chief Whip of CADC, Executive Member, CADC and Adviser to Planning & Development Committee, CADC during this term. He is survived by his wife Dgb. Kabina Chakma and 3 daughters – Chitti Pattomi Chakma (15 years), Chitti Chorchori Chakma (12 years) and Chitti Rashiami Chakma (4 years). He was 38 years only.
Dg. Amol Srivastava, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Lawngtlai & Caretaker of 10th CADC sent a condolence message. The DC & Caretaker, CADC along with the officers & staff of CADC condoled the untimely death of Shri Mohesh Baran Chakma, MDC of 11-Ajasora MDC Constituency and Shri Charan Singh Chakma, MDC of 9-Ugudasury ‘S’ MDC Constituency of Chakma Autonomous District Council and Bana Chandra Tongchangya of Boroituli Village in a tragic car accident today at 4:30 am near Aizawl, the Capital City. The DC further added that “The untimely demise of the two councillors is an irreparable loss to the Chakma Autonomous District Council and the entire community.” And sent his sincere condolences to the families of the bereaved and prayers for the early recovery of the persons injured.
All the offices under the Chakma Autonomous District Council shall remain closed on 16th & 17th January, 2023 as a mark of respect and mourning at the demise of the Members of Chakma Autonomous District Council Dg. Mohesh Boran Chakma & Dg. Charan Singh Chakma in a tragic car accident on 16th January, 2023.
An official condolence meeting was held today organised by CADC in the CADC Secretariat premises.
Kamalanagar, 10 January, 2023: Dg. Amol Srivastava, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Lawngtlai and Caretaker of 10th Chakma Autonomous District Council who came from Lawngtlai on 9th January, 2023 today visited CADC New Secretariate building, Govt. Kamalanagar College and Ekalavya Model Residential School among others. He is on a 3-day visit to Kamalanagar, the headquarters of Chakma Autonomous District Council.
He was accompanied by Dr. Manesia Khaimeichho, SDO (C), Chawngte; Dg. Gana Chandra Chakma, Education Officer (P/S), CADC and Dg. Sadananda Chakma, DTO, CADC & OSD to Caretaker, CADC among others.
The Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of EMRS District Level Committee visited the Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Dulubonya, Kamalanagar to take stock of the condition of the newly constructed EMRS where water supply connection and approach road from Kamalanagar is yet to be constructed. He has also visited Govt. Kamalanagar Higher Secondary School followed by Govt. Kamalanagar College where improvement of existing road into all-weather road has been demanded which is under the maintenance of State PWD.
He has also visited the CADC New Secretariat building languishing partially constructed near Udalthana since last five years. He was minutely briefed by the staff of PWD, CADC regarding the status of the construction which was sanctioned 8 crores under NABARD. Further, he has visited Kamalanagar (Chawngte) Rural Drinking Water Supply Project at Basantasora Duor being constructed at the cost of 9 crores under Rural Drinking Water Supply Scheme.
Returning from there, he has also visited Kamalanagar Public School and Govt. Comprehensive Middle School, Kamalanagar where he distributed sweets to the students and interacted with them.
Earlier on 9th January, 2023, he had a short meeting with the HoDs of CADC followed by a meeting with several NGOs namely Young Chakma Association, Chakma Mahila Samiti and Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union among others who have submitted representation in regard to impending General Election to CADC which is due in the month of April and appealed him for Election before Bizu, a socio-religious festival of the Chakma people which falls in the month of April every year, so that the festival does not get affected.
He will leave for Lawngtlai tomorrow in the afternoon.
Kamalanagar, 29 December, 2022: Dg. Dg. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, Chairman, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee presided over the meeting. He welcomed all the members who attended the meeting. He also expressed his immense satisfaction on successful conclusion of the Golden Jubilee closing program. Expressing his sincere gratitude, he thanked all individuals who put their relentless efforts in making the program a grand success. Further, he particularly thanked all the employees, councilors, former councilors and pensioners of CADC for their generosity in contributing one-day pay towards the Golden Jubilee Fund. Without which, celebration of the closing program of CADC Golden Jubilee would not have been possible, he said. He declared in the meeting that the program was successfully concluded in a grand manner. He also made a mention of the Chakma Raja’s wish to sit for a serious discussion on creation of a virtual country for the Chakmas of the world. Putting this topic for discussion in the meeting, he requested all to express their valuable opinion on it.
Dg. Digambar Chakma, Secretary, DCS & Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee spoke exclusively on the positive impacts of the Golden Jubilee celebration. Speaking on the gain of celebrating Golden Jubilee, he said that the end of the Jubilee was the beginning of the CADC museum. Because, all the traditional wares collected for exhibition would be preserved and stowed for future reference in the CADC museum. It brought us many assets as well, he said. He specifically mentioned the following. 1. One set of 10kv generator 2. 1000 nos. of Chairs 4. 20 pieces of silpaulin 5. A set of satranjee 6. Golden Jubilee Souvenir 7. Statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar erected at New Secretariat complex 8. Golden Jubilee Memorial Stone erected at CADC Secretariat complex 9. Welcome gates at Boranasury,Kamalanagar and Longpuighat 10. A documentary on Chakma life style 11. 2 sets of sofa 12. Collection of Chakma traditional wares & handicrafts to be preserved in the CADC museum 13. 16 thousand pieces of CADC flags distributed in order to familiarize it with the people of CADC. The people of CADC were tremendously benefited with the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, he said.
Dg. B. Tarun Bikash Chakma, Assistant Secretary, Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee also expressed his deep gratitude to all who coordinated and cooperated in successful conclusion of the program, while speaking in the meeting. He presented the overall expenditure statement of the Golden Jubilee celebration. As per his statement, a total of Rs. 75,22,667/- was sanctioned against payment for expenditure of the Golden Jubilee closing program, out of which Rs.73,84,961/- was spent so far for payment of outstanding bill committed during inaugural program as well as for other expenditures. He further stated that the Committee was short of Rs.5,66,856/-(committed expenditure) which was yet to be paid.
Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, DCSWO, CADC & Member, Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee also conveyed her sincere gratitude to all those who were involved in making the event successful. She also conveyed special thanks from her side to the Social Welfare Department, CADC who helped her team in making the ‘Exhibition of Chakma Traditional Wares’ a centre of attraction of the Golden Jubilee, and also for the grand feast arranged in honour of Raja Devasish Roy, the Chief Guest of the Day-2 program of the Golden Jubilee closing function. She also thanked the Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee for bestowing its trust upon her and team for the task.
Dg. Jagadish Chakma, DCHO, CADC while speaking, raised the idea of donating used materials (such as bamboos, sun grass, etc.) to religious institutions.
Dg. Chitta Ranjan Chakma, Member, Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee also appreciated the Committee for successful accomplishment of the program. He also appreciated the initiative of publishing bilingual version of Press Release by the I&PR Department, CADC particularly Dg. Suman Chakma, AI&PRO who has incubated the notion. However, he cautioned all concerned to be vigilant about maintaining the originality of the Chakma scripts.
Dg. Sadanand Chakma, DTO, CADC, while appreciating the accomplishment, stated that performances displayed by students were outstanding which proved the completion of 50 years of CADC’s existence in the real sense. However, he wished that participants from other tribes of CADC should have been part of the program as had been there in the inaugural program. This would have reflected the unity in diversity of CADC.
In response, the Secretary, Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee clarified that the teams of Bawm and Bru were invited to participate in the program; however, they were unable to participate on account of the impending Christmas.
At last, Dg. Chairman requested the Information & Public Relation Department to upload the detailed activity report of the Chakma Language & Scripts Development Committee of CADC to the CADC official Website.
Eventually, the meeting came to an end at 4:15 P.M. with thanks from the Chair.
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.
