Musings of a Chakma

False propaganda against Chakmas on social media

2012-01-23T18:19:00.002+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

The internet is both an evil and a Good Samaritan.It is the source of all information, good and evil. In recent times, internet,in particular the social networking sites, have played (and are still paying) criticalroles to usher in revolutions in India and abroad, particularly in the NorthAfrica and West Asia.

However, apparently, as anything else in this world,social media too has its own negative sides. It is often used by people withvested interests to spread misinformation and promote hatred towards particulargroups or communities against whom they are prejudiced (for whatsoever reasons).

One such recent example I have come across was in Facebookgroup “Tribes of North East India”, where a member (apparently a “native” ofArunachal Pradesh) made a scathing attack on Chakmas in his state.

“Chakmas are not marginalized … they live like aBOSS in Diyun circle of changlang district. Rape, murder, kidnapping are theway of life by CHAKMAS there,” he wrote in one of his comments.

I was horrified to read this. I am not from thatstate but I keep myself abreast with the situation of the Chakma people there.

“Rape, murder, kidnapping” are the “way of life” of theChakmas? I can only imagine of this in my wildest dreams. Way of life? The wayof life of the Chakmas is economic impoverishment, statelessness and going tobed every night with the hope of a new beginning the next day which is, however, yet to come. For the last abouthalf a century they have been putting their hopes against hopelessness.

Only refugees know what it is meant to be“refugees”. But Chakmas' life is worse than the refugees of India. Technically, the government of India does no longer consider them as “refugees” and therefore they do not receive any free ration (or at subsidized rates) orcash doles, housing assistance or any other facilities from the government.They do not live in refugee camps; they live in “villages” and they fend forthemselves with the limited resources available locally. To be fair to theChakmas of Arunachal Pradesh who have been treading through an uncertain path,unsure of their destiny, for the past about five decades, they have shownconsiderable patience, perseverance and wisdom against all odds. Lack oflivelihood sources and lack of employment opportunities can drive anycommunity, in particular the youngsters, to go awry. But Chakmas have displayedgreat wisdom and civilizational traits in being able to remain peaceful intrying times and circumstances such as the one they have faced.

Therefore, I challenged the commentator to show anyexample of rape committed by Chakma against indigenous women. He could not.Instead, he told me if at all I am so concerned I could shelter three-fourChakma families from Arunachal in my home state.

That is not the issue here, I retorted. I exhortedhim to come out with the facts and educated him saying that people only shouldbelieve him on the basis of facts he produced and not by his mere allegations. Whilehe stated that rape was the way of life of the Chakmas, he couldn’t produce a single example of rape, and therefore stood exposed. 100 per cent.

This is one of the examples how the social media, inparticular the Facebook, is being used by a gaggle of people with vestedinterests to spread misinformation about other communities based solely ontheir perception but without any facts. We must counter those thugs everywherewe meet them - be it on the street or on the online forums.

It is our duty to educate such people on the Chakma community. I hope you agree with me on this.

Indian Chakmas angry at 'Bengalee' tag in Bangladesh

2011-12-12T13:32:00.001+06:00

By ParitoshChakma

Published in Merinews.com,12 December, 2011

[The IndianChakmas are angry over the fact their brethren in Bangladesh were forciblyidentified as 'Bengalees' in the recently amended Constitution of Bangladesh.]

INDIANCHAKMAS have expressed their anger at ‘Bengali tag’ of their brethren, which isaimed at ‘destruction of their identity’ in the recently amended constitutionof Bangladesh. Fifteen Indian Chakma civil society organizations submitted ajoint “protest letter” to the visiting Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministerof Bangladesh, Mr Dipankar Talukdar at Kamala Nagar, headquarters of ChakmaAutonomous District Council (CADC) in South Mizoram today, protesting againsthis alleged support to the unacceptable reference of the Chakmas and otherindigenous peoples including Lushai, Tripuri, Garo etc as “Bengalees” in therecently amended Constitution of Bangladesh.

TheChakmas from Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh throughtheir civil society organizations expressed the “angst of the Indian Chakmas”against the “destruction of identity of the Chakmas in Bangladesh” as aconsequent to the 15th Amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh passed on30th June 2011 which has branded the Chakmas and other indigenous peoplesincluding Lushai, Tripuri, Garo as “Bengalees”.

TheChakmas civil society organizations have demanded a "writtenassurance" from Dipankar Talukdar (who also belongs to Chakma community)that after his return to Bangladesh he will take all the necessary measures toimpress upon the Sheikh Hasina government to recognize the Chakmas and otherethnic communities as “indigenous peoples” in the Constitution of Bangladesh.

TheIndian Chakmas also demanded Mr Talukdar’s personal intervention in hiscapacity as Member of Parliament and Minister of CHT Affairs for speedy andfull implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997 signed between theGovernment of Bangladesh and the indigenous peoples of CHT which would helprestore peace and bring development to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The15 signatory organizations to the memorandum are Mizoram Chakma DevelopmentForum, Tripura Chakma Students Association, Arunachal Pradesh Chakma StudentsUnion, MAADI, Meghalaya Chakma Students Union, Guwahati Chakma Students Union,Barak Valley Chakma Students Association, The Chakma Voice, Mumbai ChakmaAssociation, Dibrugarh Chakma Students Union, Mizoram Chakma Students Union,the Central Young Chakma Association, Mizoram Chakma Social Forum, MizoramBuddhist Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti.

MrDipankar Talukdar is on an official visit to India (Mizoram) from 7-11 December2011 to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

-----------

Also read, Chakmas peeved at 'Bengalee' tag, The Seven Sisters Post, 11.12.2011

Old age pension not paid for last nine months in Mizoram

2011-12-12T10:42:00.001+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Published in Merinews.com,10 December 2011

ON DECEMBER 9 2011,Mizoram’s well known voluntary organisation, the Mizoram Chakma DevelopmentForum (MCDF) claimed that Old Age Pension has not been paid in the entire stateof Mizoram for the last nine months, since March 2011 and has sought thepersonal intervention of Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla for payment ofOld Age Pension to all the beneficiaries before the Christmas.

In the petition the MCDFstated that as per the Supreme Court order dated 28th November 2001, payment ofthe pension under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS) Schemeshall be made before seventh day of every month and that Central grants meantfor the IGNOAPS cannot be diverted for any other purposes as per the directionof the Supreme Court of 27 April 2004. But old age pension has not been paid inthe entire state of Mizoram for the last nine months since March 2011 which isdirect and blatant violation of the directions of the Supreme Court.

Due to the inordinatedelay in the payment of the old age pension, the beneficiaries in the entirestate have been sufferings and the State cannot be a silent spectator to theirhardships, MCDF stated.

According to Mizoram UpaPawl (Senior Citizens’ Association) of Mizoram, there are 23,547 beneficiariesof old age pension scheme.

MCDF demands payment of Old Age Pension to all beneficiaries in Mizoram before the Christmas

2011-12-09T12:28:00.001+06:00

9 December 2011

Press Release

Old age pension not paid for the last 9 monthsin Mizoram: MCDF seeks CM’s personal intervention

NewDelhi:Today the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) stated that Old Age Pensionhas not been paid in the entire state of Mizoram for the last nine months,since March 2011 and has sought the personal intervention of Mizoram ChiefMinister Mr Lalthanhawla for payment of Old Age Pension to all the beneficiariesbefore the Christmas. The petition has been submitted by fax.

“In the petition the MCDF stated that as per the Hon’bleSupreme Court order dated 28^th November 2001, payment of the pensionunder the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS) Scheme shall be made before seventh day of every month and thatCentral grants meant for the IGNOAPS cannot be diverted for any other purposes asper the direction of the SupremeCourt of 27 April 2004. But old age pension has not been paid in the entire stateof Mizoram for the last 9 months since March2011 which isdirect and blatant violation of the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.” –stated Hemanta Larma, president of MCDF.

“Due to the inordinatedelay in the payment of the old age pension, the beneficiaries in the entirestate have been sufferings and the State cannot be a silent spectator to their hardships”,further stated Mr Larma.

The petition was also submitted to theMizoram Governor His Excellency Shri V B Purushathaman, and the Office of theSupreme Court Commissioners, New Delhi.

(Source: http://mcdf.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/mcdf-demands-payment-of-old-age-pension-to-all-beneficiaries-in-mizoram-before-christmas/ )

Virtual identity

2011-12-01T13:06:00.001+06:00

Paritosh Chakma: that is not

In today’sworld, everyone ought to have a “virtual existence”. If you don’t, you areout-dated. Therefore, even Chakma people from remotest areas like Nunsury villageon the India-Bangladesh border of Mizoram are active on the online world whichprovides you a “virtual existence”. They are uploading information and photosof every life.

Anyexistence must have an identity. Now, the Chakma netizens have come out with aunique concept and they are enjoying it. The Unique Identification (UID) Numberof the Government of India may be steeped in controversies, this Chakma projectof similar nature is going viral in the Facebook.

“TheGovernment of the United Royal Chakma Kingdom” – a virtual country of theChakmas - has started issuing National Identity Cards to all its “citizens”.The project will cover entire Chakmas on planet earth. This mindboggling projectis being handled by very sophisticated CIN (Chakma Information Network)

Itoo applied for my National ID card and got it. Have a look. Isn’t itwonderful?

However, noteveryone is eligible. Every country has its own laws, rules and regulations. Inthis virtual Chakma country, only “Chakma” or “Changma” are eligible to applyfor National ID Cards. If you are not one of these, you will be outrightlydenied an ID Card in United Royal Chakma Kingdom, like this friend of mine.

Paritosh Chakma: that is

Currently, Paritosh isediting "The Chakma Voice – Global Edition 2011", which is to be released on 31^stDecember 2011. It is a mammoth task, but his team is going strong.

Wish me best luck.

Our script is our birthright

2011-10-31T12:18:00.000+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Therally by Chakmas in the streets of Agartala, the capital of Tripura, on 18thAugust 2011, three days after the India’s Independence Day, is an unforgettableevent. Although I was not physically present there, the photos flashed throughthe Facebook inspired me to write this article.

TheChakmas participated in the rally holding placards and banners written inChakma script, Bengali and English conveying their demands. Most of theplacards and banners were written in Chakma script but they were also writtenin Bengali and Roman scripts so that others and Chakmas who cannot read theChakma script can read and understand.

Therally was participated by over 400 people, including women and girls, from thenook and corners of Tripura. Given the lackluster attitude of Chakmas towardssocial movements across India, the number (400) is significantly higher, alsogiven the fact that the rally was held at Agartata where not many Chakmas live.The number reflected the honour Chkamas would like to have by getting officialrecognition of their script and language.

Constitution vs Tripura govt

TheConstitution of India has provided adequate safeguards for minorities,including linguistic minorities. While all the constitutional safeguards likethe right to equality, non discrimination etc, are also applicable to theminorities, the Constitution has spelt out several safeguards specifically forthe minorities. Article 29 (1) of the Constitution explicitly states that “anysection of citizens” has the right to conserve the “distinct language, scriptor culture of its own”. The Constitution also says that it shall be theendeavour of every state government to provide adequate facilities forinstruction in mother-tongue at primary stage (Article 350 A).

But the Tripura government has“imposed” the Bengali script on Chakmas. It is an insult to the whole Chakmacommunity and naked violation of the fundamental rights of the minorities inIndia.

Notmany tribal languages have their own scripts. Since Chkama is an endangeredlanguage, the State must take adequate measures to safeguard it. The first andmost important measure would be to officially recognize the Chakma language andscript and give all the protections under the law.

Butthe Tripura government has separated the Mother Tongue from its script. Thestate government had agreed to introduce Chakma language but not the script.The million dollar question is: why should the Chakmas read or write theirlanguage in some other’s script when they have their own script which iscenturies old and well developed?

Who’s to blame?

If the Tripura government hasrefused to adopt the Chakma script who is to blame? The Tripura government hassquarely blamed the Chakmas themselves, and to be more specific, the AdvisoryCommittee for Development of Chakma Language (hereafter “Advisory Committee”)which is headed by a Chakma. Figure this. Vide letter dated 16 August 2010,Director of SCERT, Tripura informed the General Secretary, Undandhi Sadhak(NGO) that “Chakma Text-Books are being prepared in Bengali Scripts on thebasis of the resolution adopted in a meeting of the Advisory Committee forDevelopment of Chakma Language held on 10/08/1998, which was approved by thehigher Authority vide DO.No. 256/Min/Edn/99 dated 1-4-99”. “In this regards, itmay be mentioned here that the Authority of School Education is acting on thebasis of the advise/ recommendation of the Advisory Committee for Developmentof Chakma Language,” the letter further pointed out.

Earlier,responding to an RTI application filed by Aniruddha Chakma, GS, ChakmaStudents’ Association, S. Debbarma, Deputy Director, SCERT, Tripura reiteratedthe same thing on 25 February 2008: “Bengali script was adopted [for Chakmas]as per recommendation of Advisory Committee for Development of ChakmaLanguage”.

Theallegation also goes that the Advisory Committee on 10 August 1998 secretlyembraced the Bengali script. Interestingly, the Advisory Committee has neverpublicly refuted these allegations.

However,to be fair to the Advisory Committee, prior to 1998, it had indeed recommendedto the state government for adoption of Chakma script. For example, such aresolution was passed on 8 October 1993 but the state government did not acceptit. Instead, the state government vide letter No.F.19(8-11)-DSE/88(2-3)/850-58, dated Agartala, the 05 September 1995 announcedthat Chakma subject will be taught in Bengali script!

So,it is evident that prior to the Advisory Committee’s resolution of 10 August1998, the state government had already approved Bengali script.

Thereis also evidence to suggest that the Advisory Committee did indeed lobbied forChakma script. In a letter dated 2 November 1995, Officer-in-Charge, TribalLanguage Cell, Directorate of School Education, Agartala informed PragatiChakma, Member of the Advisory Committee that “the Hon’ble Education Ministerhas kindly agreed to introduce only Chakma Language subject in Chakma Scriptsfrom Class III onwards at the Primary level as per report submitted to thisoffice by the Chairman of Advisory Committee for Development of ChakmaLanguage.”

But the state government ofTripura never kept its promise. It needed an excuse to scuttle the Chakmascript. That excuse came in the form of the Advisory Committee’s resolution of10 August 1998 that was passed under mysterious circumstances.

Thathowever does not exonerate the Advisory Committee which has a lot toanswer.

On August 29th, Chakma socialleaders and Advisory Committee members held a meeting with state’s EducationMinister. The Education Minister decided to send the proposal for Cabinetconsideration. Chakmas believe this is a delaying tactic. Only god knows howmany more years it will take to come to a solid decision.

Way forward

We must not be disheartened bythe August 29th event. Chakmas must continue to keep the movement for Chakmascript alive.

Our fight must be both at statelevel and national level. We must bring our demand to the notice of thePresident of India and the National Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, whoreports to the President. Under Article 347 of the Constitution, “On a demandbeing made in that behalf the President may, if he is satisfied that asubstantial proportion of the population of a State desire the use of anylanguage spoken by them to be recognised by that State, direct that suchlanguage shall also be officially recognised throughout that State or any partthereof for such purpose as he may specify.” There are several pockets inTripura where Chakma speakers could be considered “substantial” in number. Wemust make it clear that language and script are inseparable.

TheNational Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, created under Article 350B ofthe constitution, has the authority to “investigate all matters relating to thesafeguards provided for linguistic minorities under this Constitution andreport to the President”.

Chakmas must use variousconstitutional mechanisms. If nothing works, we must seek legal guidance as towhether or not this case could be taken to the court.

TheChakmas’ understanding is: Our script is our birthright. What does the constitutionsay?

(First published in SOJAAK, Issue No. 3, October 2011, available at http://sojaak.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/sojaak-october2011.pdf )

Chakma: A language utterly neglected in Mizoram

2011-10-29T15:32:00.002+06:00

The Chakma is acommunity with distinct culture, traditions, and a language having its ownwritten script. They mostly inhabit the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh;the Arakan or Rakhine state of Myanmar; and Mizoram,Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh & Assam in the North Eastern region of India.The Chakmas, though in less numbers, are also living in various parts of theworld.

In Mizoram,Chakmas have Autonomous District Council, protected under the Constitution ofIndia. The Chakma ADC protects and preserves the community’s culture, languageand script, apart from enjoying political autonomy (though in limited measure).With a population of 71,283 which constitute 8% of Mizoram’s total population(Census 2001), Chakmas are the second largest community, after the Mizos. (See,http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/dh_st_mizoram.pdf)

But, Chakmas arevery much neglected in Mizoram. This article seeks to document an aspect ofthat neglect, that is, Chakma language.

Heightof apathy: Chakma speakers are counted as Bengalees

In the Mizoramgovernment’s response to questionnaire for 41^st Report (for periodfrom July 2002 to June 2003) of the National Commissioner for LinguisticMinorities (NCLM) there is no mention of Chakma as a language spoken in thestate. The linguistic profile of Mizoram was mentioned as follows:

Language	No. of speakers	Percentage
Lushai/Mizo	518099	75.11
Bengali	59092	8.57
Tripuri	26425	3.83
Lakher	22938	3.32
Pawi	15316	2.22
Hmar	9525	1.38
Hindi	8837	1.28
Nepali	8247	1.20
Paite	7726	1.12

Thehighlight of Mizoram government’s response is the exclusion of Chakma language.The fact that the Bengali speakers were mentioned as 8.57% suggests thatChakmas have been counted as Bengalees! (Just look at the figures below;Bengali is spoken by just 1% of Mizoram’s population.) Counting of Chakmas asBengalees is the height of discrimination and apathy against the Chakmas by theadministration in Mizoram.

However,Chakmas figure prominently in the response to the questionnaire for NCLM’s 42^ndReport (for the period from July 2003 to June 2004). The languages are asfollows:

Language	No. of speakers	Percentage
Mizo	773058	87
Chakma	71086	8
Hindi	31989	3.6
Bengali	9774	1.1
Others	2666	0.3

TheChakma language has been rightly restored as the second most spoken language inMizoram after Mizo.

In the responsesto the questionnaire for 45^th Report (for the period from July 2006to June 2007), the languages spoken are given as:

Language	No of speakers	Percentage
Mizo	647849	72.9
Chakma	67057	7.55
Lakher	34731	3.9
Pawi	24900	2.8
Paite	14356	1.61
Hmar	14240	1.6
Bengali	13325	1.5

Howthe number of Chakma speakers came down from 71,086 to 67,057 is a mystery. Onthe other hand, Census 2001 counted the Chakmas as 71,283.

If we look atcritically, we find the following three things:

First, it is evidentthat the state government of Mizoram in its response submitted to the NationalCommissioner for Linguistic Minorities for 41^th Report counted theChakmas as “Bengalees”.

Second, exclusion ofthe Chakmas as a distinct linguistic group (despite being the 2^ndlargest linguistic group) was height of discrimination and apathy against them,and assaults their identity as a distinct community in Mizoram; and

Third, the Mizoram governmenthas been inconsistent with the number of speakers of various languagesincluding Chakma.

Mizoramsnubs NCLM: Evidence of apathy against minorities

Article 350B of the Constitution of India providesfor “a Special Officer for linguistic minorities” to be appointed by thePresident whose duty shall be to “investigate all matters relating to thesafeguards provided for linguistic minorities under this Constitution andreport to the President upon those matters at such intervals as the Presidentmay direct, and the President shall cause all such reports to be laid beforeeach House of Parliament, and sent to the Governments of the States concerned.”The National Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities was created under Article350B.

The NCLM may be a constitutional authority but without any teeth. Itsorders are repeatedly violated by the state government of Mizoram, without anyaccountability.

The 46^th report (July, 2007 to June, 2008) of the NationalCommissioner for Linguistic Minorities painfully records -

Inspiteof repeated reminders and letter to Chief Minister from the Commissioner forLinguistic Minorities, the State Government did not furnish a reply to theQuestionnaire for the 46th Report of the CLM. Therefore, there is nothing newto report, than what has already been reported upon in the 45th Report of theCLM for the period July 2006 to June 2007.

TheNCLM merely reproduced its earlier recommendations contained in the 45th Reportas below:

i.The State Government should immediately issue suitable directions formaintenance of Advance Registers in schools to enable registration oflinguistic preference of minority language students.

ii.It should make efforts to develop expertise in languages other than Mizo.It should also help in preparing the books in Lai, Mara Chakma, Paite and Hamar

iii.The State Government should take steps to publish gist of important rules,regulations, etc. in minority languages in areas where their speakersconstitute 15% or more of the local population.

iv.The State Government should publicize the safeguards available to linguisticminorities so as to ensure that speakers of minority languages are not deniedtheir linguistic rights for want of information in this regard.

v.A firm machinery to look after the safeguards provided to the linguisticminorities is required to be established at state and district level. Thisshould also include a monitoring committee to check action taken by thesubordinate officers.

This is not thefirst time that the Mizoram government snubbed the NCLM. In his 44^thReport (July 2005 to June 2006) theCLM also painfully notes that “Reply to the questionnaire for the Forty FourthReport has not been received from Mizoram even after a lot of efforts. We areunable, on this account, to give information about the updated position aboutthe implementation of the safeguards for the linguistic minorities.”

Mizoram’sTribal Research Institute: Mirror of discrimination

Theaim of the Mizoram’s Tribal Research Institution (TRI) is to “undertake asystematic study and research in all aspect of tribal life and economy whichwill help the Tribal Areas and the Government in formulating the Developmentand Welfare Schemes for the tribal people in the correct lines.”

Its objectives are:1. collection of factual information about the history, social organisation,language, customs and manners, wedding, birth and death ceremonies, customarylaws and usages, system of inheritance etc. for each particular tribe residentin the state; 2. study the old monographs and writings on the customs, socialorganisations, and other subjects; 3. collection of folk songs, folk tales,prayers, stories, festivals, myths and fables; 4. evaluation of the WelfareWorks taken up since Independence particularly noting their impact on the mindand psychology of the people showing which of them harmonise with their modernway of life and development, and 5. to take up social economic survey of eachTribal village.

But theMizoram’s TRI situated at Aizawl has done nothing for the Chakma tribe. Thisreflects the biasness against the Chakma community.

The 44^thReport stated that “The TRI is not working on any language other than Mizo andis not producing any books in them. At least the folklore of these tribes canbe published in their own language. TRI can also help prepare the books inChakma, Lai and Mara.” Similarly, the 45^th Report recommended thatthe Tribal Research Institute “should make efforts to develop expertise inlanguages other than Mizo. It should also help in preparing the books in Lai,Mara Chakma, Paite and Hamar.”

Nomonitoring Body

No independentbody has been set up to monitor and implement the safeguards provided to theLinguistic Minorities.

The Mizoramgovernment refused to provide answers in a lot of questions, mainly relating tomachinery for implementation of the safeguards of rights of linguisticminorities. It did not reply to questions for 45^th Report concerningthe safeguard mechanisms.

It is surprisingthat the Mizoram government while responding to questionnaire for 42^ndReport stated “Items 43 to 47 come under the purview of State’s HomeDepartment”. “Items 43 to 47” related toMachinery for Implementation of Safeguards and Pamphlets in minority languages.

Minorities’silence: No complaint

Thestate government has stated that no petition/ complaint has been filed by anylinguistic minority group. When asked to indicate major problems faced by thegovernment and administration in actual implementation of safeguards providedto linguistic minorities, the Mizoram government replied “N.A” (Not Applicable)(Response to questionnaire for 40^th Report).

(This article is taken from SOJAAK, Issue No. 3, October 2011, available at http://sojaak.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/sojaak-october2011.pdf )

Mizoram, its political leaders and secularism

2011-10-19T11:25:00.000+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

This is in reaction to the HindustanTimes report “Mizo CM under attack over ‘Hindu celebration’” of 18 October 2011 (online edition).

The principal opposition party inthe state, Mizo National Front, or MNF, has slammed Chief Minister LalThanhawla for attending Hindu religious festivals Durga Puja and Dussehra inKolkata recently.

I slam both the MNF and theCongress parties for their double standards with regard to the freedom of religion.

MNF’s take on religion:

MNF's Vice President R Tlanghmingthangais reported to have stated “We strongly condemn Lal Thanhawla for attending the [Hindu]celebrations and hope that he will seek forgiveness from God.” Mr Tlanghmingthangafurther allegedly stated that Lal Thanhawla was also “guilty” of breaking acoconut (a Hindu ritual) while inaugurating the Tuivawl Bridge in Mizoram on 24January 2011 and the Mizoram House in New Delhi in 2010.

The MNF allegedly called the CM’sacts as “betraying his God and forsaking his Christianity”.

How ludicrous!

The MNF must knowthat State has no religion under the Constitution of India. The state ofMizoram is represented by the Chief Minister who as the constitutionalauthority also has no religion in carrying out his official duties and responsibilities.

Constitution apart,a good Christian can never dishonor other’s religions.

Congress’ take on religion

The Congress partyhas defended its Chief Minister. A Congress party spokesperson in Aizawl replied“In a secular country, a chief minister has no religious barriers. Besides, theKolkata programme was of a cultural nature.”

“The MNF must haveforgotten that their leader Zoramthanga had entered a gurdwara [Sikh religiousplace] outside Mizoram sporting a turban,” the spokesperson added.

While the Congressmay have taken the moral high ground for being more secular than the MNF, but thereis a question mark when the present Congress government in Mizoram deleted “BuddhaPurnima” from the official list of holidays for 2012 calendar. This is despitethe fact that “Buddha Purnima” is a gazetted holiday in India. Read, http://paritosh-chakma.blogspot.com/2011/09/faux-pas-buddha-purnima-is-no-longer.html

India is a Secular country. State has no religion under the Constitution of India. Secularism means that the State is equidistant from all religions and therefore has the constitutional obligation to protect the rights of persons belonging to any religion or faith in this country in equal measure. Discrimination on the basis of religion alone is prohibited by law.

Therefore, whether theexclusion of the “Buddha Purnima” is deliberate act or an inadvertent error,the state government of Mizoram and its “secular” Chief Minister must answer.

MCDF demands justice for Lobindra Chakma of Mizoram

2011-09-27T19:13:00.001+06:00

PRESS RELEASE

BDO beats up villager for demandingNREGS wages

MCDFseeks Mizoram CM’s intervention to punish the BDO

27 September2011

NewDelhi: Todaythe Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) in a petition submitted to theMizoram Chief Minister Mr Lalthanhawla demanded stringent action against the Lungsen Block DevelopmentOfficer (BDO), Mr John Tanpuia who tortured a villager Lobindra Chakma fordemanding wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. LobindraChakma mysteriously disappeared from the BDO’s custody on 23 September 2011.

The BDO, Mr John Tanpuia had askedLobindra Chakma (44 years), s/o Chitra Kumar Chakma of Siphirtlang village inLunglei district to saw teak logs, which the later refused on the grounds thathe had no partners (it needs at least two persons to saw logs) and had no moneyto hire labourers. Angered by this, the BDO withheld Chakma’s wages under theNational Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Lobindra Chakma filed a complaintwith the Lunglei Deputy Commissioner against the BDO for blocking his NREGSwages.

Enraged by the complaint, the BDO MrJohn Tanpuia went to Siphirtlang village on 23 September 2011 and brutally beatup Lobindra Chakma, and his wife, Ms Milebo Chakma in full public view. Due tothe severe assault, Lobindra Chakma vomited blood but the BDO continued to beathim. Later, Lobindra Chakma was huddledinto the BDO’s vehicle and taken to his quarter at Lungsen. Since then, thewhereabouts of Lobindra Chakma are unknown.

“It is a clear case of brutalities by apowerful official against a helpless villager. The misuse of authority by theBDO is palpable. Such brutalities are unacceptable in a civilized society. Thatthe victim went missing from the BDO’s custody is a matter of great concern. Thelaw of the land demands that the Lungsen Block Development Officer Mr JohnTanpuia must be punished for his illegal and unconstitutional actions.” –stated MCDF president Hemanta Larma.

MCDF’s demandsincluded registration of a case against Lungsen Block Development Officer MrJohn Tanpuia and his immediate arrest, a high level investigation by a policeofficer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police; suspension of the BDO tillthe completion of the investigation; find out the whereabouts of Mr LobindraChakma and reunite him with his family; and provide a compensation of Rs10,00,000 (ten lakhs) to the victim’s family as interim compensation which shouldbe recovered from the accused BDO. [Ends]

Read MCDF's petition to Mizoram Chief Minister, Lalthanhawla here: http://mcdf.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/mcdf-demands-justice-for-lobindra-chakma/

Mizoram: Chakma villager disappears from BDO's custody

2011-09-27T11:35:00.002+06:00

A Chakma villager and his wife were brutally beaten up by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Lungsen block in Lunglei district, Mr John Tanpuia (Mizoram Civil Service, MCS) at Siphirtlang sub village under Lungsen village council in Lunglei district of Mizoram on 23 September 2011. Reason: The victim, Lobindra Chakma (44 years), s/o Chitra Kumar Chakma had complained to the Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei against denial of wages under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The BDO had asked Lobindra Chakma to saw teak logs which he refused on the grounds that he did not have partners. (one man cannot saw logs).

After his NREGS wages were withheld by the BDO, Lobindra Chakma filed a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei against the BDO. Enraged the BDO accompanied by one M Vanlal Hluna came to Siphirtlang village and brutally beat up Lobindra Chakma, and his wife, Ms Milebo Chakma in full public view. The Christian priest tried to prevent the assault but the BDO did not heed to the priest. (The victims are christians). Other villagers also did not dare to come to the victims’ rescue. Due to the severe assault, Lobindra Chakma vomited blood but the BDO continued to beat him. Chakma and Mizo villagers were witness to these brutalities.

Later, Lobindra Chakma was huddled into the BDO’s vehicle and taken to his quarter at Lungsen. Lobindra Chakma has not returned home till today. His whereabouts are unknown.

On 26 September 2011, Young Chakma Association (YCA) and Young Mizo Association (YMA) held meetings and launched joint search operations but could not locate the Chakma.

It is a clear case of brutalities by a powerful official against a helpless villager. Shouldn't the Block Development Officer be prosecuted?

Have our leaders lost track?

2011-09-20T14:42:00.000+06:00

(Note: This short essay is my take on the "leaders" who have taken the role to lead the Chakma society in the 21st century, and where they have failed. First published inSOJAAK, September 2011)

“A leader is onewho sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who seesbefore others see” - Leroy Eimes

WHENwe discuss leadership in the context of the Chakma community, often than not weare more likely to get two responses. First, we lack good leaders; and thesecond, we do not follow our leaders. It’s happening for centuries and hasbecome a curse on Chakmas - we tell each other, and each one of us nods ourheads in agreement.

Thisonly means one thing: our problems are a two-way street: both the leaders andthe led are at fault. But the leaders are expected to “see more than otherssee”, “see farther than others see”, and “see before others see”.

Thecrisis everywhere:

Thelack of good leadership and the tendency to disobey our leaders have brought usto where we are now – be it in India or Bangladesh or elsewhere. Instead offocusing on education, development and building solidarity, we are at best indisunity, infightings, fratricidal killings (in the case of CHT only), andtotal lack of sense about what’s going to happen to us in near future. The factthat Chakmas have been entrenched with seemingly unresolved problems reflectsone thing very clearly: more than lack of able leadership, the Chakma leadersare unwilling to lead the community fromsuffering to solutions, from darkness to light, from hopelessness to hope.

Considerthe case of CHT. All that we have been witnessing is regular fratricidalkillings between political groups instead of fighting our enemy—both politicaland societal. In this bloody war, we have lost a good number of able andforesighted leaders. Who has gained out of this? The result is that we havebecome too feeble to defend ourselves and fight for justice. Instead ofbecoming leaders of the whole community, we have become leaders of a faction ora group.

Seethe case of Chakmas in Mizoram. Even after enjoying “autonomy” for fourdecades, the condition of the people of Chakma Autonomous District Council ispitiable. The CADC Chakmas have the authority to govern themselves or to damnthemselves. While the former flows directly from the Indian constitution, thelatter may flow directly from our selfish souls. And, not surprisingly, theChakma leaders do the second act in a more comfortable fashion than the firstone. Governance is a tough job, to be done effectively by efficient leaders andadministrators. Within the CADC areas, take the case of Kamala Nagar, theheadquarter which still lives without regular water supply, electricity, properroads, regular mobile network or unhindered landline phone connectivity, not totalk of the high speed internet that rules the world. Kamala Nagar is neitherproperly connected with Aizawl, the state capital, nor even with the secondlargest town within CADC, Baraponsury by road. People go to Parva (a villagebordering Myanmar) through the Lai Autonomous District Council, because thereis no road connectivity through the CADC. A Community Health Centre, withoutadequate facilities, is entrusted to save the lives of over 50,000 CADC population (of course, therich ones go to Aizawl and beyond for treatment). The employees virtuallysurvive on loans taken from Bengali traders/shopkeers at exorbitant interestrates, since the salaries are not paid regularly on time. Even the arrear ofentire year of all employees can be snatched away and diverted for otherpurpose, without a murmur of protest.

Yet,surprisingly, the souls at Kamala Nagar live in peace with themselves. No one dares to raise a voice; only they murmur to themselves against their fate.Yet, any whisper of dissent is likely to be crushed if it falls into the earsof the political bosses or their cronies. The leader of a particular NGO haseven spoken in support of corruption in the Council, albeit indirectly.

Ifthis is the condition of people living at the headquarters, imagine the plightof the common man living in the remotest villages without access to the basicfacilities. The saying goes, god helps those who help themselves. This holdstrue for Chakmas as well.

Afact finding team of Mizoram Chakma Development Forum early this year (thisauthor was part of the team) found that social welfare schemes such as PublicDistribution System, Mid Day Meal scheme, Integrated Child Development Scheme,Old Age Pension scheme etc have virtually collapsed in several parts of CADC.Yet, there seems to be no visible intervention from the CADC leadership.

Outsidethe CADC, Chakmas are losing their lands. Be it Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mamitdistrict or Puankhai Forest Reserve in Lunglei district, Chakmas are losingtheir lands. Yet, no leader has spoken out against this kind of landacquisitions.

TheChakmas in Mizoram have been deprived of social, educational and economicbenefits. Recruitment rules have been framed to bar Chakmas from getting employmentwhich has resulted in huge educated unemployment. The state government has beenwillfully diverting the Central funds for Buddhist minorities to majority areasthereby denying development under various schemes. The state government hasrefused to take any measure for the development of Chakma language, script orculture and consistently scuttled the efforts of the National MinorityCommission to set up a State Minority Commission to look after the welfare ofthe non-Christian minorities in the state.

Yet,the Chakma leaders have maintained a stony silence. They are invisible when itcomes to raising the voice against injustice and for our development.

Tripurahas a unique case. On August 18th, hundreds of Chakmas marched down the streetsof Agartala, the state capital, demanding introduction of Chakma script inschools. The Tripura state government has refused to recognize the Chakmascript and instead imposed the Bengali script. The defence of the stategovernment is that the decision to use Bengali script by Chakmas was taken byChakmas themselves at a 1998 meeting of government-appointed Advisory Committeefor Development of Chakma Language. This means that the Chakmas have beenpleading with Chakma leaders in the Advisory Committee for adoption of Chakmascript. What an irony!

Threekinds of leaders

InMizoram, you can find three kinds of (Chakma) leaders. First ones are thepolitical leaders, who are too political and little social in the sense thatthey have no time for the public. The political class is cut off from thecommon people and the problems they face on daily basis. The village levelpolitical class thinks they are the kings, and they are more busy in misleadingthe people than finding solutions to the problems of their respective villages.In the land of the blind, the one-eyed is the king.

Secondones are the NGO workers, who are however not activists. They do humanitarianworks, such as building houses ravaged by cyclones, construct village footbridge, or clear the roads.

Thethird ones are the bred who survive on other's miseries. They are mainlystationed in towns like Aizawl/Lunglei (or even in villages) and often siphonoff people’s funds through forgery and cheating. One such person recently allegedlyborrowed Rs 10 lakh from a rich (Mizo) man claiming himself to be the presidentof a Chakma social organization! (This author has a copy of that agreementsigned while borrowing the money). Otherwise, one wonders how do they manage tofeed their families and educate their children without any job? However, I donot paint all in the same brush; there are good guys too.

Leadersout of sync?

In myanalysis here, I am focusing on the first two groups of leaders (politicalleaders and NGO workers). The third group needs no introduction; its better toleave them alone.

Thecase of the Chakma villagers of Parva I in the Chakma District Council issymptomatic of the problems faced by the community in Mizoram on daily basis.Every year, people die of malaria, water borne diseases and other unknowndiseases; yet the health sub centre in the village is an empty dilapidatedhouse. It was not operationalized ever since it was constructed several yearsago. There is no Anganwadi Centre for 1,359 people. Theonly High School in this area catering to over 7 villages has been lyingdefunct since 1998. The Public Distribution System does not work properly. Thepoorest of the poor have to starve during the monsoon but the food godown thatwas set up in 1997 is abandoned. Yet, the CADC administration did nothing toassuage their sufferings. I wonder whether the officials even know that thefundamental right to life also includes the right to food or is starvationtreated as just a “normal” thing?

Thelethargic manner in which our leaders deal with our day to day problems reflectthat they are either incapable or are not willing. Or are they out of sync inthe 21st century?

InMizoram, our leaders did their best according to the situation in the 20th century.They walked miles for days in the absence of roads and were even thrown out ofbuses in the middle of nowhere during hostility days of 1990s. There were notelephones and waited for days to get a message passed to the other end or toreceive information. Yet, they managed quite well.

However,the 21^st century is the age of information technology with which ourolder generation leaders seem to be out of sync. The Indian government broughtin a number of rights based laws, for example, Right to Information Act, theRight to Education Act, Forest Rights Act, job guarantee Act (NREGS) etc. Butare we aware of these legal entitlements and how to ensure these entitlements,if denied? Or, how many of our leaders are pro-active in the defense of ourrights?

In conclusion,I would say that Chakmas are facing leadership crisis which must be addressed.The political leaders must feel the pulse of the common man and solve theirproblems. NGO leaders must shift their focus to activism and raise their voiceagainst anything which is not in the interest of the community. If we fail todo these, then, in the coming days we will witness increasing role of the“third kind” of leadership described by me above. Society would no longer be insafe hands.

(Theviews expressed are personal of the author)

SOJAAK September 2011 issue released

2011-09-20T13:06:00.002+06:00

In this issue:

News from the Chakma world, P1

COVER STORY

>> Mizoram: Time to look beyond elementaryeducation, P2

>> Arunachal: Dismal state of education BYTEJANG CHAKMA, P4

>> Tripura: Battle for scripts, P6

PERSPECTIVE

>> CHT: Community initiative on education BYTANDRA CHAKMA, P7

>> Have our leaders lost track? BY PARITOSHCHAKMA, P9

Read Here: SOJAAK Sept 2011 issue

Archive:

Read SOJAAK August 2011 issue

Faux pas: "Buddha Purnima" no longer a holiday in Mizoram?

2011-09-14T15:16:00.002+06:00

"Buddhapurnima" is the most sacred day for the Buddhists across the worldincluding India. It is only natural that this day is a gazetted holiday inIndia along with other important auspicious days of various religions. Buddha Purnima is the unique day of the Buddha's birth, nirvana (enlightenment), and mahaparinirvana (death).

But surprisinglythe list of holidays announced by the Mizoram government for 2012 (andavailable in its website http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/hol2012.htm ) does not includeBUDDHA PURNIMA. It wasof course a holiday in 2011 (see here: http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/hols.htm)

In the notified list of2012, a number religious days have been declared holiday - MissionaryDay, Holi, Mahavir Jayanti, Rath Yatra, Idu’lFitr, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra (Vijay Dashmi), Diwali(Beepavali), Guru Nanak’s Birthday, and of course, Good Fridayand Christmas Day, Christmas eve, and Christmas festival.

Butsurprisingly, the Buddha Purnima has been omitted.

Thebasic question I am asking here is: Is this omission an error, or is it adeliberate decision taken at the highest level of the state’s administration?

I hopeand pray it is an inadvertent error. However, if it is not so, then it clearlyforms a part of the bigger angle. That is, a clear message from the Mizoramgovernment that "we do not care for the Buddhists (read Chakmas)".

On 27 April 2011, Chief Minister MrLalthanhawla termed the Chakmas as “hnawksak” (nuisance) which has racist connotations. Thereafter, he fails to issue any clarification orapologize for his irresponsible comment.

Has the exclusion of the “Buddha Purnima” from the official list of holidays anythingto do with the Chief Minister’s April 27 statement?

The omissionof Buddha Purnima is simply inexplicable and beyond common sense. The Buddhists constitute about 8% ofMizoram's population. As per 2001 census , there are only 179 Jains, 326 Sikhs,10,099 Muslims, and 31,562 Hindus in Mizoram while the population of Buddhistswas 70,494. This makes the Buddhists/Chakmas the largest minority - both inreligious and ethnic senses. The omission of Buddha Purnima, therefore,naturally poses another question: Is it another example of neglect of theBuddhists who are mainly the Chakmas by the Mizoram government?

When, festivals likeholi, Mahavir Jayanti, Rath Yatra, Idu’l Fitr, GuruNanak’s Birthday etc can be gazetted holidays, WHY CAN'T BUDDHA PURMINA be?

This isnot a radical thought or a concept of religious fanaticism but a matter ofhuman rights of the largest religious minorities (Buddhists) in Mizoram. In myview, this involves questions of the right to equality, non-discrimination anddignified life, among others. This involves a plain question as to why Buddha Purnima is not a government holiday in Mizoram when it is a gazetted holiday in the whole of India?

If omission of Buddha Purnima is an inadvertent error, thenthe Mizoram government must immediately make necessary correction to the list of holidays in 2012. Failure todo so will only further alienate the already alienated Buddhist minorities/Chakmas, which, I think, should not be the aim of any government that swears by the constitution.

SOJAAK, August 2011 issue

2011-09-08T11:56:00.005+06:00

We have recently launched an online monthly magazine called "SOJAAK" (Alert, in Chakma). I am one of the editors of this online magazine.

You may be interested to read its very first edition, which is still fresh.

You may be also interested in my article "Indian Independence and the Chakmas: The forgotten story and the sorry state of affairs"

Read it here: SOJAAK (August 2011 issue)

http://www.scribd.com/doc/64241890/sojaak-aug2011

MCDF deplores CYCA president’s pro-corruption stand

2011-08-24T09:44:00.000+06:00

Mizoram Chakma Development Forum

C3/441, Second Floor, Janakpuri, New Delhi- 110058

Email: chakmavoice@gmail.com

Website: www.mcdf.wordpress.com

Contact No. 0-9958562835

23 August 2011

Press Release

MCDF deplores CYCA president’s pro-corruption stand

New Delhi: Today the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) deplored the pro-corruption stand taken by the President of the Central Young Chakma Association (CYCA), Mr Sashi Chakma who has opposed the decision of the Lawngtlai District Development and Vigilance Forum (LDDVF) to file a case with the CBI against alleged corruption by leaders in Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC).

In a press statement dated 18^th August 2011, the CYCA opposed the decision of Lawngtlai District Development and Vigilance Forum (LDDVF) to seek a CBI probe into the alleged “sudden accumulation of wealth” by some CADC leaders. The CYCA stated that the decision to approach the CBI was politically motivated and taken without the consultation with CYCA President Mr Sashi Chakma who claims to be the Vice Chairperson of the LDDVF, sub-headquarters, Chawngte.

“Everybody knows that corruption is all-pervading in CADC. When the entire nation is raising its voice against corruption, it is really unfortunate that CYCA president Mr Sashi Chakma has raised objections to the anti-corruption actions taken by the LDDVF. Whether the case is political or not, it is upto the concerned political party or the accused to respond, not the CYCA which is expected to be apolitical organization. The pro-corruption stand taken by the CYCA president is against the ethos of the CYCA and such a stand may diminish the morale of Chakmas fighting against corruption at various levels.” – stated Mr Hemanta Larma, president of MCDF.

“The CYCA is supposed to work for development and progress of the society including taking measures for eliminating corruption which hampers development. If Mr Sashi Chakma as sub-headquarter Vice Chairperson of LDDVF has any problem with the decisions taken at LDDVF meetings, he should have used his LDDVF position to protest. He must refrain himself from using the CYCA to settle personal differences with any other individual or organization.” – further stated Mr Larma. [Ends]

Chakmas support Anna Hazare's movement

2011-08-22T18:33:00.000+06:00

Chakma community people have come out in strong support for the anti-corruption movement launched by Gandhian Anna Hazare. On 21 August, scores of Chakmas joined the protest at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi, under the banner of Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF). MCDF wants inclusion of Autonomous District Councils' political leaders namely CEM, EM, MDCs and all officials/staff serving under the ADCs under the purview of the Lokpal. In this regards, MCDF will formally submit its recommendations to both the Parliamentary Standing Committee and the Anna Team, it is learnt.

Photos

Murder of Democracy

2011-08-16T18:24:00.003+06:00

On 15 August, we celebrated our freedom. The next day, the Government murdered that freedom by arresting Anna Hazare and his supporters.

Crack down on democratic rights, I CONDEMN !!

Mizoram: Is there a silent storm?

2011-08-11T11:32:00.007+06:00

A lot of things are happening in this tiny hilly state of Mizoram in far away North East, without being noticed by the mainstream media or policy makers.

On 5 August 2011, while addressing Congress party workers in Lunglei in southern Mizoram, Chief Minister Lalthanhawla reportedly stated that Mizos should accept that they are Indians, or face, as a consequence, cancellation of their ration cards.

This is a statement which makes little sense for two very simple reasons. First, ration card is not a document that signifies your nationality as Indian. Ration card is in fact not even accepted as a valid identity card; it is merely to ensure food security to the poor.

Second, in any way you won’t be issued a ration card in India if you’re not an Indian citizen unless you have acquired it fraudulently.

In other words, this means that for their entitlement of a ration card (as fundamental right to life) the poor people do not need to wear a badge of being an Indian, or shout "vande mataram" in the streets to prove their loyalty towards the Indian constitution.

But the statement of the Chief Minister is bound to receive strong reactions from the Mizos considering the dormant aspiration a significant section of them have for “unification” of all “Zo” clans, one day.

“I am Mizo by birth..Indian by force”, announced a commentator at popular Mizo blog www.lawkrhawm.com, which seems to capture a popular mood of the Mizos on the internet.

On 7 July 2011, chief of an influential regional political party in the state, Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP), Lalduhoma in his speech in Mizoram Assembly exhorted the Mizos to shed their political differences and strive for “greater autonomy, including self determination”, albeit through a non-violent means. The Mizo Peace Accord of 1986 neither healed the wounds of Mizoram nor did it fulfill the aspirations of people, he is reported to have said. Given the political sensitivity attached to the speech, Parliamentary affairs minister Lalsawta was quick to censure Lalduhoma for his “extra-constitutional position”.

However, Chief Minister Lalthanhawla himself assured the Assembly on 25 July 2011 that Mizos won’t accept the political boundary “imposed” on them. He said this while opposing the proposed construction of a fence on India-Myanmar border. The Chief Minister allegedly stated that a large portion of western Myanmar inhabited by the Mizos is “our land”.

Mizoram-based Zo Re-unification Organisation (Zoro), an organisation that aspires for unification of all Zo tribes scattered across the Northeast region of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, immediately hailed Lalthanhawla’s statement. “Zoro is proud to have such political leaders who firmly believe that all the land inhabited by the Mizos belongs to Mizos”, it stated.

Therefore, the Chief Minister’s ration card vis-à-vis Indian identity statement of 5 August 2011 assumes greater significance. Is he trying to convey that in Mizoram there is a sense of alienation amongst the Mizo people which must be properly channelized before it gets out of hand? The stern sounding diktat-like words of the Chief Minister reflect a storm that is undercurrent.

The happenings around Mizoram are definitely a food for thought for leaders in Delhi ahead of 64^th anniversary of India’s independence. Mizoram may be the only “island of peace” in the troubled-torn North East; but there is an urgent need for Delhi to re-assess whether Mizoram and its people have been taken care of well since the signing of Mizo Peace Accord in 1986, or the feeling of alienation is simply misplaced?

Out fenced area district !

2011-07-28T13:32:00.006+06:00

Since the fencing along the India-Bangladesh border in Mizoram started in 2005, the fact that the four construction companies namely Engineering Projects India Limited (EPIL), National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd. (NPCC), Border Roads Organization (BRO) and National Building Construction Corporation Ltd (NBCC), all public sector companies, began to acquire lands and erected the fencing as per their whims, without consultation with the local villagers and local authorities, including the Village Councils, Deputy Commissioners and the BSF, is all well known and well documented. Yet, the state government of Mizoram surprisingly remained silent spectator. As for the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was only interested to see the fencing completed as soon as possible.

Bewildered by the silence of the Mizoram government, Dr HT Sangliana (a Mizo himself), Vice Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities during his visit to Aizawl on 6 June 2011 wondered as to why Mizoram government was not protesting against the irresponsible manner in which the fencing was erected resulting in loss of huge area. The land lost to fencing is not Chakma land but land of Mizoram, he tried to remind the state government and the people of Mizoram.

A few days ago, while participating in a debate in the Assembly House, Chief Minister Lalthanhawla stated that he opposed fencing of Mizoram-Myanmar borders, as it would restrict the rights of the Mizos living in both the countries. I am surprised by his astounding silence on the plight of the Chakmas due to fencing in Mizoram-Bangladesh sector. Well, if not for Chakmas, at least he should have shown concerns towards losing of so huge chunk of Mizoram's territory to fencing. Has he forgotten the sacrifices made by the Mizos during insurgency days to own a state called Mizoram today?

The fruits of total freedom enjoyed by these four public sector agencies are before all of us to see. Congress legislator and president of the Fencing Committee, Nirupam Chakma claimed in the Mizoram Assembly on 18 July 2011 that the border fencing at some locations was constructed six km (6,000 meters) within the state's territory, although the MHA guidelines permit fencing only up to 150 yards from the zero point. (150 yards = 137.16 meters).

Thereafter, the BJP, Mizoram unit, came out with an estimate that the total area which has fallen outside the India-Bangladesh border fence is “the size of a district”.

Therefore, it is funny to comment that Mizoram now has nine districts: Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, Mamit, Lunglei, Lawgntlai, Saiha, Serchip, and “Out-fenced Area District” !

It may sound funny, but a serious matter too.

No minority oppression in Mizoram, says NCM vice-chairman

2011-06-09T10:48:00.001+06:00

Source: UNI,

http://www.uniindia.com/unilive/unisite.nsf/All/19B1E4A398C8F081652578A700290D21

Aizawl, Jun 6 (UNI) The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Vice-Chairman H T Sangliana has observed that there is no serious oppression against minorities in Mizoram while not ruling out lack of adequate attention to them.

''I have seen no serious minority oppression in Mizoram. However, I feel that adequate attention has not been given to them in terms of development,'' Mr Sangliana told reporters here this morning, hours before he flew back to Delhi after a weeklong visit to the state.

During the last week, the NCM vice-chairman toured areas inhabited by minorities and discussed their situation of representatives of the minority communities like Chakma, Bru, Lai, Mara and Hmar.

He said the state government and the people of Mizoram should ensure that the minorities get their rightful opportunities in education and other development programmes.

He found that the minorities, particularly the Chakmas and the Brus, who inhabited southern and western parts of Mizoram respectively, are very backward in education and economic sectors.

Saying that state minority commission is yet to be set up in Mizoram, Mr Sangliana urged the state government to set up the commission at the earliest possible time to ensure faster development of the minorities.

He was happy that the state government had formed a committee to identify cremation ground in Aizawl for Hindu and other communities.

On the alleged Chakma infiltration, Sangliana found the complaints not genuine, he said, ''We have received a lot of complaints about Chakma infiltration. But there were no supportive evidences.

The vice-chairman suggested vigilance to check infiltration of any tribes from the neighbouring countries.

Mr Sangliana also endorsed the long-standing demand for OBC status by Gorkha community in Mizoram, which has been strongly opposed by social organisations in Mizoram.

''The Gorkhas have been living peacefully with the majority Mizos for more than 100 years. Due to their deprivation of OBC status, the Gorkhas remain backward educationally and economically. Educated Gorkha youths longed to become engineers and doctors but could not fulfill their dreams because they don’t have reservation as minorities,'' he said.

Saying that the Gorkhas are one the most peace-loving and law-abiding communities and that there is no threat of infiltration from outside, the NCM saw no reason for the Mizos to fear demographic invasion due to granting OBC status to the Gorkhas.

Chakmas decry 'racist' Lalthanhawla

2011-05-16T12:06:00.005+06:00

Chakma organizations criticized Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla for his alleged racist remarks against Chakmas and other communities. They asked the Chief Minister to desist from racial discrimination and work for welfare of minorities.

By Paritosh Chakma

www.merinews.com

http://www.merinews.com/article/chakmas-decry-racist-lalthanhawla/15849295.shtml

ON MAY 14, 2011, eleven Chakma students’ and social organisations strongly condemned the alleged racist statement made by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla against Chakmas and other communities as reported in a vernacular Mizo daily.

The Aizawl Post had reported that the Chief Minister while speaking at a function organised by Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) to felicitate the HSLC toppers at Vanappa Hall, Aizawl on 27 April 2011 called the Chakmas as “hnawksak” (“nuisance”) in Mizoram, and referred to Brus as “Tuikuk” (literal meaning: “water insects”), and other mainstream non-tribals as “vai chheho”, which literally means “useless or insignificant people”.

In a joint statement, the Chakma organisations stated that such kind of “racist” remarks/references against other communities coming out from the state’s Chief Minister is uncalled for, highly objectionable and has the potential to create further sense of fear, insecurity and alienation in the minds of the minority communities in the state.

“We consider the alleged statement/speech of Chief Minister Lalthanhawla as “racial profiling” against the Chakma community and insult to all the Chakmas. Racial profiling/ racial discrimination is explicitly prohibited under national and international laws”, stated the joint statement signed by representatives of eleven Chakma organisations.

The joint statement added that “Chief Minister Lalthanhawla has alleged racial discrimination against the people of North East region by the mainstream society of India in both national and international forums. He must live by his conviction against racial discrimination and not practise the same racial discrimination against the ethnic minority communities, who are his own people, in his own home state, i.e. Mizoram.”

The Chakma organisations further stated that “peace” was the biggest contribution of Chakmas in Mizoram. Chakmas with their distinct culture, scripts, language, religion and folklore are assets to the nation’s diversity and of Mizoram.

They said the state has the constitutional responsibility to work for uplift of all the sections of the citizens, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion, language or discrimination of any other kind or manifestation; and protect and promote all their human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined under the Constitution of India and international documents to which India is a party.

The Chakma organisations demanded that Chief Minister Lalthanhawla make a public statement clarifying his positions on the contents of the news story appearing in The Aizawl Post and apologise to the Chakma community.

Pointing out that the Chakmas are the most backward and disadvantaged in all fields, they demanded constitution of a judicial committee in the line of “The Rajinder Sachar Committee” appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at national level, for preparation of a report on the social, economic and educational status of the Chakmas and other minorities in Mizoram.

They further appealed the state government of Mizoram to pursue an inclusive growth policy, which will lead Mizoram to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous state where all citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, language or religion, live side by side in harmony and prosperity.

It's like epidemic but no medical facilities in this Mizoram village

2011-05-07T13:25:00.000+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Merinews.com, 7 May 2011,

http://www.merinews.com/article/its-like-epidemic-but-no-medical-facilities-in-this-mizoram-village/15848884.shtml

AT LEAST 3 tribal children including two girls have died during the first week of May 2011 due to malaria and unknown diseases in remote village of Parva I under Chakma Autonomous District Council area in Lawngtlai district in southern Mizoram.

Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), in a petition to the Mizoram authorities yesterday, claimed that these children died due to lack of medical facilities. Over 50 persons, including women and children are ill at Parva I and neighbouring villages such as Siminesora and Kamtuli, and they have not been receiving any medical aid. The only health centre at Parva I village has been lying defunct and unused. (See Photos on the right)

“It is like epidemic. So many have fallen sick. We do not know why people are dying”, informed a villager at Parva I to this writer over phone.

“Several patients could die as they are not receiving any medical aid,” stated MCDF’s petition signed by its president Hemanta Larma. “MCDF had conducted a fact finding visit to Parva areas between 28 February to 3 March 2011 and found the health situation to be extremely terrible. This area is extremely remote, inaccessible and prone to epidemic each year during the monsoon but there is absolutely no health care facility. The health sub centre at Parva I village has been lying totally unused and without any staff or medicine ever since it was established some years ago”, further stated Larma.

The three children who died at Parva I village have been identified as Miss Renuka Chakma, aged 1 year, daughter of Kinasur Chakma who died at due to suspected malaria on 1 May 2011; Master Mono Agosh Chakma, aged 3 years, son of Guno Sindhu Chakma who died on 3 May 2011 due to unknown disease and Miss Hojpana Chakma, aged 1 month old, daughter of Guno Ban Chakma who died on 6 May 2011 due to unknown disease.

MCDF sought the immediate intervention of Mizoram’s Chief Secretary, the Chief Medical Officer, Lawngtlai; the Director, Health & Family Welfare; and the Chief Executive Member of Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) to immediately send a team of doctors with adequate medicines to the affected villages and establish a Health Sub Centre with adequate number of staff and medical facilities at Parva I village.

Larma informed this writer over phone that Lawngtlai CMO, R B Dey has assured him that immediate action would be taken to provide medical facilities to the affected people and Senior Medical Officer in Kamalanagar, CADC, has been instructed to dispatch a medical team to Parva areas immediately.

Mizoram needs to be proud of its diverse culture and show it to the world

2011-04-25T12:44:00.012+06:00

I read with pain an article "An Insulated domain" by Patricia Mukhim, an eminent journalist, published in The Telegraph (India) on 22 March 2010 (http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100322/jsp/northeast/story_12241610.jsp )

I am pained, not because the eminent journalist was wrong in the portray of my state, but on the contrary because most of the things she pointed out were actually true, in practice. “Mizoram is a fairly homogenous society where people speak the same language,” she writes and calls the Mizo society “insular”.

Being a Chakma who does not speak Mizo language well, I can understand why Ms Mukhim has called Mizoram “homogenous society” when it comes to speaking of language. It is not a fact that Mizoram state has only one language called Mizo (Dulian) but there are several indigenous ethnic communities who speak their own languages like Chakma, Bru, Mara etc. Chakmas who form 8% of the state’s population even have their own script called Arog and it is in use in Chakma Autonomous District Council. But sadly, Mizoram government has never ever tried to develop the Chakma script/language, which is actually a rare treasure it has. (It must be stressed here that not many tribals in India have their own scripts.)

One decade back, it was difficult for non-Mizo speakers to even buy a bunch of bananas, or anything for that matter, from road side stalls due to language barriers. Most Mizo shopkeepers did not know any other language except their mother tongue. Those who knew the languages were quite adamant to speak. As a student returning from Shillong to my native village via Aizawl, my only defence while roaming the streets were two words I coarsely learnt: when a Mizo passerby asked me anything which I didn’t understand, I would glance at him and ask him back “Eng Mo”? (wanting to know what he meant). Then, he would repeat the query and I would reply back: “Kaar Seilo” (don’t have any idea) and the fellow would walk away. It is funny actually. I would of course try to remember the catch word asked by the Mizo and try to know the meaning of it from my elders once I am back to my room. This way I learnt a few terms. For example, in a hotel, when the pretty lady asked something like “porem”?, I only smiled back, unsure of what she asked me. Later, my friend explained to me that she wanted to know if I had eaten stomach full. Now I know how to respond to this question, which is quite common in any hotel/restaurant in Mizoram. It is a matter of hospitality.

With commerce, education and exposure to other cultures, now Mizoram is transforming. It is now “ok” if you can’t speak Mizo. Earlier, you would get gesture of intolerance. They used to tell me, “being in Mizoram you must know Mizo”. It sounds pretty logical, but how would a Mizo feel if he or she is told in Delhi that being an Indian, he/she must be able to speak in Hindi? I feel that language can’t be imposed on others but it is always useful to know others’ languages. But there are creatures like me who are slow learners when it comes to languages. My friends know, I never could learn Bodo language (after nearly five years of stay in Bodo areas in Assam), except this useful sentence: Aang Nongko Mojaang Mano (I love you).

Ms Mukhim in the above article goes on to suggest that Mizos are so obsessed for their culture to the point of “the exclusion of others”. She warns that “The more we insulate ourselves from others the more likely we are to develop institutions that are oppressive and regressive.”

Of course, in reality Mizoram is not a homogenous society. Rather, Mizoram is a land of diversity. It is multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious. Mizoram has over half a dozen tribes each having distinct dresses, languages, folklores, dances etc. Although Christianity is dominant, there are Buddhists like Chakmas (photo: a Chakma woman, right) and Hindus like a section of Brus (photo:two Bru women, below). There is also an ancient Mosque at the heart of Aizawl. But sadly, Mizoram government has failed to showcase its cultural diversity to the world.

If official websites are the virtual doors of a State through which people of other territories will get the opportunity to understand the State, then Mizoram government’s two official websites, (www.mizoram.nic.in and www.mizoram.gov.in, I am afraid, have little to offer in terms of understanding its people and their rich and diverse culture. Going through the web pages (The People: http://mizoram.nic.in/about/people.htm , Custom: http://mizoram.nic.in/about/custom.htm and dances: http://mizoram.nic.in/about/dances.htm) the foreigner will get the impression that Mizoram culturally has nothing more than Mizos and their beautiful dances. For example, Chakmas, their famously traditional attire ("pinon-haadi") and their beautiful Bizu festival and dances have been totally ignored. (See a Bizu dance of Chakmas in Delhi, above - first photo)

Mizoram should learn from the examples of Tripura and Assam, among others.

The Assam government’s web page on culture (http://assamgovt.nic.in/culture.asp ) starts with the following introduction: “Assam is the meeting ground of diverse cultures. The people of the enchanting state of Assam is an intermixture of various racial stocks such as Mongoloid, Indo-Burmese, Indo-Iranian and Aryan.” “The state has a large number of tribes, each unique in it's tradition, culture, dresses and exotic way of life. Diverse tribes like Bodo, Kachari, Karbi, Miri, Mishimi, Rabha, etc co-exist in Assam, most tribes have their own languages though Assamese is the principal language of the state.” it proudly adds. Alongside “Bihu”, Assam government has included dances like “Bagurumba” dance of the Bodos and “Jhumur Nach” of tea tribes, among others.

Tripura’s website begins with the following sentence: “Tripura has rich cultural heritage of 19 different tribal communities, Bengali and Manipuri communities. Each community has its own dance forms which are famous in the country.” (http://www.tripura.nic.in/cul3.htm)

The website further highlights different folk dances with photographs like “Hozagiri dance of Reang (Bru) community, Garia, Jhum, Maimita, Masak Sumani and Lebang boomani dances of Tripuri community, Bizu dance of Chakma community, Cheraw and Welcome dances of Lusai community, Hai-Hak dance of Malsum community, Wangala dance of Garo Community, Sangraiaka, Chimithang, Padisha and abhangma dances of Mog community, Garia dances of Kalai and Jamatia communities, Gajan, Dhamail, Sari and Rabindra dances of Bengali community and Basanta Rash and Pung chalam dances of Manipuri community. Each community has its own traditional musical instruments. The important musical instruments are ‘Khamb (Drum), Bamboo flute, Lebang, Sarinda, Do- Tara, and Khengrong, etc.”

Instead of hiding its treasures, Mizoram should be proud of its cultural diversity, and protect and promote these. It must proudly show to the world its diversity in terms of ethnicity, religions, languages, dances and folklores. This will help foster integration, unity and feeling of oneness amongst its various ethnic groups. Mizoram therefore urgently needs a shift in its policy: from exclusion to inclusion of all category of people for the sake of a “modern Mizoram” that can meet all challenges and become a shining example in India.

Why fighting corruption in Mizoram is difficult

2011-04-23T10:12:00.001+06:00

Four-day fast by Gandhian Anna Hazare completely shook the Government of India which agreed to constitute a joint committee with equal representation from civil society to draft a strong anti-corruption bill. The civil society led by Hazare wants a Lok Pal who can investigate and bring to justice even the Prime Minister, judges, and every civil servant. The unprecedented support he got from across India shows that majority people want to root out corruption.

“Anna Hazare effect”, as it is called, was felt in far away Mizoram. Leaders from various social organizations gathered at Aizawl to support Hazare’s demand for a powerful Jan Lok Pal, citizens’ ombudsman against corruption. But the effect has not been felt beyond the glorious Aizawl city. In villages, people have not even heard of Anna Hazare or India Against Corruption movement.

It is a long off till we can hear the people of Mizoram say “Enough is enough” to the corrupt politicians and public servants. In fact, as per my understanding, these three words won’t be uttered in any near future. These are the reasons why -

First, it seems that the common people (don’t forget they are also voters) in Mizoram have a different perception of a leader. They think that a good political leader is one who can supply them money whenever they are in need. No matter how the leader does this. They won’t care. Certainly, an honest MLA or MDC would not be able to feed over a dozen of villagers from his constituency each day (almost throughout the whole calendar year) who camp in his house due to medical problems, education etc. Any leader who cannot provide his constituency people accommodation, food (remember, the daily menu must include non-veg) and help them financially is considered “useless”. They would rather prefer to vote for the leader who can provide all these things to them any time! So people won’t object to corrupt practices by their leader and the leader won’t mind siphoning off welfare funds.

Second, the general concept seems to be “Eat and let eat” (inspired by the concept “live and let live”?) where no one seems to mind corruption taking place as long as everyone is getting their share of the pie.

Third, the villagers feel the daily hardships due to lack of basic facilities such as schools, healthcare, drinking water etc but when it comes to making a choice about what they want, majority of the voters will choose “money” over facilities like a school. Money provides immediate solace to their greedy hearts and needy hands while only far sighted ones (who are microscopic minority everywhere) will see the value of a school in the area.

Fourth, there is total lack of accountability or transparency in public life. A BDO would think he is “the boss in his/her territory” and there is no thing called “democracy”. A Store Keeper of PDS godown thinks he/she is invincible. They try to “rule” the people instead of paying heed to what the people need. The ordinary people are voiceless.

Fifth, the Village Council members think they are the king. They say that “the Ruling Party” can do “anything”, and pocket the welfare funds while the villagers actually believe that “the Ruling Party” can do anything. It is of no use to file a complaint.

Sixth, the role of the media has been weak. There is no powerful electronic media in the state which can sway public opinion. People in rural areas do not read newspapers.

Finally, it is often considered “politically incorrect” to expose corruption when the entire village or community is benefitting from the acts of corruption involving a particular scheme.

The entire country will benefit from the Anti-Corruption Law, if it comes into reality but in Mizoram a battle needs to be fought to take the baby step – that is, to create mass awareness about the negative consequences of corruption. Mizoram needs a “Hazare effect”.

My thoughts on direct funding of BADP to ADCs

2011-04-22T15:00:00.008+06:00

The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly made a decision to transfer the funds of Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a central government scheme, directly to the three Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram, namely Chakma, Mara and Lai from this financial year. So far, all Central funds are routed to the ADCs through the state government resulting in a lot of problems like funds are not released on time, ADCs are provided inadequate funds and the state government implements various schemes directly without involving the ADCs. These are only some of the grievances the ADCs have aired in the past. They have even alleged discrimination by Aizawl controlled by the majority Mizos.

Considering the problem in this perspective, I think direct funding is a good policy decision. Recently, the CAG report on BADP in Mizoram found serious financial irregularities and termed the BADP a “failure” in Mizoram. The CAG report said the ADCs were not given any role in execution of the programme. Further, the CAG report has correctly pointed out the “inherent deficiency in planning and implementation of the programme”. Even before the CAG report came, this was well known to every Chakma leader in Mizoram whose ears and eyes are open. I think other community leaders along the Mizoram-Myanmar border too are well aware.

However, the fact remains that even the ADCs do not have good track record in matters of financial management or utilization of the public money. I must admit that I have no idea about MADC or LADC. But as for CADC, certainly nothing exudes any inspiration. No scheme is properly implemented. Corruption rules the root. The entire system is corrupt. The CBI is currently investigating multi-crore corruption in India-Bangladesh Border Fencing in CADC. I hear that the ACB is also investigating some forestry related scam. The picture in this article shows a signboard of Damdep I-Dursora (CADC) road constructed under BADP for Rs 15 lakh. But the signboard curiously does not mention the length of the road, for it is only 2 km! 2 km of kaccha road, Rs 15 lakh - clearly, it stinks of corruption!

This photo I took during my visit to CADC recently. During my visit to several border villages, I found no semblance of development there. I only found heart rending conditions of the people living along the India-Bangladesh borders, including within the CADC.

The major flaws of BADP in Mizoram are as follows:

1. No village-wise baseline surveys are prepared. This would have brought out the problems faced by each border villages which could have been easily solved.

2. The District Plans remain unknown to the public and the leaders themselves

3. The village councils are not involved in decision making, planning and implementation

4. Total lack of accountability and transparency – there is no separate website for BADP either

5. Most funds are spent on construction/repair of office buildings, residential accommodations and rest houses etc and the sectors like social development, education, health and agriculture are not given due importance. Therefore, there is no improvement in the living standards of the border people

6. The fact that the border people are most backward in terms of access to basic amenities is not recognized by the state of Mizoram

7. Border people along Mizoram-Bangladesh are mostly minority Chakmas. In the implementation of projects, villages closest to the international borders are not given first importance

8. Discrimination against minorities like Chakma, Mara and Lais

Direct funding is all right but the golden question is- Can the Autonomous District Councils in Mizoram do wonders by uplifting the conditions of the people living along the international borders with the flow of BADP funds directly to their purse? Having been aware of the situation in CADC I am not much confident that they can do wonders. So, at present, I am hopeless but I would be happy if proved wrong in near future. But I am happy for one thing - that now I and many others like me can get the opportunity to blame our own leaders (be they Chakma, Mara or Lai) instead of blaming Mizo leaders always for the failure in BADP, and hold them (ADCs leadership) accountable for the miserable situation of people in the border areas in CADC, LADC and MADC.

BADP is a failure in Mizoram, finds CAG report

2011-03-31T17:59:00.003+06:00

Merinews, http://www.merinews.com/article/badp-is-a-failure-in-mizoram-finds-cag-report/15846444.shtml

By Paritosh Chakma

THE LATEST report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, tabled in the State Assembly by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on March 29, 2011, has made stunning revelations about the implementation of the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) in Mizoram. The CAG has found that BADP has been a failure in the state due to “inherent deficiency in planning and implementation of the programme”.

BADP implementation is plagued with high level corruption, the CAG report has revealed. The Rural Development department drew an amount of Rs 46.76 crore during 2005-2010 presenting false bills to the government treasury before actual commencement of approved works, the CAG report has stated. Further, out of Rs 103.40 crore drawn during 2005-2010, only Rs 23.40 crore (23 per cent) was released to the 16 Rural Development Blocks, and the remaining Rs 80 crore (77 per cent) was disbursed in the subsequent financial years, causing inordinate delay.

Further, the RD department incurred an expenditure of Rs 6.71 crore during 2005-2010 towards execution of 134 “ineligible” works, mainly pertaining to construction of office buildings, residential accommodations and rest houses. Expenditure under infrastructure sector constituted 55 per cent of the total expenditure while social, education, security, health and agriculture sectors were utterly neglected.

The CAG report further castigated the RD department for its failure to prepare comprehensive district plans and village wise baseline surveys, as required under the BADP Guidelines. Neither the local authorities were consulted nor the villages situated near to the international borders of Myanmar and Bangladesh were identified for preparation of Annual Action Plan for 2009-2010. “As a result, the BADP failed to meet the needs of the people living in remote and inaccessible areas near the borders”, the CAG report said.

Corruption in the BADP in Mizoram, which shares international borders of 404 kms with Myanmar and 318 kms with Bangladesh, is an open secret. Earlier in December 2009, Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), which works among the border people, cautioned about the corrupt practices taking place.

“The prima facie evidence of leakage of funds is the absolute lack of development in the areas closest to the international border. Because the state government has been submitting utilization reports claiming full utilization of the BADP funds, the primary question is: Where are the money flowing since there is little improvement in the living condition of the border people?’” asked MCDF.

The Forum further pointed out that Mizoram Chief Secretary Vanhela Pachuau on May 26, 2009 had admitted corruption in BADP and warned strong action against anyone found misusing the BADP funds. Mizoram Chief Secretary Vanhela Pachuau must therefore act upon the CAG findings and prosecute the wrong doers.

Leaders visit Thanzamasora village, promise road, health centre

2011-03-30T12:27:00.003+06:00

Merinews, 30 March 2011, http://www.merinews.com/article/leaders-visit-thanzamasora-village-promise-road-health-centre/15846343.shtml

By Paritosh Chakma

FOLLOWING THE death of six Chakma tribals due to mysterious diseases at Thanzamasora village in Lunglei district in south Mizoram, three top political leaders, Minister of State Nihar Kanti Chakma, Parliamentary Secretary, S Laldingliana and Chief Executive Member of Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Kali Kumar Tongchangya, visited the village on March 26, 2011.

As Thanzamasora village is inaccessible by roads, these leaders along with a team of doctors had to track down the hills from Lalnuntui, with the nearest village having road connectivity 8 km from Thanzamasora village.

Six tribals who have died during the past fortnight have been identified as Mrs Doyal Lota Chakma (40), w/o of Denga Chakma; Malay Chand Chakma (20), s/o Oguro Send Chakma; Punyo Lota Chakma (45), w/o Amar Chakma; Prapha Ranjan Chakma (27), S/o Shanti Lal Chakma; Sumiron Chakma (27), s/o Shanti Lal Chakma, and Mrs Chittiso Chakma (22), w/o Pulin Chakma.

All of them reportedly suffered vomiting, high fever and headache before their deaths and their bodies turned blue-black after the death which caused panic among superstitious villagers. The villagers believed that the deaths occurred after they were cursed with black magic by a witch from another village.

However, doctors sent from the Lunglei Civil Hospital suspected the cause of deaths to be cerebral malaria and distributed malaria drugs free of cost.

Earlier, Kali Kumar Tongchangya, CEM, CADC, met all the patients from Thanzamasora undergoing treatment at Kamala Nagar hospital. As per Dr. Arun Singh of Kamala Nagar hospital, two were confirmed case of malaria, one of chicken pox, one of diarrhea and the fifth was diagnosed Septicemia.

The leaders also provided some immediate relief assistance. Minister of State N K Chakma provided Rs. 2,000 to families of each of the deceased and five quintals of rice and assured that Thanzamasora village would be linked with PMGSY funds. Kali Kumar Tongchangya, CEM of CADC provided Rs.20,000 to the villagers being the cost of quota of ration for two weeks. Parliamentary Secretary, S Laldingliana also announced that a Health Sub Centre would be established soon at Thanzamasora village.

Chakma tribals fleeing village due to mystery disease

2011-03-26T11:57:00.002+06:00

Merinews.com, 26 March 2011, http://www.merinews.com/article/chakma-tribals-fleeing-villages-due-to-mystery-disease/15846221.shtml

By Paritosh Chakma

TRIBAL VILLAGERS of Thanzamasora, a small Chakma-inhabited hamlet in Lunglei district of Mizoram are fleeing their homes after a 'mysterious' disease struck their village since early this month. This shows complete absence of health care facilities in this village.

So far, at least 5 tribals have died, many are sick, and 13 families have fled the village, as per the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), which submitted a petition today seeking urgent intervention of the Mizoram Chief Secretary, the Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei, and Lawngtlai Chief Medical Officer to “immediately provide medical facilities to prevent epidemic-like health crisis prevailing at Thanzamasora village”.

MCDF in a press release stated that “So far, five Chakma tribal villagers have died, and many others are sick but there is total lack of healthcare services. A medical team, which visited the village stated that the deaths were due to acute respiratory infections (ARI), including pneumonia.

The medical team distributed some medicines but this is not enough. Worst, the superstitious villagers believe that deaths are due to black magic cast upon them.

At least 13 families have already fled the village and more families are likely to flee if the situation is not brought under control immediately”.

“Although the situation is taking a serious proportion, there is delayed response from the authorities. There seems to be some problem as Thanzamasora village is under the administrative control of Lunglei district but falls under Chief Medical Officer, Lawngtlai of Lawngtlai district in the delivery of health services.

But villagers can’t be put at the mercy of fate” - further stated Mr Hemanta Lama, MCDF president.

In its petition, which has been forwarded to Chief Secretary of Mizoram, MCDF has requested the authorities to immediately send a team of medical experts with all the necessary equipments and medical facilities, establish a makeshift health camp at the village to treat the patients.

It has also been requested to shift critical patients to hospitals in Lunglei or Aizawl for better treatment, undertake awareness campaign with the help of local NGOs, take measures to bring back families, which have fled the village, and establish a Health Sub Centre with adequate number of staff and medical facilities at Thanzamasora village as a long-term solution.

Ensure right to education to Chakma children: NCPCR to Mizoram

2011-02-17T16:01:00.001+06:00

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has asked the Mizoram government to ensure that schools in all Chakma inhabited villages are established in accordance with the RTE Act 2009, writes PARITOSH CHAKMA

Merinews, 17 Feb, 2011

http://www.merinews.com/article/ensure-right-to-education-to-chakma-children-ncpcr-to-mizoram/15843273.shtml

ACTING ON a complaint filed by an NGO, Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recently directed the Mizoram Chief Secretary to investigate the alleged denial of access to elementary education to the Chakma tribal children in Mizoram due to lack of schools.

In its petition to the Commission, MCDF alleged that over 72 per cent of Chakma inhabited villages in Mizoram still do not have Middle School, and over 96 per cent do not have High School. The failure of the state government to set up Middle and High Schools tantamounts to denial of education to the Chakma children and the absence of schools has led to high dropout rate amongst the Chakma children, the petition added.

The Forum further pointed out that in September 2009, the Mizoram government had admitted that there were over 15,000 children out of schools in the state and majority of them belonged to Chakma and Bru minority communities.

Taking cognizance of the MCDF’s petition, the NCPCR directed the Mizoram Chief Secretary, inter alia, investigate the denial of access to elementary education to the Chakma tribal children in Mizoram due to lack of schools in clear violation of section 6 of Right to Education Act 2009 which requires the local authority to establish the school in areas or neighbourhood limits where there is no such school as prescribed in the Act; and (2) ensure that schools in all Chakma inhabited villages are established in accordance with the RTE Act 2009.

But the Mizoram government failed to submit a report within 30 days as per the Commission’s directive. This prompted the Child Rights Commission to issue a reminder to the Chief Secretary on 10 February 2011 asking him to send a report within 20 days.

Six border villages served eviction notice in Mizoram

2011-02-16T18:34:00.000+06:00

The Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei in Mizoram has issued notice to residents of six villages fallen outside the India-Bangladesh border fence to leave their homes by February 25 or face action, writes PARITOSH CHAKMA

Merinews, 16 Feb, 2011

http://www.merinews.com/article/six-border-villages-served-eviction-notice-in-mizoram/15843085.shtml

The Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei district in Mizoram, Ms M Zohmingthangi has allegedly served eviction notice to Chakma residents of six villages in the district to leave their homes before February 25, 2011 or face action. These six villages namely Saisen, Bandiasora, Nekuksora, Debasora, Malsury and Tablabagh, situated near the India-Bangladesh border, have fallen outside the border fence being constructed by Ministry of Home Affairs.

At least two reputed Mizo dailies Vanglaini on February 15, 2011 and The Zozam Times on February 14, 2011 reported that earlier the Lunglei DC had issued notice to leave the villages by February 15 but the villagers refused to leave. While issuing the eviction notice, the Lunglei DC has contented that since the villagers have got fencing compensation, they must vacate their lands and homes.

However, no alternative arrangement has been made for their resettlement. The fencing affected villagers have been demanding rehabilitation inside the fence.

On February 15, 2011, a New Delhi based human rights group, Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) intervened on behalf of the victims. In its letter sent to Shri GK Pillai, Home Secretary, Government of India, the ACHR stated that, “The threat issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei is totally uncalled for and unacceptable and is in total contravention of the existing policies of both the Mizoram government and the Ministry of Home Affairs with regard to the fencing victims. ”

The rights group pointed out that earlier on July 17, 2008, Mr Romawia, Deputy Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, Home Department, had stated that: “It may be mentioned that those families placed on the other side of the Fencing Line may not be called ‘displaced’ since the Fencing Line is not the boundary of Indo-Bangla Border... It is also informed to the villagers that their shifting from outside to the inner side of the fencing will depends upon the will of the villagers. There is no compulsion to have their residence shifted to the inner side of the Fencing Line.”

As a result of the threat, the villagers of these six villages and other villages along the India-Bangla border areas have been left completely terrified and uncertain about their safety, security and future, ACHR’s letter to Mr Pillai added, and demanded all human rights and fundamental freedoms of the villagers who have fallen outside the India-Bangladesh border fence must be protected, and appropriate action be taken against the Lunglei DC for threatening the innocent villagers.

Earlier on September 27, 2010, Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana informed the State Assembly that over 35,000 people from 45 villages are required to be relocated inside the fence due to the India-Bangladesh border fencing in Mizoram.

Mizoram RTI watchdog summons officials for refusing information

2011-02-16T17:26:00.000+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Merinews, 16 Feb, 2011

http://www.merinews.com/article/mizoram-rti-watchdog-summons-officials-for-refusing-information/15843173.shtml

THE MIZORAM State Information Commission on February 9, 2011 issued summon notices to three State Public Information Officers (SPIOs) under Section 19(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 to appear before it for refusing to provide information under the RTI Act.

The applicant, Paritosh Chakma had filed three separate RTI applications between July and October, 2010 seeking information about the appointment and dismissal of SSA teachers. He had also sought the list of beneficiaries, who have been provided flood relief in a village under Mamit district. But as per Chakma's contention, he was not provided the information even after filing of first appeal. The applicant was thus forced to approach the Mizoram State Information Commission.

The three officials, who were summoned by the Mizoram Information Commission to explain their position are the SPIO, District Project Coordinator, SSA Mamit district; the SPIO, Office of the State Project Director, Mizoram SSA Mission, Aizawl; and the SPIO/SDO (Sadar), Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mamit district. While the first two officials have been asked to appear before the MSIC in Aizawl on February 23, 2011, the other official has been asked to appear on February 24, 2011.

In its letter No.SA.22/2011-MSIC dated Aizawl, the February 9, 2011, the Mizoram State Information Commission has directed the three officials “to present the case and justify your position before the Mizoram State Information Commissioner, New Secretariat Complex, Aizawl” and “bring all relevant documents/connected papers, etc for examination.”

CBI investigating multi-crore fencing scam in Mizoram

2011-02-09T16:31:00.000+06:00

The CBI has launched probe into multi crore India-Bangladesh border fencing scam involving several senior Congress leaders in Chakma District Council in Mizoram, writes PARITOSH CHAKMA

www.merinews.com, 9 Feb, 2011: http://www.merinews.com/article/cbi-investigating-multi-crore-fencing-scam-in-mizoram/15842527.shtml

AWAY FROM the media glare, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is quietly investigating alleged fraud in payment of land compensation to those affected by Indo-Bangla border fencing involving more than Rs 5 crore in Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram.

The premier investigating agency is investigating the involvement of several senior Congress political leaders and officials of the CADC and the National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd after a complaint was filed by Laxmi Bikash Chakma, President, Bharatiya Janata Party, CADC.

On February 8, 2011, a two-member team of the CBI arrived at Kamala Nagar, headquarters of CADC and started the investigation. So far, the CBI has reportedly questioned the CADC Chief Executive Member, Kali Kumar Tongchangya and Executive Member in-charge of Revenue department, Buddha Lila Chakma at the CADC rest house at Kamala Nagar.

Earlier, on August 30, 2010, the Governor of Mizoram had provided sanction to the CBI “for registration of a case under section 120B/420/468/471 IPC and Section 13(2) R/w 13(i)(c)& (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and all attempts, conspiracies, abetment relating to the alleged fraud in payment of land compensation to those affected by Indo-Bangla Border Fencing involving more than Rs 503,96,680 by National Projects Construction Corporation Ltd. and Chakma Autonomous District Council, Mizoram, during the year 2008-2009, to carry out investigation of the same and prosecute the offenders for the aforesaid offences or any other offence/offences made out of the same transactions in the court of competent jurisdiction.”

It is worth mentioning that this is the first ever CBI probe in the Chakma Autonomous District Council ever since the Council was created in 1972.

The CBI in this particular case has a wide ranging mandate to probe “all attempts, conspiracies, abetment relating to the alleged fraud” and to “prosecute the offenders”.

Sources informed that the CBI has already found clinching evidence against certain accused. However, it is to be seen whether the CBI will be able to bring the culprits to justice, many of whom are senior political leaders of the ruling Congress party in the Chakma Autonomous District Council.

My RTI Certificate

2011-02-05T10:39:00.001+06:00

What ails Mizoram SSA Mission?

2011-02-03T16:39:00.003+06:00

In Mizoram, SSA faces serious problems. Since the appointments are highly politicized, the performance of the SSA teachers can't be evaluated objectively under the present set up, writes Paritosh Chakma

Merinews.com, 3 Feb, 2011, http://www.merinews.com/article/what-ails-mizoram-ssa-mission/15842027.shtml

DESPITE ALL the hullabaloo, there are surely some serious problems in the functioning of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme in Mizoram. On February 1, 2011, Mizoram’s Education Minister Lalsawta stated that “unsuitable and unqualified” SSA teachers will be identified and dismissed from March 2011 onwards.

The Education Minister said that the term of the present SSA teachers had already expired in December 2010 and the state government extended their engagement up to February 2011. The government will conduct screening of the existing teachers on the basis of their performance and only suitable candidates will be retained, he added.

However, when the selection process itself is flawed, we can’t expect the most eligible candidates as teachers under the existing set up.

First, appointments are made on the basis of the recommendations by the Village Education Committee (VEC) headed by the concerned Village Council President (VCP, who belongs to a particular political party). The other members of the VEC comprise of members of Village Council, teachers and representatives from NGOs. In practice, the VCP is all in all, and he has the power to appoint or dismiss any SSA teacher.

Therefore, more often than not, selections are done on the basis of political affiliations of the candidates.

Second, since the appointments are political, the candidates, who are appointed do not care about their duties as long as they enjoy the support of the ruling party leaders, in particular the VCP at village level or the local MLA. As a result, several SSA teachers have sub contracted their jobs to less qualified persons at meager salary.

Third, the SSA teachers are contract employees of the state government and they can be terminated any time without serving any notice or giving any reason for such termination. This clause has been often misused in Mizoram by the ruling party through summary dismissals of SSA teachers whose relatives are supporters of the parties in the opposition.

It is not only the village level political leaders, who misuse their powers and authority. Even the officials at the District Project Coordinator’s office are responsible for appointment/transfer of numerous teachers without the consultation or consent of the concerned Village Education Committee. Several teachers have not even shown their faces in the schools where they had been appointed (not to talk about attending classes regularly) but interestingly, continue to draw their salaries! How does the Office of District Project Coordinator extend the contract of such teachers who do not even perform their duties?

Another interesting feature in Mizoram SSA is that some teachers who have been appointed in village schools have been declared “attached” to the Office of the District Project Coordinator at the district headquarters and work there. In the meantime, the vacancies created by such “attached” teachers have either remained vacant or filled with Education Volunteers, who are not even full fledged teachers.

Since it is the report of the Chairman of the VEC which is the main piece of evidence in favour or against the SSA teachers in question, the existing mechanism to evaluate the SSA teachers is not enough. In such prevailing circumstances, how is the performance of the SSA teachers going to be evaluated objectively? We will never know as the Mizoram SSA Mission works in total secrecy. As pointed out by this writer elsewhere, SSA officials have refused to provide information even under the RTI Act in a number of cases.

The intentions of the Education Minister Lalsawta may be noble, but he must address the real problems at the ground instead of making cosmetic promises. Come March 2011, the people will see whether the Minister indeed walks the talk.

Mizoram: Officials not honouring RTI Act

2011-02-02T16:14:00.003+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Merinews.com, 2 Feb, 2011

http://www.merinews.com/article/mizoram-officials-not-honouring-rti-act/15841910.shtml

IN MIZORAM, as the officials refused to provide information under the RTI Act, accessing information has become a costly affair for common people as they need to go for appeals. This writer has not received information in 9 RTI applications. Appeals have been made before the concerned Appellate Authorities in three cases but all ended in absence of any response.

The cases where information has been denied are as follows:

1. On July 12, 2010, I filed an RTI application with the SPIO, Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Mamit district via speed post seeking year-wise amount of flood relief released by the government of Mizoram to Silsury village in Mamit district during 2000-2010 and list of beneficiaries. But the SPIO, V L Remliana, Sub Divisional Officer (Sadar) failed to provide any information. On 23 November 2010, I filed first appeal before the Deputy Commissioner, Mamit, but have not received any information as of date. On 31 January 2011, the second appeal was filed before the State Information Commission.

2. On October 1, 2010, I filed an RTI application with SPIO, District Project Coordinator, Mamit by speed post seeking the appointment letter of a SSA teacher and the performance reports submitted by the concerned Village Education Committee with regard to the SSA teacher. On 23 November 2010, the first appeal was sent via speed post but I have not been provided any information as of date. On 31 January 2011, I filed the second appeal before the SIC.

3. On August 12, 2010, I filed an RTI application by speed post with the SPIO, SSA Mizoram, Aizawl regarding alleged arbitrary and illegal dismissal of a SSA teacher but received no information. I made the first appeal on 23 November 2010 but I have not been provided any information. On 29 January 2011, I filed the second appeal before the SIC.

4. On August 16, 2010, I filed RTI application by speed post with the SPIO, SSA Mizoram, Aziawl regarding alleged arbitrary and illegal dismissal of another different SSA teacher. No information has been provided.

5. On August 12, 2010, I filed an application with Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi regarding border fencing compensation in Mizoram. The application was forwarded to Deputy Commissioners of Lunglei, Mamit and Lawngtlai vide letter F. No. 11013/39/2010-BM.III dated New Delhi the 19^th August 2010. But so far information has been provided only by Lunglei DC office.

6. On July 16, 2010, I filed an RTI application with the Ministry of Minority Affairs, New Delhi seeking information about the scholarship provided to the minority students in Mizoram. On 21 July 2010, the application was forwarded to Smt. L Tonchhang, Principal Secretary, Education and Human Resource Development department, Govt of Mizoram, Aizawl vide letter no. 18/2/2010-RTI/PP(PPR) dated New Delhi the 21 July 2010. No information has been provided till date.

7. On September 22, 2010, I filed an RTI application with social welfare department, government of Mizoram seeking the reasons as to why old age pension has not been provided to two senior citizens who belong to BPL family. The application was sent by speed post but has received no reply.

8. On September 22, 2010, I filed an RTI application by speed post with the District Rural Development Agency, Mamit district seeking information as to why a beneficiary of IAY was not given IAY grant although his name appeared in the DRDA order dated 15^th March 2009. But no information has been provided till date.

9. On September 22, 2010, I filed an RTI application with Office of Child Development Project Officer, West Phaileng, Mamit seeking information about appointment of Angwanwadi workers in Silsury village. The letter was sent by Speed Post but no information has been provided till date.

It is needless to say that Mizoram government has failed to put up the particulars and contact details of the Appellate Authorities in each department’s website. Even the website of Mizoram State Information Commission, http://msic.mizoram.gov.in/ is not functioning and hence redundant.

Further, in the Mizoram RTI Rules, 2006 the applicant must pay fee of appeal by way of court fee stamp. The fee is also quite high: Rs 40/- for first appeal and Rs 50/- for second appeal. In short, accessing information through the RTI Act has become a costly affair for common people as they need to go for appeals.

In August 2010, Aizawl-based anti-corruption watchdog People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram (PRISM) came down heavily on Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, who had stated that appointing a State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) was a waste of public money as the people of Mizoram did not fully use the RTI Act.

Contrary to the Chief Minister’s claim, what is emerging is the fact that the RTI officials in Mizoram are denying information to the applicants without the fear of the law. The public servants appointed as RTI officials have no right to deny information when the applicant has paid the statutory fee of Rs 10/- to the government in the first place. It is time Chief Minister of Mizoram and State Information Commission took strong notice of the rampant practice of not honouring the RTI Act and ensure that appropriate punishment is meted out to the erring RTI officials as provided in section 20 of the RTI Act.

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, information must be provided “as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within thirty days of the receipt of the request.” (Sub section 1 of section 7). But in Mizoram state, accessing information is increasingly becoming a tedious and expensive process as officials of various departments have been refusing to provide information.

If any application is rejected, the State Public Information Officer must communicate to the applicant providing the reasons for such rejection under sub section 8 of section 7. Denial of information is punishable offence under section 20 of the RTI Act. Yet, the SPIOs are less concerned. Even appeal before the Appellate Authority yielded little.

A misunderstanding?

2011-02-01T22:15:00.002+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

A friend of mine is ill. Yesterday, he consulted a doctor in West Delhi. Today, I have just returned from the same doctor’s clinic and I am sharing a curious incident that happened with me.

I entered into the clinic with the x-ray and blood test reports in my hand at around 6 pm. It is a small clinic and I went straight to the front desk, and repeated what I always say when I go to see a doctor in my broken Hindi: "Doctor saab se milnaa hain’’, quickly adding "Ye reports dekhaanaa hain’’ showing him the medical reports (I wish to meet the doctor to show him these reports).

He asked me to sit down on the sofa and wait. I began reading the newspapers kept there on the rack.

I read. I waited. There were a few patients who had been waiting before I entered.

As I was still reading the pages, the last patient was called in. I thought it was my turn next. But another old lady came and was allowed to see the doctor ahead of me. Me thought it was ok since she was a senior citizen.

Meantime I continued reading again. I waited endlessly but patiently.

I finished reading the Mail Today and The Hindustan Times!!

However, I saw that the assistant at the front desk allowed another patient to see the doctor, but not me. (There was the third who has come by then.)

This time I went to him and protested. Below was the conversation between him and me.

Me: Hello! Why are you not allowing me to see the doctor?

He: So you also want to consult the doctor?

Me: Why the hell I am waiting for so long?

He: I thought you wanted to ‘meet’ him

Me: What?

Then my phone began to ring. It was my sister.

He: Sorry sir, I did not understand you well. I thought….

Me: Is it? - Tik hain, cholo jaane do (Its ok, let it go), I said and entered the doctor’s room.

After seeing the doctor, I began to think. I am still thinking: Was it really only a misunderstanding?

Mizoram’s flawed literacy campaign

2011-01-25T18:49:00.000+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

On 3 December 2010, Mizoram’s Education Minister Mr Lalsawta launched a special campaign called "Rapid Action Total Literacy Campaign" (RATLC) with the aim of achieving cent percent literacy in the state. However, the motives of the government are highly questionable as the RALTC seeks to achieve total literacy before the completion of the 2011 Census in March 2011 - that is, within three or four months!

In October 2006, Mizoram’s then Education Minister R. Lalthangliana informed the State Assembly that the state achieved 90.27% literacy, up from 88.8% recorded in 2001 census.In terms of literacy, Mizoram may be the second highest (next to Kerala). But Mizoram has its unique problems with the minority communities so much so that it can be safely stated that it is because of the high incidence of illiteracy among the minority communities that Mizoram cannot achieve the No. 1 rank.

Just take the case of the Chakmas. With over 8% of the total population of Mizoram the Chakmas are the largest minority group. But only 45.3% Chakmas are literate, as per 2001 census figures which also confirmed that Chakmas are the “most illiterate” community in the state. This is against Mizos’ commendable 95.6% literacy rate. Although the literacy rate of the Brus (also known as Reangs) is not known (not recorded), it is popularly believed that the Brus are far behind to Chakmas in terms of development and education. This itself should be enough to indict the state government of Mizoram for not taking enough care of its minorities.

The official data made public at the launching of RATLC in Lunglei show that there are 12,129 illiterate people in Lawngtlai district followed by 4,200 in Lunglei district and 2,845 in Mamit district. All these three districts (Lawngtlai, Lunglei and Mamit) have substantial population of minorities like Chakma, Bru, Lai, etc. The largest minority group, the Chakma, lives only in these three districts. This clearly proves that the minorities in particular the Chakmas and the Brus have been highly neglected by the state government in terms of education. Now, consider the repatriation, in the immediate future, of over 30,000 Mizoram Brus from the Tripura relief camps who have been denied development and education for the last 13 years. Hence, an army of illiterate minorities will be a bigger challenge which the Mizoram government must be prepared to meet in near future.

The Mizoram government needs to really shift its focus on the minorities. But by seeking to make Mizoram 100% literate state in three or four months (notably before the completion of the Census 2011) through "Rapid Action Total Literacy Campaign", Mizoram government is sending a wrong signal to the whole world. This is nothing but taking a short cut method to improve its rating at the census and the goals are not genuine. But education is not “fast food” and such a flawed policy is sure to boomerang in the long run.

Mizoram told to act on starvation of Chakma tribals

2011-01-07T13:58:00.000+06:00

Merinews, 7 January 2011, http://www.merinews.com/article/mizoram-told-to-act-on-starvation-of-chakma-tribals/15839478.shtml

On January 5, 2011, Supreme Court Commissioners in the right to food case directed the Mizoram government to immediately provide food and nutrition to over 4,000 Chakma tribal villagers who have been starving for weeks in Lawngtlai district.

By – PARITOSH CHAKMA

OVER 4,000 Chakmas including men, women and children have reportedly been starving for several weeks in four villages – Parva I, Parva II, Parva III and Kamtuli under Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram. Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), an NGO, which moved to the Commissioners of the Supreme Court (in the case: CWP 196/2001, PUCL v. UOI and others) after inaction by the state government of Mizoram, stated that no food grain under the Public Distribution System has been distributed to the poorest of the poor families since October last year. The authorities of CADC and the state government of Mizoram failed to take cognizance of the severe starvation although the matter was brought to their attention, MCDF stated.

Acting on the MCDF’s complaint the Commissioners of the Supreme Court in the right to food case on 5 January 2011 issued direction to Mizoram Chief Secretary, Vanhela Pachuau to urgently supply food grain to the poor families from backlog of October 2010 and issue ration cards to all who don't have ration cards.

Further, in their order of January 5, 2011, Commissioner of the Supreme Court Dr N. C. Saxena and Special Commissioner Harsh Mander directed the Chief Secretary of Mizoram to “undertake a survey in all these villages and identify the families, who suffer from acute malnutrition, identify starvation & hunger related deaths (if any) and share information on the full coverage of all these residents of all food and livelihood schemes such as ICDS [Integrated Child Development Scheme], MDM [Mid Day Meal scheme], NREGA [National Rural Employment Act] and pensions in the district Lawngtlai. Please also send us a copy of instructions that would be issued in this direction and an action taken report within one month.”

MCDF has hailed this order as historic. “This is a historic order from the Supreme Court Food Commissioners as this goes beyond food security. MCDF is well aware that many Chakma families in Mizoram have been denied welfare schemes including PDS food grain, old age pension, maternity benefit scheme, nutrition etc. MCDF will monitor the implementation of the Supreme Court Commissioners’ order by the Mizoram government very closely.” – stated Mr Hemanta Larma, President of MCDF in a statement released to the media yesterday.

Larma further started that his organization complained to the Supreme Court Commissioners on 28 December 2010 after no action was taken by the Mizoram authorities to prevent possible starvation deaths in the affected villages if the situation deteriorated further.

These affected villages are located in far flung areas near to the Indo-Myanmar border and they do not have access to food grain even in the open market. On December, 23, 2010 MCDF had submitted petitions to the Deputy Commissioner, Lawngtlai district and the Chief Secretary, Mizoram government but the plea fell on deaf ear, the statement added.

Thousands of tribals starving in Mizoram, claims NGO

2010-12-24T17:12:00.003+06:00

Deccan Herald, 24 December 2010, http://www.deccanherald.com/content/123140/thousands-tribals-starving-mizoram-claims.html

Aizawl, Dec 23, (IANS) :

Over 4,000 Chakma tribal people in Mizoram have been starving for the past few weeks, a non-governmental organisation said Thursday.

"Over 800 Chakma tribal families comprising over 4,000 men, women and children in four villages in Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) areas of southern Mizoram have been starving for several weeks," New Delhi based Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) said in a letter to the Mizoram government.

MCDF president Hemanta Larma said: "No food grain under the Public Distribution System (PDS) have been supplied to the AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) and BPL (Below Poverty Line) card holders since October."

"People belonging to APL (Above Poverty Line) have got their quota of rice and other materials till Nov 26, making clear that the richer have been given more importance than the poor and poorest families," the petition said.

It was submitted to Mizoram Chief Secretary Pu Van Hela Pachuau and deputy commissioner of Lawngtlai district.

The letter added that the failure of the state government to ensure food security and non-supply of food grain under PDS were direct violations of the Supreme Court orders on the Right to Food case and Article 21 of the Indian constitution.

Mizoram government officials have also admitted about the severe food crisis in Lawngtlai and other districts.

Mizoram Chief Secretary also held a meeting with Union Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar earlier this month in New Delhi demanding urgent supply of food grain.

The central government has been supplying food grain, cooking gas, fertilisers and other essentials to northeastern states.

Inadequate railway service to the mountainous region is the main bottleneck in maintaining uninterrupted supply of food grain and other essentials.

A senior Mizoram government official told reporters that six out of the state's eight districts are facing a severe shortage of food grain and other essentials.

"The Mizoram chief secretary, during his meeting with the union cabinet secretary, has suggested six proposals, including building of adequate numbers of godowns, to overcome the recurring problem," he said.

Occasional road blockades by local organisations and disruption of railway services due to heavy rains during monsoon have also contributed to such shortages in Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and southern and western Assam.

No rehabilitation yet for Mizoram's 35,000 fencing victims

2010-09-28T17:33:00.001+06:00

Merinews.com, 28 September 2010, http://www.merinews.com/article/no-rehabilitation-yet-for-mizorams-35000-fencing-victims/15831573.shtml

By Paritosh Chakma

ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2010, Mizoram Home Minister R Lalzirliana informed the State Assembly that over 35,000 people from 45 villages are required to be relocated inside the fence due to the India-Bangladesh border fencing in Mizoram.

He said this while replying to a question from opposition Mara Democratic Front (MDF) MLA, P P Thawlla. Participating in the discussion, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said that the state government had approached the Centre many times but each time received the same reply: “We have not done any relocation in other states.”

This is the first time that the issue of rehabilitation for the border fencing victims was discussed in the Mizoram Assembly. There has been a series of protests by the victims over the issues of compensation and rehabilitation but there has been no word from the Centre regarding rehabilitation inside the fence.

Earlier in a RTI reply dated 16th December 2009 the Ministry of Home Affairs (Border Management) has stated that “Neither this Ministry has prepared any plan for rehabilitation nor any proposal has been received in this Ministry from Govt. of Mizoram”.

The move to shift the people came when the Indian government has decided to fence India's 4,095 km border with Bangladesh running through West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram so as to curb infiltration, smuggling, trans-border movement of militants and other anti-national activities.

Mizoram's Dampa tiger reserve to evict 227 tribal families

2010-09-27T11:33:00.001+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

(Merinews, 25th September 2010,
http://www.merinews.com/article/mizorams-dampa-tiger-reserve-to-evict-227-tribal-families/15830777.shtml )

THE EXTENSION of Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mamit district in western belt of Mizoram is going to displace as many as 227 tribal families – all belonging to Chakma community from Andermanik village. All these are poor people without livelihood, except for Jhum cultivation upon which the forest officials have imposed restrictions. For the past one year, there has been no cultivation due to fear of the long hand of the law.

Incidentally, these villagers or their ancestors had been evicted once from the Dampa Tiger Reserve area in 1989 and resettled by the state government outside the DTR area in the present Andermanik village. However, all in the name of tiger protection, the forest department is all set to evict them once again.

As per the “Revised Guidelines for the Ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger” (February 2008) of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, the Andermanik villagers have been offered two options: Option I – Take the entire package amount (Rs. 10 lakhs per family) and the Forest Department will not be involved in any rehabilitation / relocation process . Option II – The Forest Department will carry out relocation / rehabilitation of village from the tiger reserve.

The money being offered is lucrative – Rs 10 lakhs per family, that is a total of Rs 22,70,00,000 (Twenty Two Crores Seventy Lakhs) for the entire village. But thanks to the absolute lack of transparency and secretive attitudes of the officials, the villagers have been divided into supporters of Option I and Option II.

If the villagers opt for Option I, they take Rs 10 lakh per family but need to find their own homes – somewhere, somehow (so says the Guideline as per the interpretation of the officials). The officials also interpreted to them that their Village Council would be dissolved (Andermanik is a full-fledged Village Council/Court). The villagers are strongly opposed to the dissolution of their Village Council.

In case of option II, the following package is proposed, at the rate of Rs. 10 lakhs per family: Agriculture land procurement (2 hectare) and development – 35% of the total package; Settlement of rights – 30%, Homestead land and house construction – 20%, Incentive – 5%, and Community facilities – 10% The District Commissioner of Mamit has allegedly told the village leaders in no uncertain terms that each family would be getting not more than Rs 2 lakhs if they opt for Option II. The rest (i.e. Rs 8 lakh from each family) would be used by the state government to provide land title, develop their lands, and create infrastructure in the new village site. The villagers feel they are being cheated.

The villagers have been completely kept in the dark about the land acquisition and relocation/rehabilitation. This displacement process absolutely lacks transparency; so much so that the villagers do not know about the fate of government servants such as teachers! The teachers fear that they may lose their jobs after relocation.

The local MLA and Deputy Speaker, John Rotluangliana has promised the Andermanik villagers a new life in a “model village”. But few are ready to buy his assurance. How can they forget so soon that in 1989 eviction they had received only Rs 5000 or so out of the promised Rs 1 lakh per family? No one knows where the money had gone. The politicians had promised everything. But even today the Andermanik village has no road connectivity and no health care centre. The villagers have to track hostile terrains to have access to PDS food grain or medicine from the nearest shop at Rajiv Nagar which is 18 km away!

(Also read, The Pains of Mizoram's Andermanik villagers" at http://paritosh-chakma.blogspot.com/2010/09/pains-of-mizorams-andermanik-villagers.html )

The pains of Mizoram’s Andermanik villagers

2010-09-18T16:54:00.004+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Andermanik is a village inhabited by ethnic Chakma tribals in Mamit district of Mizoram. There are 227 families with population not less than 750. All these are poor people without livelihood, except for Jhum cultivation upon which the forest officials have imposed restrictions. For the past one year, there has been no cultivation due to fear of the long hand of the law.

The Forest Department of Mizoram claims that Andermanik village falls within the Dampa Tiger Reserve area, and hence must leave their homes and hearths. In practical sense, this is a ridiculous claim. This is because these innocent villagers were evicted from the Dampa Tiger Reserve area in 1989 and resettled by the state government outside the DTR area at the present Andermanik village. All in the name of tiger protection! At that time the officials promised them Rs 1 lakh per family but they actually received only a few thousands.

It is said that there are only a little over 1,400 tigers left in this country. And, therefore, their protection is a supreme necessity. Agreed. However, this has provided to Mizoram government another opportunity to displace the minority tribals who are extremely poor and mostly illiterate. The forest officials claim that there could be 5 or 6 tigers in Dampa Tiger Reserve which has an area of 500 sq km. Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra with only 257 sq. km has 14 tigers and Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka with a total area of 492 sq. km has 35 tigers. So, is it really necessary to increase the area of the Dampa Tiger Reserve at the cost of the tribal villagers? But the Mizoram government is not worried; it is rather happy. By increasing the Dampa Tiger Reserve area it is going to accomplish three motives at one time: evict the minority Chakma villagers, earn good name as protector of tigers/environment and fill its purse with Central funds under Project Tiger Scheme.

As per the “Revised Guidelines for the Ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger” (February 2008) of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, the Andermanik villagers have been offered two options:

Option I – Take the entire package amount (Rs. 10 lakhs per family) and the Forest Department will not be involved in any rehabilitation / relocation process

Option II – The Forest Department will carry out relocation / rehabilitation of village from the tiger reserve.

The money being offered is lucrative – Rs 10 lakhs per family, that is a total of Rs 22,70,00,000 ( Twenty Two Crores Seventy Lakhs) for the entire village. Big money. But the major problem lies in the lackluster, secretive attitudes of the officials and politicians who are involved.

From the interaction this writer had with the village leaders, it clearly appears that the officials have adopted a policy of spreading misinformation and keep the entire affair non-transparent for reasons best known to them. And, they have succeeded. Today, the villagers are a divided lot. We have learnt well from the Britishers the policy of “Divide and Rule”.

If the villagers opt for Option I, they take Rs 10 lakh per family but need to find their own homes – somewhere, somehow (so says the Guideline as per the interpretation of the officials). The officials also interpreted to them that their Village Council would be dissolved (Andermanik is a full-fledged Village Council/Court). The villagers are strongly opposed to the dissolution of their Village Council.

Contrary to the opinion of the officials, Section 7.22.4 of the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 provides that “While shifting the population of the affected area to the resettlement area, the Administrator for Rehabilitation and Resettlement shall, as far as possible, ensure that: a) In case the entire population of the village or area to be shifted belongs to a particular community, such population or families may, as far as possible, be resettled en masse in a compact area, so that socio-cultural relations and social harmony amongst the shifted families are not disturbed.” Therefore, the question of disintegration of the Village Council of Andermanik does not arise after rehabilitation.

Article 10 of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides that “Indigenous peoples shall not be forcibly removed from their lands or territories. No relocation shall take place without the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples concerned and after agreement on just and fair compensation and, where possible, with the option of return.” But the right to “free, prior and informed consent” of the Chakma tribals in this case has been thrown out of the window, as the villagers have been completely kept in the dark about the land acquisition and relocation/rehabilitation. This displacement process absolutely lacks transparency; so much so that the villagers do not know about the fate of government servants such as teachers! The teachers fear that they may lose their jobs after relocation.

In case of option II, the following package is proposed, at the rate of Rs. 10 lakhs per family: Agriculture land procurement (2 hectare) and development – 35% of the total package; Settlement of rights – 30%, Homestead land and house construction – 20%, Incentive – 5%, and Community facilities – 10%

Here too, there is a problem. The District Commissioner of Mamit has allegedly told the representatives of the Andermanik village that each family would get only Rs 2 lakhs (for the purpose of house construction) out of Rs 10 lakhs and the rest (i.e. Rs 8 lakh from each family) would be used by the state government to provide land title, develop their lands, and create infrastructure in the new village site. The villagers feel they are being cheated.

The local MLA and Deputy Speaker, Mr. John Rotluangliana has promised the Andermanik villagers a new life in a “model village”. But few are ready to buy this assurance. How can they forget so soon that in 1989 displacement they received only Rs 5000 out of the promised Rs 1 lakh per family? No one knows where the money had gone. The politicians had promised everything. But even today the Andermanik village has no road connectivity and no health care centre. The villagers have to track hostile terrains to have access to PDS food grain or medicine from the nearest shop at Rajiv Nagar which is 18 km away!

The village leaders told this writer that they won’t settle anything less than Rs 5 lakh per family in cash in addition to land title, livelihood and other basic facilities in their new village which the authorities must undertake with the remaining amount i.e. Rs 11 crore 35 lakh (Rs 500,000 X 227). I absolutely believe the villagers are justified in their demand. There is no doubt that the real answer to this problem lies in the total respect of the “free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous peoples” of Andermanik village by the authorities. That means that the villagers have the right to know what’s happening with them and everything should happen with their free will and prior consent. The poor should get the maximum benefits of land acquisition.

( This article is also available at Mizoram Express, 18 September 2010: http://mizoramexpress.com/index.php/2010/09/the-pains-of-mizorams-andermanik-villagers/ )

A story repeats itself: Three Chakmas assaulted in Mizoram

2010-07-20T10:31:00.006+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

It is a story which has repeated itself once again on 13 July 2010 at Demagiri in Lunglei district of Mizoram. The typical story involving a Chakma goes like this: a Chakma is beaten/abused by a Mizo or a group of Mizos, heightened communal tension fills the air, and ultimately the victim “enters into a compromise” with the culprit(s) to escape further threats and assaults, although the victim is on the right side. To many people this would sound filmy (they have seen too many such scenes in films featuring dacoits and dons etc) but this is for real in Mizoram.

Initial information stated that Sneha Kumar Chakma, son of Direndra Chakma of Silkur village in Mizoram, was brutally assaulted by a personnel of Mizoram Armed Police at Demagiri bazaar in Lunglei district of Mizoram on 13 July 2010. However, later as the story was further investigated, it was credibly learnt that Sneha Kumar Chakma’s wife and another Chakma man were also assaulted by the MAP personnel and two other Mizos in the same incident.

It all happened when Sneha Kumar Chakma and his wife came to sell “dry fish” at Demagiri market. An MAP personnel forcibly took away “dry fish” without paying its price from them. Later, the MAP personnel accused the Chakma couple of being Bangladeshi nationals and assaulted the Chakma couple (The victims are permanent residents of Silkur village, Lunglei district, Mizoram). They both suffered injuries.

In Mizoram, does a Chakma mean a Bangladeshi? If anyone thinks so, then he or she is outrightly disrespecting the Constitution of India which has created the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) under the Sixth Schedule in Mizoram. It is nothing but a tactic of alienation, or at least the Chakmas feel that way every time they are branded/ treated as "foreigners" in their own land. Worst, the allegation and assault is committed by a member of the security forces, who should have been defending his country men in times of need. If a member of Mizoram security forces assaults innocent Indian citizens who belong to a minority community, then he has no right to serve the country in uniform. Reason: He has a sick mind. Protectors cannot be predators, can they?

Sneha Kumar Chakma was later again assaulted on the pretext of taking him to police station but he managed to escape. As Sneha Kumar Chakma could not speak Mizo language well, another Chakma tried to interpret but he was assaulted by the accused.

The next day (July 14) some village leaders went to the accused’s house. The meeting ended in a "compromise". However, the victim was so frightened that he refused to send any of his family members to sell goods in the market. Ultimately, on July 17, he and his wife decided to “gift” a big fat hen as a means to obtain “goodwill” of the accused (the MAP personnel), who otherwise should have been facing the law.

The Chakma community expressed shock and concern. A Chakma social activist (who requested anonymity) told this writer on the phone -

“This is surely an open discrimination against the Chakmas. The Mizoram Armed Police personnel beat up the victim only because he is a Chakma and later defended his action saying that he mistook the victim to be a Bangladeshi Chakma. If Chakmas of Mizoram cannot enjoy their basic rights in Mizoram soil, this is a serious matter. I wonder what will happen to the Chakmas of Mizoram once they fall outside the border fence and denied rehabilitation inside?”

The Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) has strongly condemned the incident. It stated what appears to be obvious:

“The matter might have reached a compromise but a scare is left on the minds of the Chakmas every time such incident takes place. Every measure should be taken by the Mizoram government to restore faith of the Chakma community that they can also live in peace and prosper along with other communities in Mizoram.”

Very true.

Free movies websites

2010-07-15T17:28:00.000+06:00

Websites which allow you to watch films freely and legally in India (Source: CNN-IBN)

http://www.rajshri.com/

http://www.archive.org/details/movies

http://www.imdb.com/features/video/browse/film/

http://www.mybigflix.com/home/movies/free

http://www.filmsdivision.org/

http://www.veoh.com/browse/movies/

http://www.freedocumentaries.org/

http://www.youtube.com/movies

http://www.clearbits.net/movies

http://emol.org/movies/

Enjoy!!

Mizoram to showcase its Bamboo Dance at Common Wealth Games 2010

2010-07-07T11:20:00.002+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

I am happy and excited on hearing the news that my state (Mizoram) has received invitation from the organizers of the Common Wealth Games 2010 to send a team to perform “Cheraw” dance, popularly known as bamboo dance, at the opening ceremony of the Games in New Delhi in October 2010. “Cheraw” is basically a traditional dance of the Mizo people, but since it symbolizes Mizoram’s pride and culture, a Chakma of Mizoram like me cannot but be proud in equal measure.

Mizos have long cherished this traditional dance and they enjoy performing it. In March 2010 this dance shot into international fame by entering into Guinness World Records when over 10,378 Mizo dancers performed “the largest and longest bamboo dance" in the world for eight minutes in Aizawl. (I had written about this in my blog, http://paritosh-chakma.blogspot.com/2010/03/historic-bamboo-dance-in-aizawl.html )

The beauty of this dance is so mesmerizing that it can't be missed at the Common Wealth Games 2010 if India wanted to showcase its cultural diversity to the world. In the context of India, the invitation also means that Mizoram, a tiny state in far-flung North East, is being recognized for her exotic tradition and peaceful co-existence of different cultures.

Indeed, this is a historical opportunity for the people of Mizoram to showcase their beautiful dance before the entire world. I am sure this colourful and skillful dance will entertain the spectators at the opening ceremony.

Mizoram: Inclusion, not exclusion is the answer

2010-05-24T16:39:00.008+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

In my post “Is Mizoram becoming a radical society?” I have narrated the ordeal suffered by three Buddhist monks at the hands of some hooligans in Mizoram, a Christian dominated state in North East India. Of the three victims was Ven. Kaccayana Bhikkhu who was attacked by a group of about 10 youths on the night of 19 May 2010 near Phuldungsei in Mamit district. The attackers kicked, punched the monk wherever they liked and bit his bald head. The beastly nature of the attack is evident.

The next day (20 May) two other Buddhist monks were physically intimidated (one of the monk’s ears were pulled by the two attackers) while traveling in a government bus in Mamit district. As the monks were humiliated, other passengers quietly watched and enjoyed the scene.

In “Is Mizoram becoming a radical society?” I have asked a question – “Is Mizoram sliding into a society where shameful acts like pulling the ears of a religious teacher in full public view tolerated? Towards the transformation into radicalism the first thing a society needs is the silent acceptance or tolerance of attacks (whether verbal or physical) on minority community people or religion by the majority.”

I am happy to clarify here that majority of those (mainly Mizos) who have commented on the issue have strongly condemned/objected to the attacks on the Buddhist monks in Mizoram.

Yet there are a few who think it was on expected line and justified the attacks. Of them is one “dinchhuaha” who while commenting to the attack on Ven. Kaccayana Bhikkhu wrote on 21 May 2010:

“(Chakma) Bangladesh Refugee trying to create seperate (sic) state in Mizoram is shameful. All the chakmas shoul be send back (sic) to their Native place (Chittagong Hill Tracts)”.

For readers who are not aware of Chittagong Hill Tracts, it is in Bangladesh.

His statement is replete with hatred, xenophobia, exclusionist attitude, and misconception about the Chakmas of Mizoram. May be he is not aware that the Chakmas are the largest minority community in Mizoram (with over 8% of the total state’s population). The Chakmas have been granted Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) way back in 1972 under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India like that of Lai and Mara ADCs. He has no idea that Chakmas are as much natives of Mizoram as the Mizos are.

The likes of “dinchhuaha” would want to have everything for themselves and won’t like to share anything with others (read "minorities"). Even the Mizos of Mizoram are a small minority group in a nation of the size of India. The likes of “dinchhuaha” would love to live in a democracy when they are living/travelling in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata etc but would love to deny the same freedom to the minority groups when they are in their own state. They would cry “equality, liberty, fraternity” when they face harassment/ discrimination/attacks in other states but won’t recognize these principles in their home turf where they only believe that they alone have the right to live in this particular territory. Anything that is not similar to their language, culture, religion, and tradition should banish.

Still many others disbelieved the case of attacks on Ven. Kaccayana Bhikkhu. Now Ven. Kaccayana Bhikkhu has himself commented (see comment no.2):

“I am Ven. Kaccayana Bhikkhu (who got attack on 19th night). ……. It was really shocking for me that I can travel freely in whole India and in foreign country without any problem but in my own birthplace I cannot travel freely.”

I know this Buddhist monk personally and let me give a few details of his life. Ven. Kaccayana Bhikkhu has studied in Bangalore and became a monk in October 1997. He has served in Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) and visited foreign countries like Thailand.

The comment of Ven. Kaccayana Bikkhu reminds me of the comments made by Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla in a seminar in Singapore that he was often “a victim of racism” when he visits other parts of India. "In India, people ask me if I am an Indian", he said. Contrast this with Mizoram’s Buddhist monk’s statement that he can’t move freely in his “own birthplace” (i.e. Mizoram) although he travels freely across the entire nation and abroad.

Ven. Kaccayana Bikkhu concludes his comment by stating – “I am still not fully recovered as they have kick and punch me everywhere, most serious is teeth imprint on my head and a kick at my left jaw because of which I still cannot chew any food and I am surviving only on Noodle (food) and going on medical theatment (sic) in my village.”

The moral of this story is: What the Mizos feel in mainland India the Chakmas feel in Mizoram. The need of the hour is to stump out the exclusiionist policies and bring inclusion both in the policies/programmes of the government as well as in our mindsets. Inclusion, not exclusion is the answer.

Two Budhist monks manhandled in Mizoram

2010-05-22T10:38:00.001+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Sat, May 22, 2010 09:40:14 IST
http://www.merinews.com/article/two-budhist-monks-manhandled-in-mizoram/15813882.shtml

ANOTHER SHAMEFUL act of physical attack on Buddhist monks has come to light in Mizoram. On May 20, 2010, two Buddhist monks were physically manhandled, harassed and humiliated by two passengers while travelling in a government Mizoram State Transport (MST) bus from Aizawl to Marpara.

The Buddhist monks identified as venerable Kabidananda Bhikku and venerable Gautamananda Bhikku from Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) were on their way to Marpara village in Lunglei district. When the MST bus reached Phuldungsei town in Mamit district, 147 km from Aizawl, two passengers (aged between 25 and 30 years) began to harass them. The accused pulled the ears of venerable Gautamananda Bhikku while the other monk was not allowed to sleep in his own seat.

The accused asked the monks, “Why are you wearing this kind of clothes,” referring to the saffron robe of the Buddhist monks and pulled the ears of venerable Gautamananda Bhikku in a very demeaning manner.

All this was going on in front of other passengers but none intervened. Among the passengers were three Chakmas – one male and two females but they too could not pull up courage to protest.

The victimised Buddhist monks have confirmed the incident to this writer over the phone. They have told this writer that their ordeal ended only when the two accused passengers got off at Pukzing village about 18 km from Marpara.

This is the second case of physical attacks on Buddhist monks in two days. Earlier on the night of May 19, 2010, Buddhist monk, venerable Kacchayana Bhikku (also a Chakma) was brutally assaulted by unidentified Mizo miscreants in the same route near Phuldungsei in Mamit district.

Buddhists constitute about eight per cent in Christian dominated Mizoram. Chakmas who are Buddhists have alleged marginalisation and discrimination in the state which is considered the most peaceful state in the North East India. On May 24, 2008, then Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) of West Phaileng, Sangthuama in an official communication threatened the elected village head of Khantlang village in Mamit district to stop all welfare facilities/schemes enjoyed by the Chakma villagers of Khantlang if they refused to allot land for construction of a Presbyterian Church there.

Read: Is Mizoram becoming a radical society?, http://paritosh-chakma.blogspot.com/2010/05/is-mizoram-becoming-radical-society.html

Is Mizoram becoming a radical society?

2010-05-21T17:39:00.007+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

This is going too far. This morning I woke up to news of another shameful assault on two Buddhist monks in Mamit district, Mizoram.

As I sat silently on my computer waiting anxiously for my sister’s Class XII results to be declared by the CBSE at 8 am today, my phone began to ring. I thought somebody was wanting to know my sister’s result but it was not the case. My sister passed the exam with respectable 57 per cent but my heart sank as the person on the other side of the phone told me that two Buddhist monks were humiliated by two Mizo passengers while traveling from Aizawl to Marpara in Mizoram State Transport (MST) bus on 20 May 2010. It was only two days ago that Buddhist monk, Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku (also a Chakma) was brutally assaulted by unidentified Mizo miscreants in the same route near Phuldungsei!

Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku's case was different. He admitted to me that his vehicle slightly hit the rear view mirror of the Mizos' 407 vehicle -so they got angry and beaten up the Buddhist monk in a fit of rage. I was willing to accept that although violence on a Buddhist monk or Christian Pastor or Hindu Sadhu or Muslim Imam was unacceptable and heinous crime.

But in yesterday's case nothing of that sort happened. It was a cold blooded assault on the holy men. The Buddhist monks identified as Venerable Kabidananda Bhikku and Venerable Gautamananda Bhikku from Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) were on their way to Marpara in a MST bus. When the bus reached Phuldungsei town, 147 km from Aizawl, two Mizo passengers (aged between 25-30 years) began to harass them. The accused pulled the ears of Venerable Gautamananda Bhikku while the other monk was not allowed to sleep in his own seat.

The accused allegedly asked the monks, “Why are you wearing this kind of clothes” referring to the saffron robe of the Buddhist monks, and pulled the ears of Ven. Gautamananda Bhikku in a very demeaning manner.

All this was going on in front of other passengers but none intervened. This is equally shocking. This explains acceptance of the shameful act by the co-passengers who were mostly Mizos. Is Mizoram sliding into a society where shameful acts like pulling the ears of a religious teacher in full public view tolerated? Towards the transformation into radicalism the first thing a society needs is the silent acceptance or tolerance of attacks (whether verbal or physical) on minority community people or religion by the majority. Unfortunately, tolerance of hatred and violence (citing different grounds) by some educated, modern day Mizos is also visible in the discussions at popular blog, http://www.misual.com/ on this subject ( http://www.misual.com/2010/05/20/mizo-in-buddhist-monk-sawisa/) If we the people of Mizoram accept inhuman acts against people of another community or religion, I am afraid this state will be no longer different from any other states where the rights of the minorities are thrashed into the dustbin and minorities are persecuted with impunity.

Among the passengers were three Chakmas – one male and two females but they too could not pull up courage to protest. The victimized monks told me their ordeal ended only when the two accused passengers got off at Pukzing village about 18 km from Marpara.

This is the second case of physical attacks on Buddhist monks in two days. Earlier on the night of 19 May 2010 Buddhist monk, Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku was brutally assaulted by unidentified Mizo miscreants in the same route near Phuldungsei in Mamit district. Read the story I have filed: http://www.merinews.com/article/buddhist-monk-assaulted-in-mizoram/15812894.shtml

Mizoram is often rightly stated to be the most peaceful state in the North East India and I am very happy as well as proud of this. I was also happy when in March 2010, Vice Chairman of the National Minority Commission H T Sangliana, following a visit, found “no serious oppression and persecution of minorities in Mizoram”. But now I am having disturbing thoughts.

I am critically aware about the religious persecution against the Muslims and Christians in states like Gujarat, Orissa and Karnataka etc, but the recent instances of brutal physical attack on Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku, pulling of ears of Venerable Gautamananda Bhikku and harassment to Venerable Kabidananda Bhikku in a public bus (as all other passengers were watching silently) are making me uncomfortable. Is Mizoram, my beautiful state, too moving into radicalism?

These attacks, which are completely unacceptable in a civilized society, highlight the fact that the condition of the minorities in Mizoram is not hunky dory.

Buddhist monk assaulted in Mizoram

2010-05-20T17:39:00.000+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma
(In a case of religious intolerance, a Buddhist monk, Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku was brutally assaulted by a group of Mizo youth near Phuldungsei, 147 km from Aizawl in Mizoram on the night of 19 May 2010.)

Thu, May 20, 2010 15:36:59 IST
http://www.merinews.com/article/buddhist-monk-assaulted-in-mizoram/15812894.shtml

A BUDDHIST monk belonging to Chakma ethnic tribe was attacked by some unknown miscreants in Mizoram on the night of 19 May 2010. The incident took place at around 9-30 PM near Phuldungsei in Mamit district, 147 km from Aizawl.

Buddhist monk, Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku was assaulted when he was carrying a Buddha statue in a hired vehicle from Guwahati (Assam). This Buddha statue from Thailand was donated by Mahabodhi Society Bangalore to the Marpara South Buddhist Temple.

It so happened that the vehicle hired by Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku slightly hit the rear view mirror of another vehicle (a 407 vehicle) where about a dozen Mizos were coming from the opposite direction while negotiating for side near Phuldungsei. The Mizos asked the driver, who was a Bengali (a “Vai” in Mizos’ vocabulary) to get down. When the non-Mizo driver was reluctant, they dragged him and started beating him. Seeing this Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku of Marpara South Buddhist Temple intervened and requested the Mizo youths to spare his driver.

At this the Mizo youths began to interrogate Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku. The Buddhist monk showed them the Buddha statue and appealed them to let them go. But the Mizo youths brutally assaulted Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku. They punched him on the face and kicked him for several minutes. One of the assaulters even bit Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku on his bald head, leaving teeth imprints on the head.

Speaking to this writer on the phone from his Buddhist temple in Marpara today, Ven. Kacchayana Bhikku stated, “My case highlights religious intolerance in Mizoram. They fully knowing that I was a Buddhist monk assaulted and insulted me. But I can tell you not all Mizos are like that. After the incident, we could do little because we had failed to note down the number of the vehicle of the accused.”

Meanwhile, the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF) has strongly condemned the attack on the Buddhist monk. In a statement, MCDF termed the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable in a civilized society.”

Eighty Seven per cent of Mizoram's population are Christians. Buddhists constitute only 8% who are mainly Chakmas.

Mizoram CM praises Chakma culture, promises development

2010-05-01T10:30:00.000+06:00

Merinews.com, 1 May 2010, http://www.merinews.com/article/mizoram-cm-praises-chakma-culture-promises-development/15805778.shtml

By Paritosh Chakma

SPEAKING AS Chief Guest on the occasion of 39th ‘CADC Day’ held in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) headquarters Kamalanagar on April 29, 2010, Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lal Thanhawla highly appreciated the unique culture of the Chakmas and promised rapid development of the CADC and other Chakma-inhabited areas.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was accompanied from Aizawl by his wife, Pi Lalriliani, Deputy Speaker of Mizoram state assembly John Rotluangliana, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Nihar Kanti Chakma, and Deputy Commissioner of Lawngtlai district, C Ralkapa, among others.

Promises rapid development

Pointing out that it was the Congress government at the Centre which created the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) way back in 1972, Pu Lal Thanhawla stated that the CADC can’t be dissolved. Three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) respectively for Chakma, Lai and Mara were created in 1972, but some Mizo political parties have opposed the Chakma ADC and even introduced resolutions in the Mizoram assembly demanding its dissolution.

Having separate autonomous legislature, executive and judiciary, the Chakmas administer their autonomous region in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

The Chief Minister promised rapid development of the Chakma inhabited areas – both the CADC and non-CADC areas. He said development in Mizoram was mainly taking place from the North, but now development should begin from the South, and provided examples of proposed trade centre with Bangladesh to be established near Demagiri in Lunglei district.

Spelling out his development plan for the CADC, Pu Lal Thanhawla informed that the Backward Region Grant Fund to the tune of Rs 57 crore will be implemented in six installments and the CADC authority will be empowered to directly implement the programme. To improve road connectivity, Routlang (Chhumkhum)-Kamalanagar road will be upgraded to state highway within one or two years and Kamalanagar-Boroponsury road will be completed with priority.

Kamalanagar Greater Water Supply Scheme will be introduced soon to solve the water woes. The Kawlchaw Hydro Project that is being constructed over the Chhimtuipui River will generate 460 MW of electricity for CADC, he stated. He further stated that he would like to see the CADC as the rice bowl of Mizoram and a technical team led by state Agriculture Minister will soon undertake a visit to carry out a study on agriculture prospects in the CADC area.

Beguiled by Chakmas’ culture

In particular, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his wife appreciated the beautiful culture of the Chakmas that was presented as part of the CADC Day celebration. So beguiled they were that they even performed a dance on the stage to the tune of a Chakma song.

Pu Lal Thanhawla stated that he found the Chakmas’ culture and tradition very rich and would invite Chakma cultural troupe to perform at state level cultural programmes. Mindful of the fact that not many Chakmas can speak the Mizo language, he appealed to them to learn the Mizo language which he said would bring them closer to the Mizos and help them grab more opportunities in the state. However, he was quick to add that no one should be forced to learn Mizo language.

******

Read another report:
Chakma Autonomous District Council will not be dissolved, says Mizoram CM, Mizoram Express, 30 April 2010, http://mizoramexpress.com/index.php/2010/04/chakma-autonomous-district-council-will-not-be-dissolved-says-mizoram-cm/

Cyclone hits Mizoram, 1 killed, hundreds left homeless

2010-04-26T15:04:00.000+06:00

Merinews.com, 26 April 2010, http://www.merinews.com/article/cyclone-hits-mizoram-1-killed-hundreds-left-homeless/15805214.shtml

By Paritosh Chakma

ANOTHER CYCLONE has hit the western Mizoram and this time too it hit hard the common people, damaging hundreds of houses and other government buildings. In the early morning of Wednesday (April 21), when the villagers were fast asleep, high velocity wind swept across destroying 236 houses including 138 fully and 98 partially at Digilibagh village under Lunglei district of Mizoram.

One Chakma tribal identified as Chandra Kanta Chakma (53 years), son of Udongya Chakma died on the spot after he was reportedly hit by flying CGI sheets. Local sources informed that three persons have been seriously injured and hospitalised at nearby Demagiri (Tlabung) hospital.

They have been identified as Lokki Loda Chakma (52 years), wife of Porok Dhan Chakma; Porok Dhan Chakma (55 years), son of Muni Chakma, and Lokki Math (50 years), son of Jedhera Chakma. At least three others including two girl children suffered minor injuries. They have been identified as Daya Devi Chakma (5 years), daughter of Atul Chandro Chakma, Prisha Chakma (7 years), daughter of Lalmalswami Chakma and Nakki Chakma (22 years), daughter of Dharak Chandro Chakma.

A number of government buildings have been damaged at Digilibagh village. These include Delbachhua Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) School, Health sub centre and the community hall. Sugurobasora sub-village and Ugudosury sub-village under Digilibagh Village Council have also been affected where 11 houses and 15 houses were damaged respectively. However, no casualty has been reported from these two sub-villages.

On April 24, 2010, a five-member relief team from the Central Young Chakma Association (CYCA) visited the Digilibagh village and distributed Rs 50,000 to the cyclone victims.

The cyclone has once again brought to the sharp focus the lackluster response of the Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation authorities. When similar cyclone wrecked havoc at Silsury and Hvaha villages under Mamit district on March 30, 2010, the affected Chakma villagers have been left to fend for themselves and till date the education and healthcare facilities in these villages have not been restored.

This time too, little relief has been provided to the victims at Digilibagh village and its neighbourhood sub villages. All that has been done is the visit of Lunglei Additional Deputy Commissioner who reportedly provided a relief of Rs 10,000 to the deceased’s family of Chandra Kanta Chakma, Rs 1000 each to the three hospitalised persons and Rs 400 each the three persons who suffered minor injuries.

According to the local sources, the villagers are facing the hostile weather in temporary shelters which have been built with the help of Young Chakma Association, a community voluntary organisation. No step has been taken to immediately restore the education and health facilities in the affected villages. Ironically, Digilibagh village and Sugurobasora and Ugudosury sub-villages under Digilibagh Village Council fall under the constituency of the incumbent Minister of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Nihar Kanti Chakma. Yet, Chakma has failed to visit the affected areas to take stock of the situation.

Ignorance about Mizoram?

2010-04-20T10:59:00.007+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

The ignorance of North Eastern states and its people among the general public in “mainland” India needs no introduction. The scenario was worst in the last decade. Mr Swaraj Kaushal, who was governor of Mizoram from 8 February 1990 to 9 February 1993, during a Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Indian Parliament) debate on 17 May 2000 made the following statement -

"Much has been said about the ignorance of the North-East. I remember when I was the Governor I used to visit Delhi. I am very sorry to share with this House that some of the Ministers used to ask me--I was the Governor of Mizoram--"how was Mr.Gegon Apang?", little realising that Mr. Gegong Apang was the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Sometimes, I was told that I was staying at a beautiful place called Shillong. Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and I was the Governor of Mizoram."

After a decade has there been any improvement in the knowledge about the North Eastern states? No doubt that there has been.

But, from a report appearing in India’s one of the most credible newspapers, The Hindu on 19 April 2010, I am once again startled.

In its report, “Lapang willing to step down” by Sushanta Talukdar, The Hindu published the picture of Mizoram Chief Minister Mr Lalthanhawla and identified him as “D.D. Lapang” (see the report) while reporting on the possible change of guard in Meghalaya.

Was it a human error, or an error of knowledge? Certainly, ignorance cannot be a human error and the inability to identify Lalthanhawla from D D Lapang cannot be an excuse for The Hindu, which is known for its impeccable reporting of the truth. Just imagine, Nitish Kumar is identitied as Ashok Chavan. However, given The Hindu's record I am willing to believe that it was an error.

Nonetheless I am very angry. Even if a mistake, it has been committed by an intellectual community concerning a renown personality like Mr Lalthanhawla. Only a day earlier, The Economic Times (18 April 2010) had boasted about Lalthanhawla's image. Introducing Mizoram's Chief Minister The Economic Times stated-

“When Lal Thanhawla seeks an appointment with an Union minister in New Delhi, no one disappoints him despite the fact that he is the chief minister of one of the small, far-flung North-East states. After all, he first became Mizoram’s CM when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister.”

(http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/the-sunday-et/policy--you/I-wish-we-had-larger-number-of-MPs-Lal-Thanhawla/articleshow/5827094.cms )

My anguish over the ignorance about the NE region can be measured from this. A few months ago, a Hindi daily published the picture of Sharmila Tagore in the news piece that reported the arrest of Manipur’s iron lady, Irom Sharmila by the police! (I have been trying to trace that news clipping , but unfortunately I lost it)

Bizu 2010 celebrated by Chakmas in Delhi

2010-04-17T18:41:00.003+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma
On 13th April 2010, three social organizations namely, Mizoram Chakma Development Forum, Chakma Welfare Society, Noida and Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union organized “Bizu 2010” celebration at Ashok Buddha Vihar, Rajghat, New Delhi.

“Bizu” means the Chakmas’ New Year. As a matter of tradition, the Chakma community follows the Bengali calendar, and hence, their Bizu coincides with Bengalis’ Pohela Boishakh. The Chakmas, although of Tibeto Mongoloid stock, have intrinsic similarities with the mainstream Indian culture in several ways. Prominent among them is that they celebrate their New Year not on the 1st January but in the month of April as celebrated by several Indian communities across the country: Bihu by Assamese, Bwishagu of the Bodos, Bishu in Kerala and elsewhere, Baisakhi in Punjab, Pohela Boishakh by Bengalis etc.

The Chakma people are found mostly in CHT in Bangladesh, Mizoram, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. As a people, they had been betrayed during the 1947 Partition, and henceforth forgotten. Despite their rich history and culture they are too fragmented by political borders and marginalized everywhere. Struggle is their daily bread and butter. No surprise that they have been called the “Palestinians of South Asia”.

Yet, they as a community are proud of their past and present. They share a spirit that is indomitable and unparallel amidst the circumstances in which they live. This spirit was once again on display during the “Bizu 2010” celebration by the Chakma community in Delhi.

The stage was set at Ashok Buddha Vihar near the famous Rajghat. It was 8-30 in the morning. Chakmas, with broad smiles in their faces, began pouring in. Girls and women were dressed in traditional phinon-hadi (The Chakma ladies are identified by their phinon-hadi attire) and some of the boys and men were in white kurta (I got myself one, Bizu being a pious day). The Chakma songs provided solace to the ears and instilled immediate pride to the heart. You would immediately like to yell aloud – “This is the place where every Chakma should be today”. But I restrained my emotions on that and didn’t yell.

Refreshments were served. The programme was already running one hour late (it’s Delhi, so excuses are evident). Soon, arrangement was made for the Buddha Puja (Worship of the Buddha). The religious act was over in nearly one hour and the monks concluded by blessing every body.

The welcome song “Oh aisye aamaa Bizu din/ Aisye aamaa Bizu” (oh, today is our Bizu) was sung. It was followed by speeches by leaders from the civil society organizations and student body. They exhorted the audience to do what is good for the society and enjoy the Bizu in the right spirit.

Then came what we were all waiting for: cultural programmes. First came the group dance performed by boys and girls from Arunachal Pradesh. It was received by the audience with thunderous applause. This was followed by a dance by two young “couple” who received “engkur” (a tradition in Chakma community to loudly utter this word if you liked the performance and like to present some money to the performers. In turn performers shall perform the act once again). A spectacular dance was presented by four girls from Mizoram, followed by another dance by boys. The performances were so enthralling that “engkur” followed after every dance. The audience erupted in thunderous applause, laughter and gaiety.

No wonder, today is our Bizu.

The cultural programmes were followed by “Gile Haaraa”, a traditional game of Chakmas played during Bizu. Four teams were formed – two of boys and two of girls. The decision was taken the girls will challenge the boys. Hence, two games. Two empires were quickly nominated. It was extremely entertaining to see both boys and girls trying their hands at the game that is fast fading away from Chakma society. And behold, these girls were surprisingly not that bad in the game! However, despite spectacular show by the girl teams, they lost to the boys.

Another round of refreshments followed by award ceremony. The prizes and certificates were awarded to all those who have participated in the cultural events and Gile Haaraa.

By this time, it was around 2 PM. Every body was hungry. The food came. It was cooked by some of our boys and girls. Believe me, the taste of the food like this was nowhere to be found but here.

Such was the Bizu that was celebrated in Delhi on the occassion of Phul Bizu on 13 April 2010. Of course, the main Bizu is a day after, April 14th. On this day, Chakmas go house to house in groups to celebrate and wish Happy Bizu. Even in metros like Delhi, Bizu is by no means a small affair as you can see hundreds of boys and girls going in small and big groups to one Chakma house (or room rented by Chakmas) after another throughout the day. They sing Bizu songs and dance in each house.

Mizoram villages devastated by cyclone

2010-04-07T10:38:00.001+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

Last week the entire Mizoram has been ravaged by heavy rain and cyclone. According to sources, about 4,826 houses have been destroyed displacing about 20,000 people.

On 30 March 2010, at least two Chakma villages namely Silsury and Hnahva under Mamit district in Western part of Mizoram have been affected. Silsury village has been totally devastated. Out of 615 total houses, 558 houses were damaged including 393 fully damaged and 165 partly damaged. A total of 14 government infrastructure suffered the brunt. With all the village’s schools (primary school and middle school and the SSA schools) damaged, education came to a standstill. The village’s only health sub centre has been blown away, severely affecting healthcare services given that a number of the villagers have been injured. Even the Buddhist temple, the community hall and the Bazaar shed have been blown away.

The Border Out Post of the Border Security Force in Silsury village also suffered the brunt. I have been informed that one BSF soldier died while another was seriously injured in the cyclone. A number of villagers were also injured.

In neigbouring Hnahva village, at least 67 houses were fully damaged.

Hundreds of Young Chakma Association (YCA) volunteers from Marpara village (20 km away) rushed to Silsury village for relief and rescue operations. The state government has claimed to have sanctioned Rs 2.74 crore for rehabilitation of those affected but assistance is yet to reach the two affected Chakma villages in Mamit district. I have been informed by credible local sources that the authorities visited the affected areas and provided only Rs 69,000 for the damage of 558 houses in Silsury (that is, average of Rs 123 per affected family) and Rs 40,000 for damage of 67 houses in Hnahva (that is, average of Rs 597 per affected family)!

The mobile towers have been damaged and phone lines cut off. This made flow of information difficult.

The affected villagers have been living in temporary tent houses made of bamboos with the help of YCA volunteers. “There are hardly 10-12 houses standing intact after the cyclone,” an YCA volunteer informs me from Silsury. Some of the villagers are already starving and helpless.

RTE Act: A boon for “the most illiterate” community in Mizoram

2010-04-02T13:25:00.003+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma
On 1st April 2010 India became one of the few countries in the world that have guaranteed elementary education to the children. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009 has made free and quality elementary education a Fundamental Right of every child aged 6-14 years.

Fundamental Rights are enforceable in the court of law. This is the best thing that could have happened to the Chakmas in Mizoram who have been officially recognized as the “most illiterate” community in the state in 2001 census. As the people can sue the state government for its failure to provide education up to Class VIII under the RTE Act, I consider this law as a potential tool against institutional discrimination that denies the right to education.

Over 8% of the total population of Mizoram the Chakmas are the second largest ethnic community after the Mizos who form the majority. That the largest minority (Chakmas) is the “most illiterate” community in Mizoram (the second most literate state in India) itself should be enough to indict the state government of Mizoram for not taking enough care of its minorities. The education officials have admitted that over 15,000 children mainly belonging to Bru and Chakma minorities do not go to schools. Yet the state government has not roped in the minority community NGOs to spread awareness like it did by signing education MoUs with Mizo NGOs namely, Young Mizo Association, Mizoram Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (apex body of Mizo women), Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church and Salvation Army, another Church body.

On the other hand, the education officials have cited “nomadic nature” of these tribes as the chief reason for inability to educate them. The explanation however is flimsy. As a matter of fact, there are more number of Mizos who are engaged in shifting cultivation (jhum) but primary education has effectively reached their children.

According to an independent survey conducted by the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), out of total 111 Chakma inhabited villages in Mizoram, at least 75 villages (i.e. 83%) do not have Middle School and the children have nowhere to go. A neighbouring village having a Middle School could be 20 kilometres or more away separated by hilly terrains without road connectivity. The demands of the Chakma villagers for Middle Schools went unheeded for years. While the state government of Mizoram has shifted the blame on scarcity of funds required to open and run new schools, the primary problem is exclusion of the Chakmas from the state’s policies.

Under the RTE Act the state governments and the local bodies will have to establish primary schools “within a walking distance of one km of the neighbourhood” and one middle school “within a walking distance of 3 km of the neighbourhood” (Model Rule 4). This is a boon for the Chakmas who have consistently alleged to have been discriminated by the state government.

The RTE Act gives the Chakmas of Mizoram and several other such disadvantaged communities across the country the power to hold the government accountable. If nothing else work, people can drag the government to court to ensure the enjoyment of their fundamental right to education.

Chakma youths undertake social work in Delhi

2010-03-31T14:54:00.003+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

It was a bright sunny day on Sunday, 28 March 2010. The place was at Ashok Buddha Vihar near famous Rajghat of New Delhi. When most people in Delhi generally sleep or prefer to sit cozily at home on this holiday at 8 AM, 40 Chakma young men and women were seen working, cheerfully, at the Buddhist temple. They came from far and wide from the NCR region, some after traveling for more than an hour by bus, some took the metro and some came by auto. As for me, I took the metro which is more comfortable and then a short Rs 5-bus ride to reach the Buddhist temple.

Indeed, even for the Chakma community in Delhi it was a rare sight.

They were conducting a social work to clean the Buddhist Temple premises and helping at construction work ahead of the Bizu festival scheduled on 13 April 2010. The Bizu Organizing Committee, Delhi – spearheaded by three social organizations namely, Mizoram Chakma Development Forum (MCDF), Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students Union (APCSU) and Chakma Welfare Society - undertook this social work mission.

The zeal and dedication of these young men and women were evident in their faces and the jokes which they cracked as they passed on the heavy stone slabs from one hand to the other in a long line.

The young women helped in sweeping the floor, carry the luggage from one room to another and prepared a delicious meal for the entire group.

The social work ended with the delicious lunch. While the lunch was sponsored by the Chakma Buddhist Society (CBS) that is responsible for management of the Ashok Buddha Vihar, the Mizoram Chakma Development Forum sponsored the refreshment (pepsi) provided during the small break periods.

As several tasks remained incomplete, the Bizu Organizing Committee, Delhi resolved to undertake another similar social work to clean the Ashok Buddha Vihar, Rajghat on the coming Sunday i.e. 4th April 2010.

Mizoram's minority communities appeal to National Minority Commission

2010-03-25T18:09:00.001+06:00

Representatives of Bru, Chakma communities meet NCM Vice-Chairman
http://www.netindia123.com/showdetails.asp?id=1471397&cat=India&head=Representatives+of+Bru%2C+Chakma+communities+meet+NCM+Vice-Chairman

Aizawl | Wednesday, Mar 24 2010 IST

Capitalising on the visit of National Commission for Minorities Vice-Chairman H T Sangliana, representatives of Bru, Chakma and Hmar communities in Mizoram apprised the vice-chairman about their difficulties and problems.

Dr Sangliana arrived at Aizawl yesterday on a five-day visit to the state.

In his introductory words to the interaction programme held at the Chief Secretary's conference hall, Dr Sangliana said he was sent here to see if the minorities in the state were enjoying their rights provided by the National Minorities Commission Act, 1992. He assured the representatives that he would look into their grievances.

The vice-chairman said even though Mizoram looked peaceful and calm from outside, there had been a few cases of communal tension which could trigger major conflicts. He emphasised on the crucial importance of maintaining cordial relationship among majority and minority communities and the role of the government, NGOs and the Churches in maintaining communal harmony.

He said even if the government wanted to usher in rapid developments in Chakma and Bru areas, there had to be peaceful atmosphere.

The vice-chairman said notwithstanding differences in caste or community, every citizen of Mizoram should consider himself as ''first class citizen''. ''Only when there is harmony among different communities of Mizoram, then peace and development can become a reality,'' he said.

The Bru representatives requested him that the 'Special Development Project' for Bru community in Mizoram be implemented now instead of waiting for the repatriation of the Bru refugees from the six relief camps in North Tripura. The vice-chairman suggested that the matter would be discussed during his visit to Tripura with the Bru refugees there and Bru leaders from Mizoram.

Congress MLA Nirupam Chakma requested Mr Sangliana to visit the Chakma area in Southern Mizoram to have a on-the-spot inquiry on the condition of the Chakmas. The Chakma representative also apprised the vice-chairman about the ''plight of Chakma families affected by the ongoing Indo-Bangla border fencing''.

Representatives of Hmars expressed concern over the four proposed hydel projects in Hmar area (Sinlung Hills Development Council) that would allegedly render hundreds of Hmar families homeless. They demanded rehabilitation for these affected people. They also expressed grievances that Rs 250 lakh allocated in the SHDC Annual Budget was ''too meagre'' and demanded increment.

Bizu (Chakma New Year) Celebration in Delhi

2010-03-25T14:50:00.000+06:00

Bizu Organising Committee, Delhi
Ashoka Buddha Vihar, Rajghat
New Delhi-110 002

INVITATION

Dear sir/madam,

Patturu turu.

Bizu Organizing Committee, Delhi cordially invites
you and your family to the 2010 Bizu Festival to be
celebrated at Ashoka Buddha Vihar, Rajghat, New
Delhi on the occasion of Phul Bizu on 13 April 2010
(Tuesday) .

Please refer to the programme.

Sangha Mitra Chakma            Hemanta Chakma
Convener                               Co-Convener

Note: You may bring candles, flowers etc for Buddha Puja

Request: All are requested to come in the following dress code:
               Male: White Kurta Female: Pinon-Hadi

PROGRAMME OF BIZU
CELEBRATION, 2010

8:00 AM                 Arrival
8:00 - 8:30 AM      Refreshment
8:30-9:00 AM        Prayer
9:00 - 9:05 AM     Welcome Speech
9:05-9:40 AM       Felicitation
9:40 - 10:20 AM   Discussion on Mandir
                             Development/Welfare Issues
10:20 - 11:20 AM Cultural Shows
11:20 AM               Traditional Gile Haaraa
11:30 AM               Bhikkhu Siyong
12 Noon                Vote of Thanks
12:10 PM             Launch

Historic Bamboo Dance in Aizawl: Celebration of Mizoram's rich culture and unity

2010-03-16T17:17:00.003+06:00

By Paritosh Chakma

I have been dying to write about this since history was created in Mizoram on 12 March 2010.

A total of 10,378 Mizo dancers in full traditional attire - boys and girls in equal numbers - performed “the largest and longest bamboo dance" in the world for eight minutes in Assam Rifles Grounds and in the adjoining streets in the heart of Aizawl city. The streets were made the platform as the Assam Rifles Ground could accommodate only about 4000 dancers. The Mizoram capital happily allowed, cooperated, witnessed and celebrated as the world record was being created.

It is not a piece of cake to bring a city to a standstill for a cultural show even for an attempt to world record. You can try elsewhere but I don’t think it will be possible. But it looked easy in Mizoram. That itself is another world record of sorts.

Guinness World Records judge Lucia Sinigaliesi awarded a certificate to Mizoram’s Arts and Culture minister, PC Zoramsangliana that read:

“The longest bamboo dance was achieved by the people of Mizoram, in Aizawl, Mizoram, India, on 12 March 2010”

Note the words "the people of Mizoram”. It was indeed an achievement for the people of Mizoram and an honour.

This is recognition of Mizoram’s great and distinct culture.

The bamboo dance epitomizes Mizoram’s unique and rich culture. Perhaps this is the most popular thing people know about Mizos or Mizoram. A person who may not have any knowledge about the whereabouts of Mizoram on the map of India, may still have heard of the bamboo dance.

The 12th March heroic bamboo dance event has put Mizoram on the world’s map.

I do not know for sure whether this will increase the flow of tourists (Indians as well as foreigners) into the state but I feel that the success of the 12th March event should not be measured by the amount of revenue the state government will be earning in the coming months from tourism.

The 12th March event should go down the history of the state as celebration of unity and rich cultural treasures of Mizoram. This should inevitably enhance our relationships within and outside and our commitment to work for a peaceful, harmonious and developed Mizoram where differences are respected and high ideals celebrated.