Kamalanagar, 29 April, 2022: Chakma Autonomous District Council today kicked off the celebration of 50 years of CADC’s existence with an inaugural programme organized at Kamalanagar Halipad. Pu Lalrinliana Sailo, Hon’ble Speaker, Mizoram graced the occasion as Chief Guest who arrived from Aizawl this morning accompanied by Pu Lalrinawma, Commissioner & Secretary, Mizoram Legislative Assembly and Pu R. Vanlalsawta, Joint Secretary, District Council & Minority Affairs Department.
Distinguished guests Dg. Rasik Mohan Chakma, CEM, CADC, Dg. Nihar Kanti Chakma, MLA, West Tuipui Assembly Constituency, Dr. Buddha Dhan Chakma, MLA, Tuichawng Assembly Constituency, Dg. Buddhalila Chakma, Chairman, CADC have attended the programme.
The celebration started with chanting of prayers by Bhikkhus and release of gas balloon for peace by the Chief Guest. In tribute candles were lighted before the framed photographs of pioneers of CADC autonomy movement and Dgb. Jyotsna Chakma, Member, CADC Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee offered condolences to all the deceased councilors.
The programme showcased the varied aspects of tradition Jhumma life of the Chakmas performed by the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti in collaboration with Art & Culture Department, CADC which included the different stages of Jhum cultivation, fishing, spinning of thread from cotton and weaving, dragging of a country boat over a shallow rapid and marriage rituals.
The programme also showcased cultural items presented by Chakma Mahila Samiti, Cheraw dance by residents of Saizawh (W) and traditional dance Dailo by the Bru community.
Pu Lalrinliana Sailo speaking recalled how the venue of the programme, the Kamalanagar Helipad was once not like this but had three hillocks which were flattened to form a flat piece of land in which he took part while urging the three main communities living in CADC to live and mingle in harmony like the three hillocks.
He urged the YCA to work for the progress and development of CADC and to stand guard to check corruption and ensure proper utilization of developmental fund.
He donated Rs.50,000 and Rs.40,000 to the Young Chakma Association and Chakma Mahila Samiti respectively in recognition of their social service.
The CEM, CADC while speaking of the great sacrifice and pain endured by the pioneers of CADC autonomy movement narrated in detail how the leaders like Dg. Kristo Mohan Chakma, Dg. Hari Kristo Chakma, Dg. Gaur Nitai Chakma, Dg. Baneshwar Chakma and Dg. Atul Chandra Chakma maintained a sustained demand for autonomy for the Chakmas of Mizoram through constitutional means by making trip after trip to Shillong and Guwahati despite the wretched condition of the Chakma community then.
“It is our duty that we make ourselves worthy of the great sacrifice made and the legacy left upon us”, he emphasized.
“The Chakma Autonomous District Council has restored partially the Chakmas their right to self-determination which was once enjoyed by them prior to the British subjugating the Chakma king by treachery”, he stated while adding, “None of us should harbour even by a trace that any favour has been done on us by having been granted the autonomy in the form of CADC, as such thinking can take toll upon our morale and dignity”.
He further added, “It is our natural right and all princely states existing during the time of India’s Independence were granted the choice for self-determination”. The programme can be viewed here.
The celebration will continue in the evening with a cultural programme scheduled.