What is the origin of the Chakmas?

According to Chakmas’ own folklore, they belonged to Sakyo clan (the very clan the enlightened Gautam Buddha belonged to). Perhaps because of this hypothesis, Buddhism is deep rooted in Chakmas that even the Britishers had failed to influence their faith. Looking at recent history, the Chakmas of AP, unlike other Chakmas in the rest of India, migrated from CHT, erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangaldesh) after submersion of their lands upon construction of Kaptai dam ( constructed at Karnafuli river to generate electricity), CHT and also to escape religious persecution. Hajongs migrated from Mymensingh district, now Bangladesh to escape religious persecution. Government of India finally rehabilitated them during the period from 1964 – 1969.