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CRDO’s multifaceted approach encompasses simultaneous focus on multiple issues to uplift the Chakmas from the present quagmire that they find themselves in.

June 26, 2021
Press Releases, Rights

CRDO’s representation during the Peace Committee meeting at Miao

Team CRDO made the following submissions during the Peace Committee meeting with the civil administration, community leaders, GBs, CBOs, Student Bodies and other stakeholders organized by the Deputy Commissioner of Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh at Miao with regards to the recent incident at Kathan.

CRDO, represented by its General Secretary at the meeting called upon all stakeholders not to misrepresent the boundary dispute as a communal issue and to maintain peace and respect the status quo until a mutually agreeable solution is arrived at. CRDO also proposed a way forward with mutual respect and taking into confidence all the relevant stakeholders. This is also outlined in its memorandum below:

Dated Miao the 25th June 2021

To
Shri Devansh Yadav, IAS
Convener, Peace Committee cum Deputy Commissioner
Camp: Miao
District Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh

Sub: Mutual respect, trust and understanding between neighbouring communities is key to maintain peace and communal harmony.

Dear Sir,
We, on behalf of CRDO as the apex Community Based Organization of Chakmas of AP applaud the peace talk initiative taken by the administration under your leadership and thank you for allowing us to participate in these discussions, and would like to place the following points for your kind attention and consideration please:

We strongly condemn the events leading up to the Kathan incident of June 16th and those responsible must be brought to justice in accordance with law. At the same time, freedom of faith and worship and religious sentiment of people must be respected, and the missing Buddha statue should be investigated and returned to the place where it belongs.

We are also concerned at the undue politicisation of the incident and unnecessary turmoil created in social media channels. We all must take a step back, pause and reflect at the facts and circumstances of the case objectively. The issue has been politicized and blown out of proportion and must be dealt with right dose of sensitivity.

Problems are a part of human life and they do can occur at times even between brothers in any society, but it is wrong to take this one incident and blame all Chakmas and brand them as ‘illegal settlers’, ‘refugees’, ‘criminals’ and what not. Such one-sided binary worldview and reductionist approach will not do any good to strengthen the social fabric and cordial relationship between the neighbouring communities living together for 3-4 generations now.

It is time now for all right-thinking individuals, civil society organizations and community leaders to move forward from ‘blame game’ to a ‘solution-searching’ mode with honesty and utmost sincerity. The Chakma Hajong issue has been pending for too long and if not resolved soon it will lead to cancerous consequences. No wonder, all Chakma issues, big or small, become controversial.

Historically, borders and partitions were created to solve problems, but in the present case, it appears that the creation of the traditional boundary has led to confusion because Chakma and Mishmi neighbours sharing the same geographical area must know as to which part of the terrain belongs to whom and both sides must have a ‘say’ in drawing that boundary line.

While physical borders are visible and can be changed easily, what’s more alarming is the invisible borders created in our minds. Why is it that we consider somebody a ‘nobody’ and dub someone as “nothing”, and bring in “citizens” vs “refugees”, “local” vs “outsider” binary frames of references when it has nothing to do with the incident? We must break these mental barriers.

No problem can be solved permanently where one party tried to bully and/or silence the other in the name of religion, caste, colour, ethnicity, or nationality. The anti-apartheid movement in South Africa or of the Blacks in general is a shining example. When we embrace the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and treat the entire world as one family, we must also remember that hatred, calling names, bullying the weak in the name of citizenship or place of origin has no place in such an all-encompassing framework.

Reminding the Chakmas every time of their past, either in Pakistan or linkage to Bangladesh as victims of human rights violations is not relevant. It is a thing of the past and unlike the Tibetans, who are settled temporarily as ‘honoured guests’, the case of the Chakmas and Hajongs is different as they had been brought to NEFA by the Govt of India with the intention of permanent settlement and were duly rehabilitated under various settlement schemes. This is a fact of history and must be accepted by all.

The Chakmas are indeed grateful and indebted to the fellow Buddhist Singpho leaders for accommodating the Chakmas when they came as ‘refugees’ way back in 1960s. However, it is also true that Chakmas were settled mostly in vacant lands and had to face attacks from wild beasts and animals, faced the fury of devastating floods year after year. We have come a long way in the process of cultural and national integration and this process must be kept ongoing.

Despite 5 decades after rehabilitation, the condition of the Chakma population continues to remain grim – economically backward and politically marginalized. Except for a few families, the majority Chakmas continue to struggle to meet both their ends.

What is needed is a focus on economic growth and development of the Deban area which has remained mostly remote, socially, educationally and economically backward and inaccessible. It has become a fertile ground for underground/insurgent groups like the NSCN to harass, force extortion of money from poor Chakma villagers and recruit vulnerable youths with threats or coercion. With limited rights and no ST, PRC, ration card and employment opportunities or financial means, Chakma youths become easy target. Development preceded by construction of roads, electricity, drinking water, establishment of schools, medical centres and restoration of basic rights is the need of the hour.

On behalf of CRDO, we would like to place the following points for your kind consideration and necessary action please.

  1. Respect existing territorial rights and ownership of land in the disputed /Kathan area and maintain status quo (status prior to traditional boundary line demarcation of 6th April 2021). Jhum cultivation and harvesting of crops should be allowed to the farmers but no encroachment and fresh incursions should be allowed from either side.
  2. Maintain peace and social harmony in the area through continued imposition of Sec 144 and and stop/prohibit unauthorised visit of the disputed area by various groups like AAPSU. There have been reports of threat, intimidation and fear created in the mind of the local Chakma population. Protection of life, liberty and livelihood should be of utmost priority.
  3. Review the traditional boundary line of 6th April and include representation from Chakma villagers/CBOs to gain consensus and acceptability of the stakeholders, and modify the boundary line if required, in the largest interest of peace and harmony in consultation with local inputs from the ground and historical data available on political boundary /administrative maps of Miao circle. Alignment with the pending demarcation of Changlang and Lohit district political boundary is imperative.
  4. Focus on economic development of the area: Provide access to poverty alleviation schemes like MGNREGA / PMJAY /PMGKAY / DDUBY / BADP/ etc. and access to basic Birth Certificates, RC/PRC/ST for job opportunities, restoration of ration cards, employment, entrepreneurship, etc. Construction of roads, establishment of schools and medical centres in the area will help bring the people on track to the path of progress.
  5. Devise ways and means to stop insurgency activities in the area and provide protection to the villagers from undue pressure, harassment, forced recruitment of vulnerable youths and extortion of money from poor innocent Chakma villagers.
  6. There is a need for a common platform among the civil society organizations/ CBOs of different tribes to discuss current issues as well as potential issues and maintain cordial relationship between neighbouring communities. This will go a long way in addressing issues proactively. The local office can take the initiative and moderate these discussions initially.

We believe that the power of peace is stronger than the power of violence and war. The past is gone and cannot be undone but we have the present moment with us now to act and march towards a new beginning – and establish an authentic relationship based on ‘love thy neighbour’ where there is genuine affection, trust and mutual respect for each other as neighbours. Let’s take the first step in that direction and aspire for a world filled with love, understanding and compassion.

Looking forward to a new journey towards peaceful co-existence,

Sincerely yours,

Sd/-
Mahendra Chakma
President
CRDO

Sd/-
Udayan Chakma
Vice President
CRDO

Sd/-
Anton Chakma
General Secretary
CRDO

Copy to:

All Concerned Community Leaders / GBs /Intellectuals
President / Secretary of NGOs/ CBOs

About CRDO:
CRDO is a Community Based Organization (CBO) of the vulnerable and marginalized Chakma Buddhist tribals of Arunachal Pradesh working for full-fledged restoration of their rights and entitlements. Our vision is to create a world free from discrimination where everyone has equal access to rights and opportunities. Our motto: Live and Let Live!

March 26, 2021
Press Releases, Rights, State Policy

CRDO’s representation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, AP

Deban March 25, 2021: On the 2nd day of his 4-day-tour of the Changlang District, Shri Pema Khandu – the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, reached Miao/Deban areas where he interacted with the local communities. The tour also included a 157km 2-day trek from Miao to Vijaynagar. (Read CRDO’s report on the Chakma ration porters on this route)

The Hon’ble CM tweeted of his visit to the Deban area.

A delegation from the CRDO met the Hon’ble Chief Minister in Deban. They apprised him of the challenges being faced by the Chakma people, an issue which has been unnecessarily allowed to linger on for too long.

Shri Anton Chakma, GS, CRDO submitting the memorandum to Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
The CRDO team with Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh

The team submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Chief Minister on behalf of Joint Chakma Community Based Organisations of Arunachal Pradesh. The memorandum signed by all the leading NGOs , GBs, social workers of the community among others, urged the Hon’ble Chief Minister for the early restoration of the rights of the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh, including ST, PRC, Ration Cards, coverage under Govt. schemes, voter enrollment and revocation of several Govt. Circulars / Orders which took away the rights of the Chakmas.

Read the memorandum here:

Memorandum-to-CM-at-DebanDownload

February 20, 2020
Economy, Environment, Issues

Life of Hardship and Hope: Story of Pradip Kumar Chakma

Born in the year 1969 at village Dumpani, one of the initially allotted 6 blocks for rehabilitation to Chakma migrants from the then East Pakistan by the Govt. of India between 1964-1969, Mr Padip Kumar Chakma’s life story is one of the many similar Chakma folks in present Arunachal Pradesh.

Initially possessing a cultivation land of 7 acres by his four-member family and his other brothers, they supported themselves by cultivating paddy crops on that land besides vegetables like mustard leaves, brinjal, cabbages, cauliflower, peppers, turnip, tomatoes etc and fruits like cucumber, watermelon and garden of mango, jackfruit, raspberries, papaya, guava trees. But the honour of feeding his family was soon devastated by the Noa-Dihing river flood in the year 1992. He lost his home as the fury of the Noa-Dihing washed away his home and he had to move to a plot of land given in generosity by a relative. He continued cultivating what was little left of his original land for rice, somehow managing to feed his family.

Again in the year 2000, his little cultivated land was reduced to a bed of sand by the Noa-Dihing river leaving him uprooted yet again driving him to abject poverty and hunger. The government authorities in Diyun responded somewhat favourably to his request by settling him and 13 other flood affected families at Diyun Tiniali, adjacent to Jyotsnapur village. Pradip’s family and the 13 other families were forced to fend for themselves with no ration provided by the administration. The allotted land – an uncleared forest area – was not suitable for paddy cultivation and Pradip like the others had no other means to sustain his family. They survived on the meagre assistance that their relatives could afford. For many nights Pradip, his wife and their children had to go to bed hungry, staring into the darkness, wondering what next was in store for him and his family! 

Soon Pradip moved to Ongseng Nongthow, managing to fetch a plot of land for rice cultivation under tenant-farming system from a Khampti landlord. He decided to send his children to a nearby Govt. Primary School, knowing the importance of education in the hope of a better future for them. Burnt by the heat of the sun his skin looked tainted like burnt wheat, his apparent nose tunneling outward, eyes trying to hide behind the sockets, strong jaw and a strong back, Pradip resolved not to go hungry again. He ploughed his land early morning before the sun rose with a rented pair of oxen in the month of June praying the rain god for timely rain. He was assisted by his hardworking wife and the children chipped in too. Under the smiling Sun and the occasional merrily blowing breeze, together they sowed their paddy crops when there was enough water in the fields. He completed sowing within a few weeks with the help of the traditional system of “MALEYEH”. This would help him secure food for his family for six-seven months, provided he keeps clearing the weeds that will inevitably grow on his paddy field and amidst prayer that his crops aren’t affected by disease – for he has to pay half his total crops as rental to the landlord and the owner of the oxen. In November his paddy fields ripened and in the meantime he dedicated his time in growing vegetables which he would sell in the nearest weekly market to earn some cash to buy household utensils, clothes, blankets, books for the children, soaps, detergents and etc. 

In 2010, with his life’s savings Pradip finally purchased a piece of land measuring three and a half bigha at Modokko Nala, a full fledged Chakma village, but unrecognised by the government. All along he had to endure the hardship of various anti-Chakma campaigns and the worry of being expelled unjustly by his landlord right at the time of harvesting and depriving him of their rightful share of crops, as is many times known to happen.

Pradip Kumar Chakma in front of his fish-farm.

Today, he has two able sons for help in trying to better the lives of his family. Assisted by his sons, Pradip managed to plant a betel nut garden which will earn him some cash in the next four five years. He single handedly dug a pond with a hoe where he managed to build a fish farm. He also engages himself in Jhum cultivation in the nearby hills to meet his requirements for staple food. Blessed with grandsons through his eldest son and his daughter, Pradip is all smiles, having secured some respite from the hunger that was his constant companion. His life and many others like him provide an inspiring story of grit, determination, and struggle against all odds just to survive.

Key Office Bearers of CRDO
January 27, 2020
Rights, State Policy

CRDO Delegation meets Hon’ble Deputy CM, Shri Chowna Mein

A 10-member Chakma delegation led by President, CRDO met Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Chowna Mein ji on 27th January 2020 at the latter’s residence cum office to discuss about the long pending issues and problems being faced by Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh and to find an amicable solution.

It has been the vision and endeavor of CRDO leadership that the issue can be brought to closure and a sustainable permanent resolution can be achieved only through mutual discussions with the local leaders with an open mind and heart based on truth, non-violence and peaceful co-existence.

CRDO delegation with the Hon'ble DCM, AP Shri Chowna Mein
CRDO delegation with the Hon’ble DCM, AP Shri Chowna Mein

Several misconceptions and myths circulating around regarding the Chakma tribals were discussed threadbare and the Deputy CM after a long 40-minute open discussion has assured the delegation to take up the matter with the highest level for resolution.

The issue of Kathan Area dispute came up for discussion and it has been clarified that the issue is a chronic one and it is pending resolution since 1980s and the matter is now with the Deputy commissioner of Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Citing the example of Tripura and Assam where the indigenous population has been swamped by outsider population, the Deputy CM said that such fears are genuine, and the problem of fresh Chakma influx must be addressed.  To this, the CRDO leadership maintained that there’s no influx, least of all from Bangladesh because Arunachal Pradesh does not share any contiguous boundary with Bangladesh. Influx can happen mainly through a porous border – to say that someone will come 1200 kms from CHT to Arunachal Pradesh is a mis-propaganda fueled by some vested political interests especially when there are so many inner line gates and no incentive to come to AP as Chakmas are leading a life of non-existence.

Moreover, as per the white paper and census conducted by Government – which is the most reliable data source, the population of Chakmas and Hajongs increased from 14,888 during 1964-69 to 49,784 in 2011 yielding a compounded annualized growth rate of 2.6% which is LOWER than the state growth rate of 2.87%.  The population of state increased from 3.37 lakhs in 1961 to 13.84 lakhs in 2011, roughly increasing by 4x. 

As per the statement of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu on the floor of state Assembly on 09th Jan 2020, the total population of Chakma and Hajong people as per a special survey conducted by the Deputy Commissioners of Changlang, Namsai and Papum Pare districts in 2015-16 stands at 65,875 only.

Another fallacy that got clarified was the comparison with Tibetan refugees who are a separate category altogether because they enjoy more rights and facilities than even Chakmas /citizens of India though they are considered as refugees / ‘honored guests’ under the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy. Not only do they share a contiguous border with AP but the Tibetans also have the blessing and support of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama – who is widely respected as a world spiritual leader whereas the Chakmas have no one to look up to and are like abandoned children.

The CRDO team expressed sincere gratitude to late Shri C.K Gohain, Shri Pisila Singpho and all local leaders and chiefs for understanding the pain and suffering and accepting/accommodating the Chakma refugees in the then NEFA during 1964-69. Without their support and the initiative of the Govt, the rehabilitation of the Chakmas and Hajongs would not have become a reality. 

A screengrab of the BISBO video
January 21, 2020
Rights, State Policy

Misinformation, half-truths and propaganda – Bisbo Video on Chakmas of AP

Recently a video was circulated widely on social media from the BISBO YouTube channel (link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukcr7lFInCo) where they did a case study on the Chakma-Hajong people vis-a-vis CAA and their broad history especially on the migration and resettlement of 2748 families in present-day Arunachal Pradesh.

CRDO carried out an in-depth analysis of the video and found it wanting on many counts. What was alarming was that the common mainland Indian knew so little about the Chakma and Hajong issue of Arunachal Pradesh and their arguements are often based on premises built on the propaganda of the hostile State Government, AAPSU and other groups with vested interests.

It appears that BISBO had sourced most of the content from the “White paper on Chakma and Hajong Refugee issue by the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh”. Unfortunately, this white paper was published by the state Government as a reaction to the Supreme Court verdict of NHRC vs State of AP dated 09 Jan 1996 which had indicted the state government of its complicity and failure to protect the rights and liberty of the Chakmas and Hajongs living in AP. When the state government itself is a party and is hand in gloves with AAPSU in perpetrating violence and oppression on the hapless Chakmas one can imagine the immanent bias reflected in the White Paper. Readers are requested to please read the judgment for details.

It is a fact that the Chakmas and Hajongs did not go to NEFA on their own. They were taken there by the government of India traversing a distance of 1200 kilometers from CHT. Hence, they were accepted and rehabilitated by the Government of India in the then North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which later became Arunachal Pradesh under a centrally sponsored ‘definite plan of rehabilitation’, following a series of discussions between the representatives of the Central government, state administration and local tribal leaders.

The statement that the Chakmas had converted to Buddhism from Islam is incorrect. At no point in history were the Chakmas muslims. It was a practice to adopt the titles of ruling dynasties as a gesture of accepting the token suzerainty of the Mughal Emperor after the Mughal-Chakma wars (Subir Bhaumik – Insurgent Crossfire; Lancer Publishers, New Delhi). Before embracing Theravada Buddhism during the time of Kalindi Rani, the Chakmas practiced another form of Buddhism called Lori (another form of Mahayana Buddhism). The image of the great Chakma Queen Kalindi Rani as a Muslim lady as depicted in the video is factually incorrect bordering on being offensive to many.

Below are presented some more (by no means exhaustive) inaccuracies in the aforementioned video:

* NEFA, now Arunachal Pradesh, over objections from their indigenous people were asked to take in 2598 families.

# The Chakmas and Hajongs were permanently settled in five different settlement areas in 3 divisions of NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh) by the Government of India under a Centrally sponsored “definite plan of rehabilitation” in 1964-69 with the consent of the local tribal chiefs, then NEFA administration and the Governor of Assam. NEFA was then administratively managed under the Ministry of External Affairs through the Governor of Assam. Citizenship was already given at the time of rehabilitation. It was only later that these rights were de-recognized one after another as part of denial and deprivation policy of the state.

* Population swelled from 50 odd families in 1966 to 788 families, soon they demanded citizenship of India. The 2600 Chakma families had taken refuge in Arunachal, had grown in to 65000 units by 1991.

# As per available data with the Govt. of India and Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh 2,598 families comprising 14,138 persons were settled in NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh). As per the 2011 census, the total Chakma and Hajong population combined is 49,784 which is merely 3.6% of the total state population. The growth rate of the Chakma-Hajong population is significantly LOWER than the overall state population. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the Chakma-Hajong population stands at 2.60% versus 2.87% for the overall state population. For the 2001-11 decade, the decadal growth rate for Chakma-Hajong population stands at 17.5% versus 26% for the overall state population. As per the statement made by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu on the floor of the State Legislative Assembly on 8th January 2020, the total Chakma-Hajong population as per survey done by DCs in 2015-16 stands at 65,875. (The Arunachal Times, dated 08 Jan 2020)

The population of 50 odd families (57 to be precise) is of one village called Joypur only and you seem to have unfortunately mixed up that village population with the total Chakma population.

* Government of Arunachal asked to 50 families to return to allotted areas and vacate additional areas with reference to Arunachal Pradesh vs Khudiram Chakma, 1993, SCR(3) 401 court case. They are indulging in illegal and criminal activities and constantly troubling the locals.

# It is a case of gross misrepresentation and generalization. In fact, a lot has been written about the issue of land encroachment by Khudiram Chakma who supposedly ‘strayed’ outside the settlement area. It has received wide publicity in the media and the case has been cited by many. But it is sad that no in-depth study has ever been done to understand the case as an example of good relationship and cultural assimilation that was developing between the fellow Buddhist tribes like the Chakma and Singpho tribes.

Khudiram Chakma never went to the court on the citizenship question. He went to the court for justice – to quash an ‘arbitrary’ order issued by the Circle Officer to vacate the land donated to him and 56 other families by one local Singpho Raja (Chief) Shri Ningrunong Singpho. The deed of donation that became the subject matter in Apex Courts was about one square mile of personal land donated by the Singpho Raja to Shri Khudiram Chakma. It did not happen by force nor was the decision taken overnight. It was preceded by years of mutual friendship, affection and respect for each other and is an expression of that genuine love and friendship. It was a win-win situation for both the donor Raja and Shri Khudiram Chakma because it acted as a buffer against other encroachers eying for uncultivated vacant land lying in the area. Clearing the forest and converting it into cultivable land meant providing protection against wild elephants making their presence felt and grazing and destroying paddy crops in the human habitat. How someone sitting as a Judge in Delhi would be persuaded to appreciate such rural local nuances. The fact that he lost the case eventually in the Supreme Court is another matter, but no one thought that the case will be used to generalise the verdict of the case and pitted against all the Chakma and Hajong people of Arunachal Pradesh. Every Chakma was branded as a foreigner although the facts and circumstances of the 56 families are not the same and are different from those of the other families rehabilitated in Arunachal Pradesh. But for the impugned notice issued by the Circle Officer of Diyun which created this as an issue, Khudiram Chakma would not have gone to the court. That is what triggered the litigation process in courts and the vulnerable Chakma tribals failed to win the case against the mighty and powerful state government.

* Relation between locals and refugees deteriorated so much in 1994, AAPSU issued quit Arunachal Pradesh.

# The relation between the Chakmas and other local tribes deteriorated only for a brief time at the behest of AAPSU who, in their zeal to copy the Assam agitation of AASU of the late 70s on their way to power, wanted their version of the foreigners (the other) and found soft targets in the Chakmas and Hajongs who were then just settling down after their rehabilitation. Backed by the state machinery AAPSU have been subjecting the poor Chakma and Hajong people to systematic denial, deprivation and derecognition of the Chakma and Hajong people of their fundamental rights. Hence the apex court had indicted both AAPSU and the state government in the 1996 judgement.

There are mainly 2 issues in Arunachal Pradesh – the China issue and the Chakma-Hajong issue. It’s in the interest of AAPSU to keep this issue alive. Riding on the wave of confusion, fear and xenophobia created in the minds of innocent Arunachalee public, many AAPSU leaders have become successful political leaders in the state.

AAPSU were dismissed once as a body comprising (of) ‘pampered’ students (Gupta 1982) and another time as a ‘private entity’ (Limpert 1998). However, being master propagandists, backed by the corridors of power in Arunachal Pradesh, in the mainstream, it is only the AAPSU version of what the Chakma-Hajong issue is that is available and accessible to the people.

While the attempt to empathize with our cause is appreciable, but it is a cause for concerned that it ended up doing quite the opposite as such half-truths and inaccuracies have only distorted the reality of our settlement and existence.

It may be mentioned here that 90% of Chakmas and Hajongs are citizens of India by birth and the original migrants were also accorded de facto citizenship rights at the time of their rehabilitation. It is only later after 1980 that the rights of Chakmas and Hajongs were de-recognized one after another in the name of ‘citizenship’.

Readers may please get in touch with us on facebook or email us at teamcrdo@gmail.com for more details/clarifications, if any.

January 21, 2020
State Policy

Dispelling the Myth of Chakma Hajong Population Explosion in AP

One of the many reasons that is often cited against the Chakmas is the assumption that Chakma and Hajong population are growing exponentially vis-à-vis the indigenous population and that they will change the demographic profile of the state. The CRDO team did a thorough research to find out what is the truth based on government published reports, white papers, Census records.

Here is what we found:
As per official white paper published by the state government, a total of 2748 Chakma and Hajong families were finally rehabilitated in erstwhile NEFA, now Arunachal Pradesh by the Government of India under a definite plan of rehabilitation from the period 1964 to 1969 in Tirap (now, Changlang), Lohit (Namsai) and Subansiri (Papumpare) districts. Unlike the Tibetans who continue to remain as “honored guests” and get Refugee benefits under the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy (TRP) 2014, the Chakmas and Hajongs are living on their own in 46 proper villages across these 3 districts after their rehabilitation. They do not get any refugee benefits.

Based on the census survey data and the Chakma and Hajong population figures as recorded in the state government’s published white paper, for the period from 1964 to 2011, the population has grown from 14,888 to 49,784 which is a net addition of 34,896 people during the said period. This translates to a growth of 234% in 47 years or 4.98% per year. Similarly, the first census done for NEFA was in 1961 and the population figures are available. For the 50-year period from 1961 to 2011 for Arunachal Pradesh, the population increased from 3.37 lakh to 13.84 lakh respectively. This translates to 311% growth for 50 years or 6.22% per year which is higher than that of Arunachal Chakma-Hajong rate of growth.

Population growth is non-linear and therefore using the same (1961-2011) data, the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for overall state population is 2.87% while for Chakma Hajong population from 1964 to 2011 during the 47-year period, it is 2.60% which is lower than the overall state population growth rate.

Now, in terms of the decadal growth rate for the most recent decade 2001 to 2011, for the overall state of Arunachal Pradesh, it is 26% while increase for Chakma and Hajong population, during the same decade stands at 17% which is significantly lower.

Finally, the Chakma Hajong population as a percentage of the overall Arunachal Pradesh population has declined from 4.3% in 1971 to 3.6% in 2011 which irrefutably allays the alleged fear of Chakmas-Hajong population explosion.

Meeting with MoS Home
November 25, 2019
Activities, Rights

CRDO Delegation to MoS Home

Amidst concern and worry among the Chakmas and Hajongs on the proposed CAB to be tabled in both the houses of parliament and on the other hand, the deteriorating overall living conditions and future looking bleak, a timely delegation of 7-member delegation led by CRDO President called on the Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Shri Nityanand Rai on 25th November 2019.

The Hon’ble Minister gave the delegation first audience and a 6-point memorandum was submitted to him which inter alia, included CRDO’s demand for:

  1. Restorations of full-fledged rights by revoking the impugned circulars striping of our rights 
  2. All fundamental rights in line with Citizenship Act, 1955 as amended from time to time.
  3. Issue passport, PRC and ST certificates to Chakmas / Hajong Indian citizens by birth.
  4. Provide MGNREGA & other Central/ State govt. schemes /benefits to all Chakma populace.
  5. Enrolment of all eligible Chakma & Hajong voters

The delegation stressed upon the need to resolve the issue once and for all by eliminating the root cause of mistaken identity through a corrective policy action.

Subsequently, the delegation also met key officials of NHRC and Election Commission of India on 26th Nov 2019. They were very receptive to our requests and assured the delegation of help as and when needed.

The New Delhi visit shall lay the foundation for Restoration of Rights based on this truth-based approach and open new avenues for resolution of the problem. CRDO takes this opportunity to thank all the delegates, well-wishers and donors / organizations without whose moral and financial support it would not have been possible.

Letter to Prime Minister 

Earlier a letter to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narenda Modi ji was  written by the President of CRDO on 15 August 2018 requesting the PM for political recognition of   Chakmas and Hajong migrants as citizens of India,  either through en-masse declaration or implementation of the Supreme Court order, special revision for enrolment of about 25,000 eligible voters and inclusion of all Chakma areas  under local self-government (PRI) ; socio-economic rights and access to development schemes under the MGNREGA, NRLM, PMGAY, etc., government jobs/ employment , PRC, ration card and all other PDS entitlements, recognition of Chakma and Hajong tribes as ST in AP under article 342 of the Indian constitution and a one-time special package  to compensate for the historical injustices done during the last 5 decades. A request for maintaining   a conducive environment and peaceful co-existence to all the stakeholders and stop unnecessary harassment of poor and marginalized Chakma farmers commuting to and from Assam to sell vegetables at the state border areas/gates in the name of ILP, amongst other requests was placed before the Hon’ble PM for necessary consideration.

The same has been forwarded to the state government for necessary action on 3rd Sep 2018 and is pending with the concerned authorities in the state.

January 24, 2019
Activities, Culture

Participation in Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS)

In a significant event, CRDO led the Chakma team representing the Chakma tribe of Arunachal Pradesh at the 58th Bodo Sahitya Sabha annual conference held from 22 to 24th January 2019 at Daimalu, Gohpur. Assam.  

President of CRDO addressing the session
President of CRDO addressing the session

It not only provided a great opportunity for us to show case our rich culture, tradition and heritage in front of lakhs of people who came and took part but also gave us the rare insight to witness such a grand cultural extravaganza unparalleled in scale and magnitude.

The participating tribes comprising the Bodos, Mishings, Nyishis, Deoris, Chakmas, Karbi, Adivasis, Nepalis and others inhabiting the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border area spent 3 days of togetherness sharing bonhomie, inter-cultural exchanges and strong bonds of friendship. The superb dance performances by our cultural team left the audience spellbound.

Visitors were treated to traditional Chakma culture and cuisine
Visitors were treated to traditional Chakma culture and cuisine

Apart from giving us a very warm welcome and a place of pride amongst their special guests as a speaker, it was also good to be able to share our own thoughts and views on the “Demography, Language and Cultural Moorings of Chakma Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh – An overview” published in a Souvenir to commemorate the Annual Cultural Mega event.

However, the greatest attraction of all was the Chakma House where visitors kept thronging us even at midnight. The Exhibition Hall was not far behind in terms of maximum footfall, while drawing attention to audience queries on various pieces of art, craft, oral history, culture and literary discussions.  It was a confluence of ideas and cultural amalgamation and our food stall provided an occasion for others to come and get a taste of our delicious traditional varieties of Bini peedey, saanyey peedey, vara peedey, sumoth goran and maach hola besides other delicacies.

The Chakma food stall treated delegates to Chakma traditional delicacies
The Chakma food stall treated delegates to Chakma traditional delicacies

Overall, it was a great success as we were given a very special treatment by the hosts which sent out a very strong message of unity and friendship between us. Though we have our own different identity, but we are one and united!

October 18, 2018
Activities, Culture, Economy, Environment, Rights, State Policy

Next steps – Oct 2018

Plan for the Upcoming Quarter

Accelerated Data Correction Drive

In order to accelerate the process of data correction and sensitize people of the importance of accurate and correct records, a plan has been put in place where 5 volunteers nominated from each village will undergo training and in turn conduct such programs on data discrepancy and correction. This will help and enable many poor and illiterate families to rectify their document errors and apply for enrollment in voter list. 

An executive meeting was held at Bijoypur to further spread awareness and implementation of the plan. 

Participation in literary and cultural program: 

A 4-member team comprising 2 GBs and CRDO representatives has recently visited Papumpare to finalise preparations for participation at Bodo Sahitya Sabha cultural program to be held early next year. 

A detailed plan with a cultural troupe has been put in place to represent the Chakma community at this prestigious literary and cultural event. This is in sync with CRDO’s objective of maintaining social harmony, friendly and cordial relationship with all our neighbors for peaceful co-existence.

Citizenship Bill, 2016

The Amendment of the Citizenship Bill, 2016 is pending before the Parliament and a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been established to take the inputs of public and NGOs. While the outcome of the Bill will have little or no significance to Chakma and Hajong people of AP, it will have far reaching effect in the NE region and may have a bearing on the court cases. 

Financial Support

CRDO as a democratic organization believes in the power of many to come together and galvanize resources using “The Power of ONE” to include even the poorest of the poor in the pyramid. Imagine 1 rupee per head per month, a fund amount of at least 50,000 rupees per month will be generated which is good enough to carry out all the initiatives taken. You can remit your contributions at the details mentioned below:

Chakma Rights And Development Organisation
Account No.: 0721050016108
United Bank of India
Branch: Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh
IFSC: UTBI0NSI397


October 17, 2018
Activities, Culture, Economy, Environment, Rights, State Policy

Key Updates – Oct 2018

Keeping Track of Progress

CRDO Successes and Challenges:

With the birth of CRDO, an important truth about the Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh has dawned as if a beautiful landscape has all of a sudden come into view after the mist and fog has lifted from the horizon. The all important truth is that Chakmas and Hajongs are already citizens – 90% of them by birth and 10% by the fact that they were put up in refugee camps initially but finally rehabilated as Indian nationals (hence citizenship was implicitly granted). It is another matter though that the issue has been politicized, de-recognizing some of the citizenship rights already given through disenfranchisement, striping off rights one after on the ground of nationality. Unlike many other states, the onus has been put on the Chakmas to prove they are not foreigners.

The phrase “grant of citizenship rights” habitually used with respect to the purported status of the Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh is misleading. It is not so much about grant of citizenship but about restoration of rights as citizens that they once enjoyed and being allowed  to exercise these rights just like anybody else with ST status in Arunachal Pradesh.

Having undertaken numerous path-breaking initiatives keeping in mind its core values of TRUTH, TRUST and TRANSPARENCY, objectives and mandate, CRDO achieved success in varying degrees in the year gone by. In the process, CRDO faced daunting challenges, many of which were successfully dealt with while many are still work-in-progress.  

General Body Meeting

A General Body meeting of CRDO was organized in the month of December 2018 at the Circuit House, Diyun, Arunachal Pradesh whereby bye-law of CRDO was formally adopted and participation of the Chakma community in the Bodo Sahitya Sabha in January 2019 was finalized. In addition, it was also decided CRDO would help in every way possible to organize Bizu Mela 2019.

Sahitya Sabha

The invitation to participate in the Bodo Sahitya Sabha came through the Chakmas of Papumpare. It was a great opportunity for the Chakma Community to further strengthen the bond of friendship with one of the major tribal communities of Assam.

By way of making participation of the Chakma community at the Bodo Sahitya Sabha broad-based and truly representative of the Chakmas of Arunachal Pradesh, CRDO led by its President Mahendra Chakma travelled through the length and breadth of the Chakma inhabited villages starting from Deban to Ratnapur/Gulokpur/Bijoypur to Diyun and Chowngkam including Papumpare and delivered the message of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha invitation, its significance, motivated and inspired the public who in turn expressed support and appreciation with their feet.

Subsequently, a group comprising of one cultural troupe, Gaon Burahs, Mahila Samiti representatives, well-wishers and CRDO delegates successfully and with much fulfillment represented the whole Chakma community of Arunachal Pradesh at the prestigious Bodo Sahitya Sabha showcasing Chakma culture, tradition, music, model house to lakhs of visitors and revelers from across the world.

In the meantime, CRDO President Mahendra Chakma was felicitated and invited to share the dais with prominent dignitaries including Nyshi Elite Society, Government of Assam senior officials, various Bodo leaders, academicians and other Bodo stalwarts among whom was Bodo Territorial Council chief and deliver a speech on behalf of the Chakma community of Arunachal Pradesh.

Participation at Bodo Sahitya Sabha was a historic moment for the Chakma community and also it was a massive success which truly strengthened Bodo-Chakma friendship.

Aadhar Card and Birth Certificates

There are some families so poor that they cannot even afford to pay the fees required for procuring important documents like the Birth certificates and Aadhar cards. CRDO conducted special awareness camps and is very pleased that it has managed to arrange and help these needy either free of cost or very minimal charges and provided free affidavits.  

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Trafficking of Minor Children

Many minor Chakma children are being sent outside the state to work as domestic help or maid and are subjected to cruelty and exploitation of all kinds. CRDO’s efforts helped such a minor boy and a girl which made their reunion with their family possible. CWWS members were engaged and awareness sessions against sending children to work to remote places done. With growing awareness, reported instances of minor Chakma children being sent away from their homes to work as domestic help or maid have come down. However, some children are still being sent away to work in a clandestine manner. 

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Counseling and awareness campaign about child marriage/human trafficking were carried out at Dumpani village. CRDO assisted filing of an FIR regarding a missing girl sent to work as maid was filed at Tinsukia PS and the case is still going on to trace the missing Chakma girl.

Illegal Sand mining

Extraction of boulder and sand not only increases soil erosion and vulnerability of river banks but also has the potential to change the river course which may inundate hundreds of villages in different directions. Let’s stop sand mining! Coordinated efforts have been put in place with other stakeholders to stop sand, shingles, boulder mining from Noa-Dehing banks and river bed.

Noa-Dehing Flood Victims

Nao Dehing claimed two lives this year. It swept away a woman and a young girl who hailed from Udaipur village during the peak flood season apart from eroding cultivable land on the sides of its banks and inundating vast expanse of lands for days on end destroying crops and vegetable plantations.

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction especially opium has been the bane of many a Chakma and other tribal youths. For most addicts, it is a condition of no return as they have no access to any kind of de-addiction facilities or professional counseling. Generally, victims of drug addiction see no hope of getting their lives back.   

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016

is pending before parliament and a memorandum to the Chairperson of Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been submitted from CRDO.

Electoral summary revision

Awareness campaigns have been extensively carried out and assistance provided to correctly fill the Form 6 for new voter enrolment.

Appeal and RTI against rejection of Form 6 in the matter of voter inclusion is pending before the appellate authorities.

When the final electoral draft roll was published, CRDO helped file individual claims and petitions to the District Electoral Officer against rejection of their voter enrolment applications. CRDO continues to follow up on and track the petitions filed earlier.

A memorandum was also submitted to ADC Bordumsa seeking clarity on form fill-up to avoid rejection on technical grounds in future as a preventive measure. 

Letter to Prime Minister  

A letter to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narenda Modi ji has been written by the President of CRDO requesting the PM for political recognition of   Chakmas and Hajong migrants as citizens of India, either through en-masse declaration or implementation of the Supreme Court order, special revision for enrolment of about 25,000 eligible voters and inclusion of all Chakma areas  under local self-government (PRI) ; socio-economic rights and access to development schemes under the MGNREGA, NRLM, PMGAY, etc., government jobs/ employment , PRC, ration card and all other PDS entitlements, recognition of Chakma and Hajong tribes as ST in AP under article 342 of the Indian constitution and a one-time special package  to compensate for the historical injustices done during the last 5 decades. A request for maintaining a conducive environment and peaceful co-existence to all the stakeholders and stop unnecessary harassment of poor and marginalized Chakma farmers commuting to and from Assam to sell vegetables at the state border areas/gates in the name of ILP, amongst other requests was placed before the Hon’ble PM for necessary consideration.The same has been forwarded to the state government for necessary action on 3rd Sep 2018 and is pending with the concerned authorities in the state.

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