Buddhist monks want control of Bodh Gaya temple

Bodh Gaya (UJI): Buddhist monks want control over the management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, one of the holiest shrines of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha Enlightened. They have decided to intensify their agitation against the Bihar Government until not paying heed to their demands.

They have been demanding total control over Temple management since long times. They are unhappy with the Bihar Government for ‘deliberately’ delaying an amendment to the Mahabodhi Temple Management Act, 1949, to ensure Buddhist control over the management of the temple.

It is very clear that the Bihar Government does not want to favor the Buddhist Monk’s genuine demand for total control over the Mahabodhi temple. We will have to fight for it by mobilizing support for it, Venerable Ananda, president of the Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Vihar All-India Action Committee, said.

The committee has decided to spread its network across India to intensify the agitation for total control over the Mahabodhi temple.

“We will launch a membership drive to induct new people in our fold and will open offices of the committee at different places in the country to mobilize support for our agitation,” Ven. Ananda said.

The delay is a ‘conspiracy’ by the government to keep the management under the control of non-Buddhists. “We fail to understand why non-Buddhists have control over the holiest shrine of Buddhists. We have decided to take up the issue by lobbying support to demand Buddhist control over the management by any means” Ven. Amanda said.

According to the existing law, the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BGTMC) should comprise four Buddhists and the same number of Hindu members for a three-year period with the Gaya district magistrate as its ex-officio chairman.

Buddhist monks want control of Bodh Gaya temple

Bodh Gaya (UJI): Buddhist monks want control over the management of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, one of the holiest shrines of Buddhism, where Lord Buddha Enlightened. They have decided to intensify their agitation against the Bihar Government until not paying heed to their demands.

They have been demanding total control over Temple management since long times. They are unhappy with the Bihar Government for ‘deliberately’ delaying an amendment to the Mahabodhi Temple Management Act, 1949, to ensure Buddhist control over the management of the temple.

It is very clear that the Bihar Government does not want to favor the Buddhist Monk’s genuine demand for total control over the Mahabodhi temple. We will have to fight for it by mobilizing support for it, Venerable Ananda, president of the Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Vihar All-India Action Committee, said.

The committee has decided to spread its network across India to intensify the agitation for total control over the Mahabodhi temple.

“We will launch a membership drive to induct new people in our fold and will open offices of the committee at different places in the country to mobilize support for our agitation,” Ven. Ananda said.

The delay is a ‘conspiracy’ by the government to keep the management under the control of non-Buddhists. “We fail to understand why non-Buddhists have control over the holiest shrine of Buddhists. We have decided to take up the issue by lobbying support to demand Buddhist control over the management by any means” Ven. Amanda said.

According to the existing law, the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BGTMC) should comprise four Buddhists and the same number of Hindu members for a three-year period with the Gaya district magistrate as its ex-officio chairman.

Buddhist monk contesting in the Presidential poll in Sri Lanka
Colombo (UJI): The Janasetha Peramuna (JP), one of the newly formed political parties recognized by the Commissioner of Election, has decided to field a Buddhist monk Ven. Battaramulle Seelaratana Thera, as its candidate to contest the Presidential Election expected to be held in January 26, 2010. He is also the Chairman of Janasetha Peramuna. This will be the first time in the political history of Sri Lanka that a Buddhist monk will be contesting a presidential election under the own party symbol of tractor. Ven. Thera in his media interview said that his party JP would be fielding candidates for the forthcoming provincial council election as well as Parliamentary poll.

We have been in the process of setting up party offices and appointing organizers to strengthen our base island-wide. The JP opted only for honest people capable of doing a job of work with profound commitment to represent the party. "We need those who can render selfless service to ease human suffering. We will not condone dishonesty, injustice” he said.

The JP continues to forge ahead to serve the poor masses without any support or assistance for any other political party. Among his main pledges are giving the Buddhism foremost place, guarantee the equal rights of all communities (Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and other ethnic groups), making Sinhala, Tamil and English state languages, as well as implementing an economic policy based on agriculture.

Chakma Raja Devasish Roy selected new Asia UNPFII expert

New York (UJI): The Steering Committee of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) officially announces the results of the selection process for the new Asia UNPFII expert for 2011-2013. The voting period ended last November 16 with 200 out of the 240 registered organizations from 14 countries in the region who casted their votes.

The country level votes were counted and verified by the country focal persons and were sent to the Regional Technical Secretariat for compilation. The votes were tallied and counted as one country one vote.

Among the two candidates, Chakma Raja Devasish Roy (Jummaland, Bangladesh) got 12.5 country votes out of the 14 participating countries while Mr. Neingulo Krome (Nagaland) got 1.5 country votes. The endorsement for Chakma Raja Devasish Roy will be submitted to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in February 2010.

Pali College: Raj Bana Vihar

Rangamati, 2009 (UJI): The Katin Chibar Dana Ceremony is one of the biggest religious Buddhist Festival organizing every year at Raj Bana Vihar. This year Chakma Raja Debasish Roy was inaugurated the two-day festival. He was visited “Bain Ghar” where devotees were weaving “Chibar”. According to the Buddhist history, the first time this festival was introduced by Visaka, a lay disciple of the Enlightened One in 2556 years ago. It is observing world-wide.

Most Highest Holiness Venerable Sadhanananda Mahathera (Bana Bhante) delivered the sermon. He advised to avoid all unwholesome deeds including dividing and rule policy. Nibbana is the Highest and Happiest place for a Buddhist, he said. He also admonished to follow the teaching of Enlightened One.

Mr. Chalermpol Tanchit, Thai Ambassador to Dhaka; Mr. Supatra Masdit, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand; and a representative of the King of Thailand was attended in the occasion. They were donated 9 Buddha statues for the monastery and robes to the Buddhist monks.

Mr. Dipankar Talukder, Minister for CHT Affairs announced a grant of aids to an amount of Tk. 3 Crore to establish a Pali College at the Raj Bana Vihar Complex.

Mr. Dilip Barua, Minister for Industries; Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, Minister from CHT Affairs; and Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chakma, Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council and other 50,000 peoples from home and abroad was participated in the ceremony.

Chakma Raja Devasish Roy: UN Climate Change Conference at Copenhagen

Copenhagen, December, 2009 (UJI): Chakma Raja Devasish Roy and accompany with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh team participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference at Copenhagen, capital city of Denmark.

During their five-day stay in Copenhagen, they were also participated in the Joint High-Level Segment of COP and CMP at Bella Centre in the Danish capital. The delegates met with the Queen of Denmark and the Prince Consort for the Heads of State and Government at Royal Palace on December 17.

Foreign Minister and Indigenous Leaders meet

Jummaland, November 2009 (UJI): Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mrs. Dipu Moni and the Indigenous leaders met at the launching ceremony of a book titled “The ILO Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Populations 1957 and The Laws of Bangladesh: A Comparative Review” written by Chakma Raja Devasish Roy.

Mrs. Dipu Moni was Chief Guest and she has called upon all to work together to resolve the problems of indigenous people. There are some anomalies in the laws for indigenous people of plain lands and hill areas. The problems should be removed through discussions only. She said.

Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma) Chairman of the CHT Regional Council was the Chairman in the ceremony and he said the Government has taken some initiatives for the development of the indigenous people but it should take more steps.

The Government of Bangladesh is committed to implement the CHT accord, said Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister for CHT Affairs.

Attorney General Mr. Mahbubey Alam, and ILO's Country Director Panudda Boonpala also spoke on the occasion. The speakers of the ceremony urged the Government of Bangladesh to ratify the ILO Convention No 169 which was adopted in 1989.

Chakma Girl received Gold Medal in Mizoram

Kamalanagar (UJI): First time in the history of Mizoram organized first Inter Higher Secondary School Swimming Championship Competition was held on 11th December 2009. In this Championship competition, Govt. Mamwiin Higher Secondary School scored 3 Gold Medals; LR Higher Secondary School scored 2 Gold and 2 Bronze Medals; and Govt. KM Higher Secondary School scored 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

Miss Rekha Chakma and Miss Debashree Chakma both from LR Higher Secondary School became Champion and received Gold and Bronze Medals respectively in the 20 meters freestyle and 20 meters backstroke Swimming Championship Competition. Miss Rekha Chakma with her extraordinary effort she had finished to swim at 31.75 Seconds and Miss Debashree Chakma at 45.53 Seconds.

The Sports Minister Pu Zodintluanga was Chief Guest and presented the prize to the winners in the ceremony.

Jumma Buddhist Temple in France

France (UJI): The Jumma Buddhist community in France started fund raising to buy a piece of land for the construction of a Jumma Buddhist Monastery cum Community Center for their growing children’s and future generation. Ven. Bimal Bhikkhu, a famous Chakma Missionary monk encouraged and advised them for this noble task in his last visit in France on June-July 2009. The Jumma Buddhist Community also proudly announced that they are going to celebrate “Chakma Bizu 2010” which means Chakma New Year Eva or Festival with great honor, joy, colorful gathering and grand unity with their two standing socio-cultural welfare organizations, namely: the Belo Shaudok Association (BSA) and the Baia Association (BAIA).

Buddhism growing fastest in Australia

Australia (UJI): Buddhism is fastest growing religion and it is the second largest religious group in Australia. The vast majority of Australians are members of the Christian faith, but per capita the number of Buddhists has growing tremendously than any other Western Nations. Christianity is decreasing in every year. The Christian peoples knew now that Buddhism is the only Scientific, Humanistic and Peace-loving religion in the world.

According to the Australian Board of Statistics released a report in 2006 that claims a 79% increase in Aussies (Australian) who consider themselves Buddhists since 1996, now reaching more than 418,812 people. The few years since this report and visits by the Dalai Lama has probably increased this number considerably.

An interview on ABC Radio with a famous and most Senior British-Australian Spiritual Buddhist teacher Venerable Ajahn Brahmavamsa, Spiritual Director of the Bodhinyana Monastery, Western Australia states that, “Twice as many people who say they are Buddhists actually meditate, go to temples, and read books. That's one in 20 Australians. If they are not sympathetic to Buddhist, they are certainly very close to being Buddhists.”

Accoring to Buddhanet accout, at present 275 monasteries inclunidng Meditation Cente, Community Centre, belong from Thereavada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, and Non-Sectorian/Mixed.

Many Christian converts says - Buddhism given them freedoms they have never had before. In Buddhism you are allowed to ask questions and actually you're actively encouraged to doubt and to discuss and so on”. The Buddha said, “Don't just believe because I'm very famous, and don’t just believe because many people believe what I teach. Be like the Goldsmith, you know, apply the acid to the gold to test it and the acid being your mind, your intelligence. So in that sense it's a manifesto of intellectual freedom which is very appealing.” It is true that Buddhism really suits for people who have independent thinking.

Between 1405 and 1433 the Chinese Emperor, Ming Cheng-Ho, sent sixty-two large ships to explore southern Asia. Although there is evidence that several ships from that armada landed on the Aru Islands to the north of Arnhem Land, it is not known whether they reached the mainland.

The first documented arrival of Buddhists in Australia was in 1848 during the gold rushes, when Chinese coolie laborers were brought into the country to work on the Victorian gold fields. These workers represented a transient population that usually returned home within five years. It was not until 1876 that the first permanent Buddhist community was established by Sinhalese migrants on Thursday Island. There the ethnic Sri Lankans built the first temple in Australia, while they were employed on the sugar cane plantations of Queensland.

In an excellent article on Buddha Net that gives a detailed account of Buddhism's history in Australia by Darren Nelson. He describes the beginning of the modern expansion of Buddhism Down Under: - “In 1951 the first Buddhist nun, Sister Dhammadinna visited Australia. She came and propagated the Theravada Buddhism according to the Buddha’s teaching. She received nation-wide media coverage.”

This was a landmark event, since the 50 years previous were stained by the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, which was essentially a government-sponsored white supremacist policy that disenfranchised the Aboriginal people as well as Asian immigrants.

Despite such enthusiasm, Australia still remains a very Christian country - with more than 75 percent of the population of 20 million belonging to a Christian faith.

Sanghamitra and Mahaparinirvan Express Trains has introduced in India

The Sangha Mitra was the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, who was the ruler of Maurya Dynasty. Later, Emperor Asoka converted into Buddhism. Sangha Mitra was one of the prominent Bhikkuni (Nun), who went to Sri Lanka and propagated Buddhism there. In her named “Sanghamitra Express” train was introduced by Indian Railways Corporations in 2002. This Express runs in between Patna in Bihar and Bangalore in Karnataka. It has two A/C coaches, 11 sleeper class coaches and two general class coaches, a pantry car and luggage van.

For more information please visit: www.indiarailinfo.com/train

Mahaparinirvan Express is a special Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train launched by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd in December 2009. The Corporation is targeted to Buddhist tourists from home and abroad. It is a unique express train connecting all important places of Buddhist pilgrimages in India besides one in Nepal. All amenities are provided by the Rajdhani Express trains. Tourists offered onboard and off-board catering and housekeeping services. This special train has 18 berths of first AC, 92 of two-tier AC and 256 berths of three-tier AC.

The Express is basically a 7 Nights/8 Days tour package covering all Major Buddhist destinations like Bodhgaya, Rajgir & Nalanda, Varanasi & Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sravasti, including Taj Mahal-Agra (India); and Lumbini (Nepal). This package includes your journey with exclusive AC Train & AC Coaches, Accommodation in Hotels, All Meals, Entrance Fee, Travel Insurance, Onboard Security, Service of Tour Guide and Escort, etc.

Class and Prices of the Express:
AC First Class Coupe: - USD 164 per person per night.
AC First Class: - USD 150 per person per night.
AC 2 TIER: - USD 125 per person per night.
AC 3 TIER: - USD 105 per person per night.
For more information please visit: www.railtourismindia.com/buddha

Chakma areas: Road constructions

Arunachal, December 2009 (UJI): For the first time 4 pitch roads are under construction through Chakma Villages under the “Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sarak Yojana Programme (PMGSYP) in the Chakma areas in Arunachal Pradesh. The roads are: - (a) Barket Road (Bordumsa - Magantong) - Bijaypur III village (8kms length & 12 feet width); (b) Newton Village to Dharmapur Village (6kms length & 12 feet width); (c) Diyun - Dumpani Village (3kms length & 12 feet width; and (d) Diyun - Haripur Village (3kms length & 12 feet width).

Chakma in Pakistan

Islamabad, December 2009 (UJI): Former Chakma Raja Tridiv Roy virtually still unknown to the present Pakistanis generation. Raja Roy was just one of the East Pakistan Parliamentarian to reject the new country (Bangladesh) in 1971.

Raja Roy told on December 16, an anniversary of the “Fall of Dhaka”, as the event is remembered in Pakistan that he has “No regrets about that life-changing decision as his people continue to be discriminated against by Bangladesh. The main reason in his decision to support the Pakistani Nation rather than the rebels in 1971 was that “the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are not Bengalis”.

He left East Pakistan on November 11, before the war began.
The Pakistani forces surrender on December 16. Most of Raja Roy’s family, including his wife, remained behind in the new Bangladesh. Three children joined him later, but his eldest son, Debashis Roy, who remained behind with his mother and a sister, was anointed the new Chakma Raja. However, Raja Roy has never gone back to CHT, Bangladesh. He has studiously kept away from the Chakma issue over the last 38 years. He is now 76-year-old. He keeps a low profile, playing golf and bridge, travelling and working with Pakistan’s tiny Buddhist association.

“My overall advice is that fights for rights constitutionally, peacefully and do not go for violence and killings amongst yourself and with others. Of course, I miss my people, my home, my community,” he said.

Chakma Raj Punyah celebrated

Rangamati, December 30, 2009 (UJI): A three days colorful Chakma Raj Punyah was celebrated from 27th to 29th at the Chakma Royal Palace complex in Rangamati according to the traditional customs. This time, they were celebrated after five years. Last time, it was took place in 2003.
Chakma Raja Devasish Roy and Prince Tribhuban Aryadev Roy ascended the throne at the “Raj Darbar”. Raja Roy received annual jhum taxes from the 175 headmen at the function. He also received chicken, pig, wine, etc. as gift from them as per as their tradition. They also organized as Gautam Muni Mela, cultural function, sports, drama and exhibition.

Tanchangya Council meeting end

Rangamati, December 29, 2009 (UJI): The Bangladesh Tanchangya Kalyan Sangstha (BTKS) 6th General Council meeting was held on 26th & 27th December 2009 at the Tribal Cultural Institute Auditorium. Chakma Raja Devasish Roy was Chief Guest and Mr. Gazi Salehuddin, Dean of Social Science Faculty of the University of Chittagong was special guest.
Mr. Prashyana Kanti Tanchangya, Councilor of the Bandarban Hill District Council was presided the meeting.
More than 500 delegates participated from different part of the country. The council unanimously demanded for Constitutional Guarantee to all ethnic minority groups who are living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in order to develop their culture and heritage.

Indigenous Connections Conference

Australia, November, 2009 (UJI): An Indigenous Climate Connection Conference was held on November 14-20, 2009 at Sarawak, Malaysia. More than 100 indigenous youth participated from different countries of the globe. Mr. Bidhayak Chakma represented from Jummaland, Bangladesh. Mr. Chakma is one of the active members of the Jumma student community since many years. At present, he is studying in Australia since 2007. The conference unanimously demanded “Dignity for the Indigenous Peoples”.

Education: Backbone of the society
By: Ven. Pragya Jyoti, Australia
1st November 2009

“Education is the backbone of the society”. This proverb is well-preserved in the English literature. An English speaking people around the globe that well by-heart when they start study at Primary level. We have experienced that billions of languages and dialects speaking society in the different corner of the world. Some are develop, under-develop and undeveloped societies. This proverb is very suitable for develop and under-develop societies. But, it is very hard to accept 100% for the undeveloped societies- like our Chakma society. After many countries travel; studies 12 languages; and experienced different society peoples in different part of the globe. Now, I personally experienced that some societies people- after their higher education- they forgetting their language, culture, heritage, identity, religion, history and even their society. We also experienced in our society too that hundreds of highly educated Chakmas around the globe, who are neglecting their own language, culture, religion, history, society, etc by simply ignoring, avoiding and hiding. They knew that the society have lots of hope on them and waiting their philosophical ideas to develop and help them. But, their Golden Brain (Mental Action), Wise Voice (Verbal Action), Silver Fingers (Physical Action) is not putting Energy toward their own society. If, they failed to contribute something in this life time, they will be debt toward their society. I agreed with them that they are educated, but not wise. Their education is only to establish and develop their own life to adjust with other developing and under-developing societies. The wise and educated always think about this - (1) which society I belong from? (2) What was my society? (2) Where is my society? (3) Where will be my society? Here, society meaning is history, culture, heritage, identity, language, custom, etc. As an educated person-we should not be removing these important points from our golden heart. No matter, wherever, whenever, and whoever!

“The End”

Task Force meeting held

Khagrachari, October 12, 2009 (UJI): On 5 October, Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and Internally Displace Persons meeting was held at Khagrachari Circuit House. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, Chairman of the Task Force Committee.

Mr. Ruithy Karbari, Chairman of Khagrachari Hill District Council; Mr. Aung Prue Mro, Representative of the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council; Mr. Brishaketu Chakma, Representative of the Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council; Mr. Santoshita Chakma Bakul, Representative of Jumma returnee refugees; Major Lokman, Representative of GOC of 24th Infantry Division, Chittagong Cantonment; Mr. N A N Siddique, Member-Secretary of Task Force and Commissioner of Chittagong division; Mr. S M Shafi, Member of Task Force and Representative of Bengali community was attended in the meeting. From government official including Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari District and ADC of Rangamati and Bandarban District were also present in the meeting. But, no any representative from Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and Ministry of CHT Affair was attended.

This was an initial meeting of the newly reconstituted Task Force. There was no specific agenda item of the meeting for discussion. However, the agenda items of next meeting of the Task Force were decided. The agenda items were (1) to determine the process of identification and inclusion of actual internal displaced families; (2) 20-points package facilities; (3) holding of Task Force monthly meeting; (4) field level visit and staffing and funding of the Task Force.

As per decision to hold meeting of Task Force monthly, the next meeting is scheduled to hold in the month of November 2009.

Sources: Publicity Department of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti

Mr. Thanhawla and Mr. Chakma’s demand passed in the Assembly

Aizawl, October 28, 2009 (UJI): Mizoram Legislative Assembly had passed unanimously that the demand of the Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla and the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, Mr. Nihar Kanti Chakma.
Mr. Thanhawla demanded an amount of Rs.1, 081.445 crores for Legislative Assembly, Governor, and Council of Ministers, Vigilance, Excise & Narcotics, Finance, Secretariat Administration, Planning & Programme Implementation, General Administration Department, Power and Public Works. Mr. Chakma demanded an amount of Rs.46.5092 crores for Disaster Management & Rehabilitation, Animal Husbandry and Sericulture.
The members participated in the discussion stressed the need for more attention to AH&Vety and Sericulture Departments which fetch substantial additional income to many families. The Chief Minister, Mr. Thanhawla underlined the need to fight against corruption which has taken a deep root in the State.

Indo-Bangladesh Border Fencing: Compensation

Aizawl, October 23, 2009 (UJI): Pu Rasik Mohan Chakma MDC, CADC chuan Aizawl Press Clubah Chanchinthar lakhawmtute a kawma Indo-Bangladesh Border Fencing a, Compensation pek chungchang a thil felhlel ni a an hriat te an puang chhuak.
Chanchinthar lakhawmtute hnenah Pu RM Chakma chuan, Indo-Bangladesh Border Fencing a, Compensation dawngtute zingah hian Congress MLA Nirupam Chakma chhungkhat laina hnai mi engemaw zat leh Chakma Autonomus District Council thuneihna vuantute chhungkua engemawzat an tel tih a sawi a, hei bakah hian midang ram leh pass hawha compensation la mi 14 an awm tih a sawi bawk. Hetih mek lai hian Land Revenue & Settlement Department atanga LSC dik tak nei, Compensation la thei ngei mi 87 te erawh chu Compensation pek an ni lo tih RM Chakma chuan a sawi a, heng mite hming list hi October 22 khan Mizoram Governor hnenah an thehluh thu a sawi bawk a ni. RM Chakma chuan Governor hnenah hian Indo-Bangla Border Fencing chungchanga Compensation dawng tur dik takin an dawn theihna turin State Level Committee siam turin a ngen tih a sawi a, heng bakah hian huan leh ram, in leh lo sawn sak leh tih chhiat sak te chu an tana ruahmanna siam sak turin an ngen tih a sawi bawk a ni.
RM Chakma chuan CADC a Componsation dawngtu a tarlan ah Kali Kumar Tongchongya CEM, CADC chhung leh khatte mi 16, Buddhalila Chakma, EM i/c Revenue lainate pahnih, Mohan Chakma, EM i/c PHE leh a nupui, Susil Kumar Chakma, CADC Chairman laina mi 14 leh Susen Chakma, Dy. Chairman laina mi 15 te ram lem hmanga pass siam atangin compensation tam tham tak an dawng niin RM Chakna chuan a sawi bawk a ni.


MZP in dan diklo a Chakma awmte dap chhuah tum

Aizawl, October 9, 2009 (UJI): Mizoram Student Union (MSU) chuan thuchhuah siamin dan diklo a Mizorama Chakma awm te dap chhuah beihpui thlak an tum tih an sawi a, an pawl khawmpui chu november ni 18 leh ni 19 hian Farkawn ah neih nise an ti bawk. MSU thuchhuah chuan Oct ni 8 khan Executive Meeting an nei tih sawiin he hun ah hian MSU General Conference 2009, chu Farkawna ah Nov ni 18 leh ni 19 hian neih nise an ti.

Mizoram leh Assam in ramri buai la chinfel loh chung chang ah Sorkar thuneitu te hnen a MSU in Boundary Commission din tur leh State pahnih hotu ten hemi chungchang sawi ho tura an ngenna chu la tih hlawhtlin loh a ni tiin chingfel tur Commission din a, Assembly House a pass a nih theih nan thuneitute hnen ah thlen leh in an hmalakna ngaihchan rih ni se an ti a. Mizoram chhunga dan diklo taka Chakma rawn lut thin te chu kan ram leh hnam nunphung thleng a min tih buai tak avang in MSU chuan hemi chungchang ah hian Uluk leh fimkhur taka chhui chiang a dan diklo a kan ram chhunga Chakma rawn awm te hi dap chhuah beihpui neih ni se an ti bawk a ni.Hei bakah hian Mizoram H&TE Dept in budget a neih tlem thin avanga zirlaiten kumtin harsatna an tawh thin chu sutkian a nih theih nan Sorkar hnen ah vawi engemaw zat thlen a nih tawh thu te Mizo zirlaiten hmasawnna tur a rawtna hrang hrang MSU in a thlen te a hlawhtling lo zel ni a an hriat thu te tarlangin pension extend leh re- employed an duh loh thu vawi engemawzah an puanchhuah hnu pawh a rawih nawn an la awm reng thu te an tarlang a, hei aia na deuh zawk a hmalakna hi kalpui nise an ti bawk.

Indian Diplomat denied visa to Chakma Raja

Bangkok, Oct 13, 2009 (UJI): Chakma Raja Tridiv Roy denied Indian visa to visit Buddha Holy places in India. He was sided and fled to the West Pakistan during the civil war in 1971 and had settled in West Pakistan (now Pakistan). Later, he was appointed as an Ambassador to Argentina, Maldiv, etc by the Pakistan Government.


Chandra Shekhor Chakma passed away
Khagrachari, August 12, 2009 (UJI): The former General Secretary of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), Mr. Chandra Shekhor Chakma has passed away at Khagrachari General Hospital. Mr. Chakma was suffering from chest pain when he was going to attending at World Indigenous Day rally.

Mr. Chakma was one of the founder and prominent member of the PCJSS. On the other hand, he was one of top ten fighters during the Jungle Warfare in between the Shanti Bahini and Bangladesh military. He was elected three times continuously as General Secretary of the PCJSS.

Mr. Chakma left behind his wife Dipti Chakma and two sons, Alen Chakma and Pratibhash Chakma.

Bodhicariya 20th years Foundation Day

Calcutta, October 23, 2009 (UJI): The Sishu Koruna Sangha (SKS) and Bodhichariya School jointly organizing a colorful event on the marked of 20th years of the establishment of Bodhichariya School on forthcoming 15th November 2009. The SKS was established on 30th October 1986 by the some scholar Buddhist monks headed by Ven. Bimal Bhikkhu in order to imparting education to the deprived children of the society. Later, on 15th November 1990, Ven. Bimal Bhikkhu under the advised and compassionate cooperation of Most Venerable Chakma Rajguru Aggavamsa Mahathera established the Bodhichariya School in association with some of the renowned social workers in Calcutta with 30 children. The Senior Secondary section is affiliated to the Central Board of School Education (C.B.S.E), New Delhi.

On this remarkable day, not only celebration of Foundation Day, but also important and historic event for SKS/Bodhichariya Students which is “Students Re-Union Day” for the first time in the history of SKS.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs major changed

Rangamati, July 11, 2009 (UJI): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh major shake-up including new Foreign Secretary and a number of new Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

Mijarul Quayes is taking over as Foreign Secretary, Touhid Hossain appointed Principal of the Foreign Service Academy, Humayun Kabir to Canada as an Ambassador, Ahmed Tariq Karim will go to India as High Commissioner on a two-year contract and Gyashuddin appointed as ambassador to Germany.

The new diplomats, who are posting as envoy, include AKM Atiqur Rahman, Supradip Chakma, Imtiaz Ahmed and Major General Anup Kumar Chakma. Atiqur Rahman appointed High Commissioner to Malaysia, Supradip Chakma is to be High Commissioner to Vietnam, Imtiaz Ahmed appointed to Sweden as High Commissioner and Major General Anup Kumar Chakma Ambassador to Myanmar.

AAPSU files PIL against the Election Commission’s guideline

Gauhati, July 11, 2009 (UJI): On June 9, 2009 last, the All Arunachal Pradesh Student Union (AAPSU) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) at the Gauhati High Court against the Election Commission’s guidelines terming that the Chakma refugees of Arunachal Pradesh (AP) included in the electoral roll as illegal. On 23 March 2005, the Election Commission of India passed specific guidelines (No 23/ARUN/2004-PLN-II) for enrollment of the eligible Chakma and Hajong voters during Intensive Revision.

In the PIL stated that the Election Commission not only trying to include those refugees who had entered India in 1964-65 and their descendants, but also those who have come thereafter to the state.

The AAPSU also accused to Mr. Dorjee Khandu, Chief Minister of AP and his Government that trying to help the refugees. Mr. Doorje was sworn on April 9, 2007 as 5th Chief Minister. He belongs to Monpa Buddhist indigenous tribe of hilly state.

The Supreme Court order in between the National Human Rights Commission vs. State Government of AP which issued on 9 January 1996 that the Court's decision included three mandates: (1) the end to illegal evictions of Chakmas and Hajongs from their homes; (2) the protection--by paramilitary means if necessary--of Chakmas and Hajongs from threats by citizen groups; and (3) the termination of any substantive role for local administrators in deciding the citizenship status of Chakmas and Hajongs.

In the mean times, Mr. Subimal Bikash Chakma, Mr. Ajay Sen Chakma and Mr. Santosh Chakma on behalf of the Citizenship Demand Right Committee for Chakmas and Hajongs (CDRCCH), moved toward the Gauhati High Court in order to assist and support in all possible regards to the Election Commission.

Mr. Subimal Bikash Chakma, President of the CDRCCH, appealed to all National and International Human Rights Organizations and groups that for asking humanitarian justices who are suffering as stateless for about last 45 years and also by the barbarian AAPSU activists backed by the dictatorship and narrow minded political leader Mr. Gegong Apang.

He also appealed to the International Chakma community, who are residing different corner of the globe for asking support and assist, especially finance to move at the Gauhati High Court in order to protect about 80, 000 (approximately) the innocent Chakmas and Hajongs of AP.

Land Commission fails to get green light
By Shanti Moy Chakma

Rangamati, July 11, 2009 (UJI): The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord still uncertain to full implementation. The Land Commission formed to resolve land disputes in CHT by the Awami League Government in 1998. A five-member Land Commission that Chief justice serves as Chairman while Chairman of the CHT Regional Council or his representative and an additional Commissioner work as its members.

Depending on the area the Commission works, one of the three Circle Chiefs (Chakma, Bomang, and Moung Circle) and one of the Chairman of the three hill district council’s work as members of the Commission.

As the former successive governments failed to take proper steps to make the commission functional, land settlement process faces serious hindrance and a large number of applications from both Bengali infiltrators and Indigenous people have remained piled up at the offices of concerned Circle Chiefs and Deputy Commissioners.

With thousands of land related cases in the courts of three hill districts remaining unresolved, land dispute has become a most complicated issue in the CHT.

Steps should be taken to make the Land Commission functional to resolve land disputes and it is a must for full execution of the Peace Accord. Meanwhile the posts of Chairman, Secretary and Registrar of the Commission are currently lying vacant.

During past BNP-led four-party alliance rule, the Land Ministry issued a directive to the Upazila Nirbahi Officers in CHT for preparation of necessary documents to give indigenous people ownership of the land that they have been cultivating for long. But it was later cancelled through an order from the CHT Affairs Ministry, sources said.

Former Land Commission Secretary Dipen Dewan, who was also a joint district judge, said he had completed preparations to recruit manpower for the Commission but it could not be done due to what he said non-cooperation of the then Chairman of the Commission.

Mr. Ushatan Talukder, a leading top leader of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), said, “We submitted a proposal to the government for bringing reforms into the Land Commission to make it functional but to no effect.”

The State Minister for CHT Affairs Ministry, Mr. Dipankar Talukder said the government is aware of the problems and the steps to resolve issues are “under process”.

Dr. Bhumitra Chakma receive higher Scholarship

Washington, July 11, 2009 (WWIC): The President and Director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center (WWIC) Lee H. Hamilton announced recently that 24 scholars have been selected for 2009-2010 fellowship class at the Centre. The scholars are mostly from the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Israel, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. They are arriving in September for their academic session.

Dr. Bhumitra Chakma also selected in the list and he is representing from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. He is a Lecturer in War and Security Studies, the University of Hull and also researching on “South Asia's Three Dimensional Nuclear Deterrence: Examining the US Factor”.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, established by Congress in 1968 and Headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the living national memorial to President Wilson. The Center establishes and maintains a neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialogue. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds and engaged in the study of national and world affairs.

New Political Party formed in CADC

Kamalanagar, July 11, 2009 (UJI): The opposition MNF Party in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) has fraction into two parties. The total strength of MNF was 7 out of 21 members in the CADC. The 6 (six) members left the MNF and formed a new political party named Chakma Democratic Party (CDP). Mr. Prema Ranjan Chakma and Mr. Amaresh Chakma, unanimously selected as President and the General Secretary of CDP respectively. The CDP still under observation and they did not yet decided about their political manifesto for the forth-coming CADC election. According to public opinion, the CDP will be stand as a Chakma National Political Party after Chakma Jatiyo Parisad (CJP) which formed by the Late Binod Basu Chakma (Basudev), Ex-CEM. The CJP is now inactive after he was assassinated by unidentified political machinery. The CDP is now recruiting member-ship to stand for Chakmas from the grassroots' level to national level.

In the last election, the ruling Congress won majority seats of 14 seats including 2 nominated members out of 21 total seats. The opposition MNF won 7 seats only. Mr. Rashik Mohan Chakma (Ex-CEM), President of the MNF, CADC that the lonely elected member from his party in the CADC.

Two District Councils reconstituted in CHT

Rangamati, July 11, 2009 (UJI): The Bangladesh Government has reconstituted the Rangamati and Bandarban Hill District Councils. However, did not bring any change to the Khagrachari Hill District Council as a case is pending with the High Court in this connection.

A five-member team was formed with Nikhil Kumar Chakma as the Chairman and other four members are Aungsui Prue Chowdhury, Shamima Rashid, Brishaketu Chakma and Avilash Tangchangya of Rangamati Hill District Council.

In Bandarban, Ka Shoilah Marma was made the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council. He was also the Chairman in 1996-2001. The other members of the council are Kazi Mujibur Rahman, Prasna Kanti Tangchangya, Kew Sa Prue and Aung Prue Murang.

Chakma famous historical writer passed away

Mumbai, July 11, 2009 (UJI): One of the most famous Chakma historical writers Mr. Citta Ranjan Chakma passed away on 5th June in Mumbai at the age of 84. He was born on 1st February 1925 in Longodu Bor-adaam in the Royal Chakma Kingdom (now Jummaland or Chittagong Hill Tracts). His father’s name was late Nava Chandra Karbari. He was enjoyed long terms service in the Indian Railways. He left his life partner, one son and two daughters behind him.
In those days, the ruler of the Royal Chakma Kingdom was Raja Nalininakko Roy (1902-1952 AD), son of Raja Bhuvan Mohan Roy. In 1934, he took power in the throne and became Raja in the Kingdom.
Mr. Binimoy Chakma son in-law came from Bangkok in order to attend his funeral ceremony. All his relatives and Chakma community including monks from Mumbai and Delhi attended in the ceremony.
Before retired from the service, he was started writing books on Chakma history, culture and languages until the end of his life. His publisher books are: 1. Chakma Basar Abidan (Chakma Dictionary); 2. Nava Chandra Pattam Chakma Byakaran; 3. Jug Bibartaner Chakma Jaiti (Ancient period); 4. Jug Bibartaner Chakma Jati (Medieval Period). He was left few un-publishing books in his library. He was good friend of late Uttanga Muni Chakma (Commissioner), late Mukur Khanti Khisa (Ambassador), late Raja Tridiv Roy, late Sneha Kumar Chakma (freedom fighter) and Mr. S.P. Talukdar (writer).

Dr. Amit Chakma achieved 10th President

London, July 11, 2009 (UJI): The World Chakma Indigenous Buddhist Community, congratulating and wishing for happy, healthy and prosperous future life ahead to Dr. Amit Chakma for his achievement such a prestigious post as President of the University of Western Ontario. His named was also under 40 among Canada’s Top 40 in 1998.

He officially took his office on July 1 as a 10th President and begins his first term in the office on July 2, 2009. He will serve a five year term. It is recorded in the “World Chakma History”.

Dr. Chakma is now 50. He is belonging from Chakma Indigenous Buddhist Community of the South-East Asia, mostly living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Jummaland) in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. The Chakmas are faith by Buddhist and originally belong from Sakya Clan (Lord Buddha clan, who founded Buddhism).

Dr. Chakma was served as Vice-President (Academic& Provost) of the University of Waterloo; Dean and Vice-President (Research) of the University of Regina; and Professor (Chemical & Petroleum Engineering) at the University of Calgary.

He is a graduate (Diploma Engineering) from the Algerian Petroleum Institute in1982; Master (Applied Science) in 1984 and PhD (Chemical Engineering) in 1987 from the University of British Columbia.

Bangladesh Adivashi Forum Report

Dhaka, May 16, 2009 (Daily Star): Bangladesh Adivashi Forum (BAF) working with indigenous people claimed that around 50,000 Adivashi people were forced to leave the country due to harassment and repression during the last decade.

The Adivashi Manobadhikar Report 2008 claimed that non-adivashi people were relocated to the hilly region under a political scheme of "population transfer" and they contributed to the harassment and repression of the indigenous people. The report said, "The army is trying to rehabilitate 10,000 non-adivashi people to Kasalong Reserve Forest in Mijoram border area."

Bangladesh Adivashi Forum published the report at a press conference yesterday at the Young Women's Christian Association auditorium. "The adivashi people have become the minorities in the hilly areas," said journalist Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul at the conference.

Besides, many of them migrated to other places in the country losing their land since the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Land Commission could not begin its activities. "Bangalee people have their roots in adivashi people," said Prof Mejbah Kamal of Dhaka University.

Bangladesh Adivashi Forum also made a seven-point demand. They are:
1. Constitutional recognition of the indigenous people;
2. Ensuring adivashi people's right to their land;
3. Full implementation of the CHT peace accord;
4. Ensuring adivashi representation in every development project;
5. Increase the quota for adivashi people in educational institutions and during employment;
6. Exemplary punishment for human rights violators; and
7. Formulation of development plan for ultra-poor adivashi people.
The Bangladesh Adivashi Forum claims adivashi population in the country to be 30 lakh in 45 ethnic communities while the government estimate is only 18 lakh, the report read.

Shaktipada Tripura delivered the welcome speech at the conference while adivashi leader Sanjib Drong presented the keynote paper. Sayed Abul Maksud, Bibhash Chakraborty, and Mangal Kumar Chakma spoke at the programme.

The report also claimed that the indigenous people have experienced a silent famine and the region experienced a huge food shortage last year due to rat infestation.

Tripura tribal woman’s traditional weaving art
Agartala, May 23, 2009 (UJI): A tribal woman makes serious effort to revive the dying tribal art of loin loom weaving of ‘Chakma’ tribe in Tripura. Traditionally, all tribal communities in Tripura have been weaving their cloth for their ethnic attires. They also make sheets, thin towels, dress material, carpets and carrying bags.
Realizing that the traditional art is being forgotten, Smriti Rekha Chakma, a tribal woman of Tripura is doing her best to bring the art to limelight again. She had learned the art of making Chakma dress from her grandmother. She had set up a small training centre in the backyard of her home to teach others the indigenous method of making cloth using loin loom.
“I found that gradually the art of indigenous Chakma way of dress making is getting lost so I took the initiative to preserve it. I am giving training to those who are interested in learning the ethnic way of making our dress like….,khadi . And for this I was selected for the National Award for Excellence in Shawl weaving,” said Smriti Rekha. Loin loom weaving among Chakma is called ‘Bein’ and weaving practice is known as ‘Bon-kada’.
Smriti Rekha wants to spread the rich heritage of ethnic Chakma textiles among the new generation. Today women of all age groups are coming to her centre to learn the art. Not only youth but even aged women who could not learn the art earlier due to lack of a trainer and training centre come to the centre.
“When I came to know about this training centre I contacted them and joined here. Now I am learning and am hopeful that after completion I shall be able to earn enough to be financially stable,” said Rani Chakma, a Trainee.
Today her woven cloth is in great demand and particularly during the festive and marriage season the price goes up. Smiriti’s effort is not only to save the ethnic art but also to give employment to many.

Chakmas face discrimination in Mizoram

Aizawl, June 1, 2009 (ACHR): According to the ACHR report, the state government has failed to provide Chakmas access to basic health care facilities. Most villages had no health care facilities at all and the poor villagers lived at the mercy of Badya (traditional herbal doctors), Deaths of children were often not recorded. This was stated in a press release.

A regional human rights watchdog, the Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report “2009 India Human Rights Report,” released in New Delhi on Friday, accused Mizoram of practicing ‘systematic discrimination’ against minorities.

The ACHR stated that minorities were denied employment, basic health care, education and right to development.

The state government has failed to “address systematic discrimination against minorities – ethnic, linguistic and religious,” the report added.

The ACHR alleged that Chakma minorities who live outside the Chakma Autonomous District Council have to face “more discrimination and neglect.” Majority Chakmas live on the border with Bangladesh and the Central funds for the development of the border areas under the Border Area Development Programme have been misused.

The report claimed the Ministry of Home Affairs released Rs 1,556 lakh during 2004-05, Rs 903.48 lakh during 2005-06, Rs 2,262 lakh during 2006-07 and Rs 2,086 lakh during 2007-08, to Mizoram under BADP.

But the ACHR team during its visit to the border areas “found very limited evidence of development activities.”

Eighth Session of UN Permanent Forum Begins
New York, May 20, 2009 (Daily Star): The eighth session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues began in New York on Monday with a call to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

More than 2,000 indigenous representatives from across the world as well as state representatives, civil society members, academicians and representatives from inter-governmental organizations are taking part in the two-week session.

In the opening session, UN General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann said the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples should be implemented to address the endless discrimination and violations of human rights of indigenous peoples around the world.

Indigenous peoples face marginalisation, extreme poverty, hunger, threats and negative impact of mainstream development, he added. Rachel Mayanja, assistant secretary-general of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, said, "It is through continuous commitment and international cooperation that we will achieve the goal of the Second Decade, namely progress on indigenous issues in the areas of human rights, economic and social development, environment, education, health and culture." "Let us work towards this goal in partnership with the indigenous peoples of the world," she added.

Victoria Tauly-Corpuz, chairperson of the session, said, "The biggest challenge is how to get the Declaration implemented by States, UN bodies and by indigenous peoples themselves and by society at large."
She said that indigenous women's rights should be protected under Article 22, which states, "Particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in the implementation of this Declaration. States shall take measures, in conjunction with indigenous peoples, to ensure that indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination."

The theme of the session is Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Women, Second Decade and the Arctic Region.

From Bangladesh, Raja Devasish Roy, Father Joseph Gomes, OMI, Goutam Kumar Chakma and Rabindranath Soren are attending the session.

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was established by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2000, with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues within the mandate of the ECOSOC relating to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

No recognition of ethnic communities in text book

Dhaka, May 10, 2009 (New Nation): Adivasis had played their part in a dozen of historic movements of the country, but there is no recognition of their contributions in text books simply because of reluctance of the National Curriculum and Text-book Board (NCTB). A review of the text books shows that Adivasis or indigenous people-Santal, Mong, Chakma, Garo, Munda and Hajong-had played their due role in all movements from the anti-British movement to the War of Independence in 1971, but the NCTB has failed to recognize their contributions.

According to experts, Chakma rebellion between 1776-1787, Khasi revolt in 1788, Santal Revolt in 1763 in Dhaka, during 1763-64 in Rajshahi, during 1770-71 in Rangpur and surrounding areas, in 1773 in Mymensingh, Sylhet in 1787-9987, Khasi revolt in 1788, Garo revolt in 1848-66, Lushais revolt between 1849-78, Santal Hool rebellion from 1855-1857, Kherwary movement in 1870, Munda Rebellion between 1899-1900 and Nachole Uprising in 1949-50 and the liberation war are among the movements they either took part or organized themselves. But there is no article on these movements in textbooks, not even in those published for the 2009 academic session, recognizing their role. "This is really unfortunate that there is no article in textbooks on the contributions of Adivasis. Their contributions should be appreciated for a greater national unity," Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University's History department said.

Prof Aktaruzzaman, convener of national experts committee on resolving problems in textbooks and teacher of Dhaka University's Islamic History and Culture department, said the government should take steps to recognize the contributions of indigenous people to different movements for the benefit of the posterity. Rambhojon Koiri, general secretary of Bangladesh Tea Workers' Union and an Adivasi leader, said they feel dejected when they see their contributions are ignored.

"We had shed blood in movements against British rulers and Pakistani occupation forces, but there is no recognition," he said, expecting that the new government would take effective steps to recognize their contributions.

When contacted, novelist Selina Hossain, also member of NCTB's committee on inserting true history of the liberation war, said they are unlikely to be able to include the contributions of Adivasis in textbooks for 2010 simply for lack of time.

"But", she said, "We must include the glorious historical contributions of Adivasis communities in the textbooks. We'll bring massive changes in the textbooks with such histories in 2011." NCTB senior education specialist Ziaul Hasan said they formed a three-member committee, led by Adivasis human rights activist Sanjeeb Drong, two years ago to resolve all these issues in the textbooks. "But, the committee didn't yet submit its complete report." He, however, said the NCTB would include the culture, tradition and history of Adivasis in the textbooks in 2011.

Protests against harassment of Buddhist Monks

Khagrachari, May 24, 2009 (chtnews.com): In Lakshmichari of Khagrachari district, more than 200 Buddhist followers staged demonstration today and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the UNO. The memo was received by Md. Salimullah, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Lakshmichari.

Mr. Sunity Bikash Chakma, Chairman of Laxmichari UP, Mr. Rajendra Chakma and Mr. Karunamoy Chakma led the demonstration and submitted the memo on behalf of the participants.

They demanded punishment to Captain Shamim for being responsible for the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero and other Buddhist monks on May 21, an end to harassment of Jummas including monks at check posts, and withdrawal of all military and paramilitary check posts in the CHT.

Rangamati: In Rangamati town, about 500 people participated in a protest rally today. Held at Shilpakala Academy, the rally was addressed by Saranga Dhanu Chakma alias Shankar, a retired member of Bangladesh Air Force and also President of Banduk Bhanga Bana Vihar; Subhash Chakma, member, Jurachari Bana Vihar; Biswajit Barua, member, Naniachar Bana Vihar; Rahul Chakma, member, Banduk Bhanga Union; Ramani Ranjan Chakma, Chairman in charge of Naniachar; and Sadananda Chakma, a lay follower.

After the rally, the participants marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner in a procession and handed him a memorandum.


Chittagong: On Friday, 22 May, Buddhist followers organized a rally in front of press club in protest at the harassment of Ven. Bishuddhananda Thero. The rally was addressed among others by Dr. Jina Bodhi Bhikkhu, professor of Chittagong University, Rinku Chakma, Central committee member of Democratic Youth Forum, Dhiman Chakma, from Bandarban area and Shyamol Chakma, a youth leader in the City.

Press club Chairman Abu Sufian also addressed the rally expressing solidarity with the demands of the Protestants. The rally was followed by a procession which ended at Dosth Building Square, near New Market.

Khagrachari: In Khagrachari, an 11-member committee was formed yesterday to organize a rally in protest against the harassment of Buddhist monks. Renowned educationist Ananta Bihari Khisha is heading the committee. It will organize a protest rally tomorrow, one of the committee members told chtnews.com.

Mr. Bhumitra Chakma receive higher Scholarship

Washington, June 2, 2009 (WWIC): Lee H. Hamilton, President and Director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center (WWIC), today announced the members of the 2009-2010 fellowship class. The 24 fellows, most of who will arrive in September 2009 to spend an academic year in residence at the Center, include scholars and practitioners from the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Israel, United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

Bhumitra Chakma, Lecturer in War and Security Studies, the University of Hull, United Kingdom. "South Asia's Three Dimensional Nuclear Deterrence: Examining the US Factor"

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, established by Congress in 1968 and Headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the living national memorial to President Wilson. The Center establishes and maintains a neutral forum for free, open, and informed dialogue. It is a nonpartisan institution, supported by public and private funds and engaged in the study of national and world affairs.

Two District Councils reconstituted

Rangamati, May 25, 2009 (UJI): The government has reconstituted the Rangamati and Bandarban Hill District Councils. The government, however, did not bring any change to the Khagrachari Hill District Council as a case is pending with the High Court in this connection. The CHT affairs ministry yesterday in separate fax messages dismissed the previous interim councils formed during the past caretaker government.

A five-member council was formed with district AL leader Nikhil Kumar Chakma as the Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council. Four other members of the Council are Aungsui Prue Chowdhury, Shamima Rashid, Brishaketu Chakma and Avilash Tangchangya.

In Bandarban, Ka Shoilah Marma was made the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council. He was also the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council in 1996-2001. The members of the council are Kazi Mujibur Rahman, Prasna Kanti Tangchangya, Kew Sa Prue and Aung Prue Murang.

The previous interim Councils were recast on July 15 in 2007.

Chakmas New Year “Bizu” festival

Agartala, April 14, 2009 (UJI): The Chakma tribal community of Tripura state of India, observed the Chakma National Festival “Bizu” in the capital city of Agartala, Tripura. It is the most important socio-religious festival of the Chakma Nation in the world.

They organized three-day festival is signified by the Bizu dance, which welcomes the New Year. We are organizing this festival to keep alive the Bizu-centric Chakma rituals and customs, said Niranjan Chakma, an organizer.

The Bizu lasts for three days. The first day is known as “Pool Bizu”. On this day, household items, clothes are cleaned and washed, food items are collected to give the house a now look with the veil of different flowers.

The second day known as “Mull Bizu” starts with the bath in the river. People wear new clothes and make rounds of the village. They also enjoy specially made vegetable curry, different homemade sweets and take part in different traditional sports. The day ends with the Bizu dance.

The last day, which is known as “Gojya-Pojya Din” involves the performances of different socio-religious activities. The Chakmas welcome the New Year with tradition.

Waterloo: University of Waterloo’s Finances

Waterloo, March 26, 2009(Daily Bulletin): University of Waterloo’s (UW) President David Johnston and provost Dr. Amit Chakma will comment on the University’s financial situation, and answer questions, at a “Town Hall” meeting to be held April 8, aimed at staff and faculty members.

The event will come the day after the spring meeting of UW’s Board of Governors, which is expected to approve the 2009-10 operating budget and a 3 per cent cut in most spending. The budget was drafted with a further cut of 5 per cent in mind for the following year, Dr. Chakma told UW’s senate as it discussed the budget on Monday of this week.

“We have a difficult task ahead of us,” Dr. Chakma told the senate, although “Waterloo is going into this period in a relatively advantageous position,” relative to other universities.

We’ll know more about one aspect of the university’s finances a few hours from now, if the Ontario spring budget, to be presented this afternoon by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, says anything definite about college and university grants for the year ahead. Dr. Chakma’s budget is built on the assumption that there will be no new money, but no actual cuts to the current level of grants.

As Johnston told the senate at Monday’s meeting, universities are under pressure from multiple directions. Enrolment growth has been “nearly double” what was expected; endowments and pension funds have dropped; costs keep going up at around 5 per cent a year. A recent report from the Council of Ontario Universities says the 19 institutions across the province have a total cumulative deficit of $511 million.

How does UW respond? Dr. Chakma called it a three-part program: expenditure control (being “even more conservative in filling positions” and starting projects); expenditure reduction (the 3 per cent cut); and revenue generation (new sources of income, such as full-fee programs and more international students).

One example of the austerity UW will see in the coming year: the rollover project, designed to replace out-of-date computing equipment in academic support areas, won’t get the $200,000 that would have been budgeted for this year. “That is not, at this stage, mission-critical.”

Said, Dr. Chakma: “We believe that we can manage without any layoffs, but I cannot guarantee it. . . . Lying off people is the last thing you want to do in dealing with this kind of crisis. We don’t want to lose people and wonder what happened, four or five years down the road.”

The 2009-10 budgets, as approved by the senate finance committee earlier this month, involve spending of about $435 million in the twelve months that begin May 1. That’s up from $405 million in the current year — the 3 per cent cut to departmental budgets is more than outweighed by spending increases elsewhere, including money for salary increases and new activities as the university grows.

But that new spending is narrowly targeted, Dr. Chakma reminded the senate. “Apart from an investment in the library and an investment in student support,” he said, “we are really not making any increases.”

The town hall meeting, 13 days from now, will give an opportunity for more discussion of budget prospects and the university’s position in hard times. It’s scheduled to run from 3:00 to 4:30 on Wednesday the 8th, in the Humanities Theatre.

As with the last such meeting, held in November, staff and faculty are invited to submit their questions ahead of time by e-mail, to keep the meeting moving along and to make sure the meaty issues get raised. Questions should be sent to: townhall@ uwaterloo.ca by April 2.

I’ve been asked to help by collecting the questions that are submitted, screening out anything irrelevant (so please keep the topic to UW and its affairs), combining related questions, and arranging the questions in priority order. There’s no guarantee that every question will get asked publicly, but we’ll try, and if there are too many questions for the available time, I’ll ask the top executives to provide answers through the Daily Bulletin over the days that follow.

Sources: http://www.bulletin.uwaterloo.ca

Meghalaya: President Rule

Shillong, March 28, 2009 (UJI): The Centre decided to impose President’s rule in Meghalaya on 18th March last and place the Assembly in suspended animation.

Speaker Bindo Lanong confirmed being told the Assembly would be in suspended animation, a parliamentary practice under which the House is kept alive but its activities suspended. This will allow the governor to give the majority group time to form a new government.

Governor R.S. Mooshahary sent a report to the Centre last night recommending President’s rule on the grounds of a constitutional breakdown. The Union cabinet acted on the advice. However, President Pratibha Patil has yet to give her assent to the cabinet decision.

The ruling Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) had won a confidence vote with the help of the Speaker’s casting vote, but the governor told the Centre this could not be accepted because of the “unconstitutional” suspension of five members. Before the trust vote, the Speaker had disqualified five MLAs who had deserted the ruling alliance.

With the House in suspended animation, the Congress claimed it had the majority with 32 votes and hoped it would be able to form the government. In the trust vote, each side had got 27 votes. Before staking claim, the Congress is waiting for the Gauhati High Court order on the petition of four MLAs who have challenged their disqualification.

The state government has decided to write to President against the recommendation to impose President’s rule. It is also planning to move the Supreme Court.

Tripura: IPFT demand Separate State

Pechartal, March 28, 2009(UJI): A tribal based political party named Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), demanded the creation of a separate state carved out of Tripura on 7th March 2009, a move seen as an attempt to whip up emotions ahead of parliamentary elections.

Their demand is that the existing Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) areas should be given the status of a Separate State for the one million indigenous tribal people of Tripura, Mr. Narendra Chandra Debbarma, president of the IPFT reported.

The influx of Bangladeshis, mostly Hindus and Muslim into the TTAADC areas has been on but all the major political parties are ignoring the problem of changing demographic pattern of the tribal dominated region, Mr. Rabindra Kishore Debbarma, General Secretary of the IPFT told reporter.

The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the Congress and other political parties have opposed their demand. The demand for a “Separate State” ahead of the Lok Sabha election is nothing but only to create communal tension said CPI-M spokesman Gautam Das. Congress spokesman Tapas Dey also said: The demand for a Separate State will create communal tension in the state where a third of 3.5 million populations are tribal.

Mizoram: Mizo Opposition selected for LS polls

Aizawl, Mar 28, 2009 (UJI & UNI): On 25th March an electoral alliance of two Opposition parties in Mizoram--Mizo National Front (MNF) and Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC) declared former Lok Sabha member Dr. H. Lallungmuana as its candidate for the forthcoming lone Lok Sabha elections.

The alliance has also decided to field former MLA, Mr. K. Lalsanga as its candidate for the South Tuipui by-election which will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. Announcing the candidates, MPC vice-president Col. (Rtd.) Lalchungnunga Sailo said that after careful deliberation between the two parties they came out with the former MP as their alliance candidate for the Lok Sabha polls.

Dr. H. Lallungmuana does not belong to any party, and given his experience in the Parliament, he is the perfect choice to represent the entire population of Mizoram, Col. Sailo told reporter. Earlier, the alliance had invited TV journalist Mr. R K. Lianzuala to be its candidate but later the alliance changed their choice.

The President of MNF and former Chief Minister Mr. Zoramthanga also present when the candidate named is announcing. He further told that ''as the national politics is taking a new shape, it is too early to decide who our MP will support if he gets elected. But, I would like to make it very clear that he will not support the UPA”.

Dr. H. Lallungmuana will contest the lone MP seat of Mizoram against Mr. C. L. Ruala (INC). Dr. Lallungmuana elected in the twelfth Lok Sabha election which lasted for thirteen months only with the support of now defunct “Citizens Common Front” on independent ticket and beat Congress candidate Mr. J. Lalsangzuala with a margin of 41 votes.

The alliance candidate Dr. Lallungmuana strongly advocated all Regional Parties in the State for the development of the region. The Centre has also begun to experience the rising of regional parties not only in Mizoram, but also other major provinces. The national parties pose threat to our identities and cultures.

Three innocent Jummas arrested in CHT

Khagrachari, March 27, 2009: Three innocent Jummas were arrested by army on 15th March from Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir (Buddhist Temple) complex in Karallyachari under the Khagrachari district of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Md. Wahid an Army Officer along with his personnel from 13 Brigade arrested them at 9am while they were working in the Buddhist temple complex. They are (1) Mr. Shanti Ranjan Chakma, 45, s/o Late Ram Charan Chakma, (2) Mr. Amar Singh Chakma, 40, s/o Mr. Biro Sen Chakma and (3) Mr. America Chakma, 45, s/o Mr. Kalabiza Chakma. They are from Karallyachari village.

Later, the army was handed over to the Mahalchari police station.
However, no case has yet been filed against them, Mr. Sunil Jibon
Chakma, Ex-Chairman of Kyang-Ghat Union Council, reported.

The newly-elected Chairman of the Mahalchari Upazila, Mr. Sona
Ratan Chakma contacted with the Army Headquarter of Mahalchari zone and requested to release the innocent Jummas. But, his request was in vain.

A meeting was held in the morning at around 10 am at Karallyachari where to discuss the incident. The army representatives and village leaders was present in the meeting. But the effect of the meeting is unknown.

During the state of emergency in 2007 and 2008, the army and settlers repeated attempts to capture the Buddhist Temple complex which is 8 acres of land and its adjacent areas. The local administration imposed section 145 in the areas prohibiting the gathering of people and banning uplift work in the Temple.

Sources: www.chtnews.com

Mizoram: Two Historical Cannons missing

Aizawl, March 17 and 20, 2009 (PTI & UNI report): A cannon, believed to have been used in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, which had gone missing with another historic canon from Aizawl in 2003, have been found in Arunachal Pradesh, according to Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) sources. The cannons were on display in front of the Assam Rifles Quarter Guard in Aizawl for over a century.

The INTACH member Mr. Thanseia, Mizoram Chapter, claimed that the cannons are belonging to the people of Mizoram. ''We have come to learn that the First Assam Rifles battalion, who moved out from Aizawl to Manipur in 2005, took the two cannons along with them. The paramilitary force is now stationed in Arunachal Pradesh and we have been informed that the cannons are with them,''

The cannons stood in front of the quarters-guard facing the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the other side of the Aizawl main street until they were ''taken away'' by the first Assam Rifles battalion.

''We realized rather late that they had gone missing. During our childhood days there used to be a statue of Queen Victoria standing between the cannons, which had gone missing long back,'' Mr. Thanseia said.

Mr. John Shakespeare, the first Superintendent of Lushai Hills (now Mizoram), wrote in his book “The Making of Aijal” that he brought the two canons to Aizawl for public display and as a “Suitable addition to the memorial of the Great Queen Victoria” from Lunglei in 1897. Mr. Shakespeare believed, had been fired in the Battle of Waterloo, and was part of a warship, which was originally in the Chittagong River (Bangladesh) in 1857.

When the detachment of 34th Native Infantry mutinied stationed in Chittagong got underway on 18th November of that year, the cannons were thrown overboard to prevent them from falling in the hands of the mutineers and were later retrieved and brought to Lunglei via Rangamati in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh.

Later, they were fished out and fitted with wheel carriages and eventually found their way to Lunglei in 1882. . From Lunglei Mr Shakespeare had brought them to Aizawl in 1897.

It was quarter-guarded of the Assam Rifles headquarter in Aizawl, constructed before 1897, having been declared one of heritage sites in Mizoram, the INTACH Mizoram chapter advocated the need to put back the cannons in the original place.

‘‘Efforts are being made to bring back the cannons to Aizawl through the Defense Ministry.’’ The two cannons did not belong to the Assam Rifles, but to the people of Mizoram, Mr. Thanseia said.

''We have also talked to the Assam Rifles authorities and we are very hopeful that the cannons will be brought back home very soon,'' Mr. Thanseia said.

Sources: (1) http://www.zeenews.com/from-the-past/
(2) http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/
(3) http://www.newkerala.com/

Chandra Sekhar Chakma shot dead by unidentified

Rangamati, March 3, 2009 (Daily Star): An attempt to murder case was filed against Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sangahti Samity (PCJSS) chief Santu Larma and 13 other members of the outfit with Kotwali Police Station.

'Reformist' PCJSS leader Chandra Sekhar Chakma, who was shot by the unidentified criminals near his residence at Champak Nagar in the town on January 25, filed the case.

In the case, Chandra Sekhar accused CHT Regional Council Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Lama alias Santu Larma, top ranking PCJSS leader Ushatan Talukder and 12 others of trying to kill him. Chandra Sekhar is now undergoing treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

“Cadres of PCJSS tried to kill me at the directive of Santu Larma on January 25. Before the incident, Santu Larma threatened to kill me over phone,” Sekhar also stated in the case.”

When contacted, Santu Larma declined to make any comment. Assistant Publicity Secretary of PCJSS Central Committee said, “We condemn such terrorist act. PCJSS does not believe in politics of killing and terrorism.” He, however, termed the case filed against their leaders and worker false.

No one was arrested in connection with the case.