Three leading Chakma civil society organisations have jointly appealed to all Members of District Council (MDCs) of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) to uphold democratic governance, ensure political stability, and adhere to the constitutional principles of the Sixth Schedule. The Young Chakma Association (YCA), Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (MCSU), and Chakma Mahila Samiti (CMS) made the appeal in an open letter, stating that their objective was to preserve the dignity, credibility, and constitutional vision of the CADC while encouraging stable, transparent, and accountable governance. The organisations said the people have elected the MDCs with the hope that they will uphold the Constitution, safeguard the interests of the Chakma community, and provide stable, transparent, and accountable governance.
Recalling the purpose behind the establishment of the CADC under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, the organisations said the autonomous council was created to protect the identity, culture, and constitutional rights of the Chakma people while ensuring democratic self-governance, equitable development, and accountable administration. However, they alleged that these founding objectives have gradually been undermined over the past decade due to recurring political instability, governance failures, and a growing perception that public institutions have increasingly served private and partisan interests. The letter claimed that appointments in the CADC, including those made through regular recruitment processes, have often been perceived as favouring relatives, political associates, and loyalists over deserving candidates.
According to the organisations, such practices have eroded public confidence in the institution and weakened the principles of merit, fairness, and transparency. The organisations expressed particular concern over the frequent changes in the Executive Committee, saying political instability has disrupted governance and development. They noted that during the previous term alone, the CADC witnessed five different Executive Committees.
In the current tenure, an MNF-led Executive Committee governed until December 2024, followed by a BJP-led Executive Committee from January to June 2025 before Governor’s Rule was imposed. The organisations observed that despite Governor’s Rule, political uncertainty has continued. They alleged that repeated changes in government have often been driven by political inducements and shifting allegiances among elected representatives.
Without naming any individual, the organisations claimed there has been a public perception that some MDCs have been offered positions in the Executive Committee or promises of appointments for supporters in return for switching political loyalties. The organisations said repeated political upheavals have disrupted administrative continuity, delayed developmental programmes, and weakened institutional governance. They also warned that public offices were increasingly being viewed as instruments of political negotiation and patronage rather than public service.
The organisations also raised concerns over alleged irregular and backdoor appointments within the council. According to the letter, such appointments have contributed to mounting financial pressure on the CADC and have worsened its budget deficit. They said this has resulted in prolonged salary delays, with employees reportedly facing arrears of up to four-and-a-half months.
The organisations argued that delayed salaries have caused hardship not only for government employees but also for their families and have had wider socio-economic consequences for the community. Calling for reforms, they urged that all future appointments be made strictly on the basis of merit, transparency, fairness, and due process, without favouritism, nepotism, or political patronage. The organisations concluded the letter by making an eight-point appeal to all MDCs.
They called upon all MDCs to respect the democratic mandate entrusted to them by the people and refrain from any action that may unnecessarily destabilise the Council or undermine public confidence. They urged elected representatives to reject all forms of political inducement, unethical bargaining, and opportunistic practices, while upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and public accountability. The organisations further stressed that all appointments under the CADC should be made strictly on the basis of merit, transparency, fairness, and due process, free from favouritism, nepotism, or political patronage.
They also called on all elected members to work collectively across political affiliations to provide effective governance, accelerate development, improve public service delivery, and promote the welfare of the people, while upholding the constitutional principles embodied in the Sixth Schedule and preserving the dignity, credibility, autonomy, and democratic character of the CADC. The joint appeal was signed by YCA president Dr. Jyoti Bikash Chakma, MCSU president Parbesh Chakma, and CMS president Juhnee Chakma. This story was reported by Kimi Colney, Reporter, EastMojo.
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