Stormy days ahead for Mizos and Chakmas
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Aizawl, June 13 2014 :
The Mizo students are determined to send a strong message to the Chakma community in Mizoram that the latter community is not the indigenous tribe of the state.
Speaking to the media persons today, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) said the alarming and rapid growth of Chakma population in Mizoram is a threat to the existence of indigenous Mizos.
"As per the record of first Mizoram general census, the population of Chakmas in Mizoram was a mere 198.But astonishingly, the population at present time has incredibly rose to somewhere about 1,50,000 which is virtually abnormal growth", MZP president Lalhmachhuana adding that the students' body is soon likely to inform the Prime Minister about the abnormal growth of Chakma population in Mizoram.
Interestingly, as a show of dominance despite stringent protests by Chakma organisations, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the largest students' body in the state, is determined to proceed with its intention of constructing Zofate Chawlhbuk (Rest House) at Borapansury in Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) area.
The construction is likely to begin from June 25 this year.
At a press conference held today at Aizawl Press Club, MZP president Lalhmachhuana told reporters that the students' body is "disappointed with the Chakmas who have become arrogant to the indigenous Mizos".
"To mark and demonstrate that Mizoram is the land discovered by our forefathers at the cost of their lives, we are going to proceed with the construction of Zofate Chawlhbuk at Borapansury from June 25, 2014 and we believe this construction will instil the feeling of nationalism and patriotism among Mizos", Lalhmachhuana said.
MZP said it is strongly discontented with the Chakmas and felt regretted for problems and troubles faced by the Mizos "due to the arrogant and hostile activities of the Chakmas".
"As an example of opposition to the ingratitude and misbehaviour on the part of Chakma people and to tell the world that Mizoram belongs to the Mizos only, the students' body would construct the Rest House at the proposed site within Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), the MZP president affirmed.
MZP president then said that the initiative has been taken for the construction of Zofate Chawlhbuk at Boraoansury in 2012 after a settlement was concluded with the state government.
With the approval and permission of state government an area of 2500 sq.m owned by the department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumers Affairs had been earmarked for the construction of Zofate Chawlhbuk and on May 2, 2014 measurement was taken at the site.
Subsequently, the state government issued construction order on June 11, 2014, the MZP president said.