By Karuna Dev Chakma
Dear respected members of this esteemed group, especially those who often raise issues of corruption, irregularities, nepotism, and related matters.
Let us recall the events of 2015. That year, a total bandh was called by CYCA and CMCSU in protest against the large number of appointments made by the CADC. The bandh received overwhelming support from students, youths, and almost every household across villages. Only a few Village Councils from the town area stood against it.
During the protest, a tragic incident occurred: Mr. Agosh Chakma lost his life after being shot by police at Chawngte Police Station. This incident was witnessed by almost all participants of the bandh. Following his death, a complaint was filed, and a one-man inquiry was conducted by the then Lawngtlai Magistrate.
What is extremely saddening is that, in the inquiry, many of our NGO leaders at that time gave statements claiming that the police had only fired into the air, despite the clear fact that the firing was targeted at the crowd. The inquiry report also falsely mentioned that the police had carried out a lathi charge to calm the mob before firing, which was untrue.
Another fact worth nothing is that the same Chakma NGO leaders who had called the bandh are now employed in CADC. This raises a serious question: Were they genuinely fighting for change, or were they only using the movement as a stepping stone to secure government jobs for themselves?
In my opinion, before joining any Chakma NGO, members should be required to give a written commitment that even if job offers are made to them by the authorities, they will decline such offers unless recruitment is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Some may argue: Does this mean that joining a Chakma NGO prevents one from ever taking up a job in CADC? My answer is that one must first understand the political realities of CADC and the nature of our system before making such arguments.
The points above are written solely at those individuals who misused the NGOs for their personal gain, and who are now comfortably employed in CADC at the cost of the people’s trust.
The actions of the Chakma NGO leaders in 2015 have now become a motivation and inspiration for the younger generation of CADC, creating the impression that joining a Chakma NGO is an easy pathway to securing a job in CADC.
About the Author
