Mizoram CM denies exclusion of Chakmas in allocation of Covid-19 relief

Chakma groups allege while the Mizoram government has helped various NGOs across the country to help those stranded from the state, no Chakma NGO has been given any assistance.

Updated on: May 1, 2020, 08:29:32 IST

Hindustan Times, Guwahati | By Utpal Parashar

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Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Thursday denied allegations that Chakmas from the state stranded outside due to the lockdown have not been provided aid from the CM’s relief fund.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that if the Chakma groups need any assistance they should approach the resident commissioners at places where the state government has offices. (PTI Photo)

In a statement on Thursday, the Mizoram Chakma Alliance Against Discrimination (MCAAD) had urged the chief minister to provide relief to hundreds of Chakmas stranded in various parts of the country.

The organisation alleged that while the Mizoram government had allocated Rs 2.34 crore from the chief minister’s fund to various Mizo NGOs across the country to help those stranded from the state, no Chakma NGO has been given any assistance.

“Chakmas of Mizoram constitute 8.8% of the state’s total population and at present there are over 1,000 Chakmas stranded outside the state. As there is limited socialisation between communities, only giving grants to the Mizo NGOs is not enough to reach out to non-Mizos like the Chakmas,” the statement said.

The Chakma group urged the Mizoram government to provide relief to stranded Chakmas through the Chakma Autonomous District Councul (CADC) or directly to Chakma NGOs.

“We have distributed relief equally to everybody through local task forces within the state. For those stranded outside, people need to understand that we don’t give money to individuals directly,” the chief minister told HT over phone from Aizawl.

“The government hands over money to resident commissioners at various places where we have Mizoram Houses. At places where we don’t have offices, we give money to the welfare organizations and it is for them to distribute among those who are in need,” he added.

Zoramthanga said that if the Chakma groups need any assistance they should approach the resident commissioners at places where the state government has offices or else to contact the chief secretary’s office in Aizawl.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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