Chakma leaders in Mizoram pledge to act on any future harassment of Mizos

Chakma community leaders in Rajiv Nagar, a settlement in Mizoram’s Mamit district, signed an undertaking on Friday to identify and act against anyone responsible for future alleged harassment of Mizos, following the recent defacement of a memorial to missionary Rohmingthangi, according to Northeast Now.

Leaders sign undertaking to curb inter-community harassment

The agreement was signed during a meeting convened after the memorial dedicated to missionary Rohmingthangi, who was killed in the area, was reportedly defaced. CYMA general secretary Malsawmliana said the gathering brought together local representatives to address the incident and to prevent further discord.

Details of the signed agreement

The undertaking bears the signatures of the presidents of three village councils, the Rajiv Nagar zone of the Young Chakma Association (YCA) and the Rajiv Nagar zonal headquarters of the Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union. According to Malsawmliana, the signatories committed to locating any perpetrator of harassment within 48 hours of an incident. They also stated that if they failed to take action, they would not object to any consequences that might follow, underscoring a willingness to accept responsibility for enforcement.

Reactions from Mizo organisations

Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) president R Lalngheta condemned the alleged defacement of the Rohmingthangi memorial and the reported theft of materials used for its construction. He said such incidents could no longer be tolerated and urged YCA leaders to discipline their members. Lalngheta called for peaceful coexistence between Mizos and “genuine” Chakma residents and appealed to local leaders to exercise restraint in handling community matters.

Calls for clarification and warning of further action

Lalngheta also sought clarification from the village councils in Rajiv Nagar and neighbouring areas over reports of deductions from the MGNREGS wages of Christian workers. He warned that any deliberate harassment of pastors or missionaries working in the area would invite a strong response. He added that the current situation should not be used to create further tensions between the communities.

Wider community response

CYMA had earlier alleged that miscreants had defaced the memorial built for Rohmingthangi at Rajiv Nagar, an incident that caused serious concern among the Mizo community. The influential student organisation Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) also strongly condemned the incident. The pledge by Chakma leaders represents a formal effort to address inter-ethnic grievances in the area, aiming to prevent escalation of tensions following the memorial defacement. Both CYMA and YMA leaders emphasized the need for restraint and cooperation to maintain peace in the region.