GoI directs to include Chakma and Hajong in COVID-19 relief programme

On May 1, 2020, the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region directed Arunachal Pradesh Government to include Hajong and Chakma communities in the COVID-19 relief programme

Highlights

• The Chakma and Hajong communities, the migrants from the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) are still living in relief camps. 
• They came to India in 1964. There are more than 1 lakh Chakma and Hajong refugees in the country. 
• Apart from these people, there are around 15,000 Chakmas and 2,000 Hajongs in the relief camp set up in Arunachal Pradesh. 
• Even after 50 years, many continue to live here.

What is the issue?

• The Chakmas were predominantly Buddhists and the Hajongs were Hindus. 
• They inhabited the Chittagong hills in the regions of East Pakistan. 
• They migrated to India due to the construction of Kaptai dam across the Karnaphuli river in 1960s. 
• They also faced persecution in East Pakistan as they were non-Muslims.
• Currently, the tribes do not have citizenship or land rights. 
• However, they are provided the basic amenities.

Karnaphuli river

• Karnaphuli is the largest river the in the Chittagong hills. 
• The river originates in Mizoram and flows into Bangladesh and then joins the Bay of Bengal. 
• The tributaries of the Karnaphuli river include Kawrpui river, Phairuang river and Tuichawng river.