AIZAWL, March 24: The Mizoram State Committee of the Chakma National Council of India (CNCI) has once again urged the state government to officially recognize the Chakma language. The demand was reiterated in a statement released on Sunday, following a two-day general conference held in Kamalanagar (Chawngte) in Lawngtlai district.

The CNCI expressed deep concern over the continued exclusion of the Chakma language from Mizoram’s list of officially recognized languages. The council emphasized that the Chakma community, which comprises nearly one-tenth of the state’s population, has long suffered due to the lack of linguistic recognition. In its statement, the CNCI also condemned the recurring misidentification of Chakmas as Bengalis in the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities’ annual reports submitted to the President of India. The council argued that this misrepresentation undermines the unique identity of the Chakma people and creates unnecessary barriers in their fight for linguistic and cultural rights.

“The CNCI is determined to actively pursue official recognition of the Chakma language by the Mizoram state government and will take concrete steps towards achieving this goal,” the statement declared. The council reiterated its commitment to continuing efforts until the Chakma language receives the recognition it deserves in Mizoram.

Apart from linguistic issues, the conference also addressed the nationwide protests regarding the abolition of the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949. CNCI expressed solidarity with the Buddhist community’s grievances about the administration of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. The council called on the central government to resolve these issues and return the management of the temple to the Buddhists.

The conference unanimously decided to support the national movement seeking Buddhist management of the sacred temple. CNCI reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the religious and cultural rights of the Buddhist community in India.