Aizawl: Three leading Chakma civil society organisations on Thursday jointly appealed to all Members of District Council (MDCs) of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) to uphold democratic governance, ensure political stability and adhere to the constitutional principles of the Sixth Schedule, amid continuing political uncertainty over the formation of a new Executive Committee.
In an open letter addressed to all MDCs, the Young Chakma Association (YCA), Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (MCSU) and Chakma Mahila Samiti (CMS) said their appeal was made solely in the public interest and was not directed against any individual or political party.
The organisations said the objective of the appeal was to preserve the dignity, credibility and constitutional vision of the CADC while encouraging stable, transparent and accountable governance.
“The people have elected you with the hope that you will uphold the Constitution, safeguard the interests of the Chakma community and provide stable, transparent and accountable governance,” the organisations said.
Recalling the purpose behind the establishment of the CADC under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, the organisations said the autonomous council was created to protect the identity, culture and constitutional rights of the Chakma people while ensuring democratic self-governance, equitable development and accountable administration.
However, they alleged that these founding objectives have gradually been undermined over the past decade due to recurring political instability, governance failures and a growing perception that public institutions have increasingly served private and partisan interests.
The letter claimed that appointments in the CADC, including those made through regular recruitment processes, have often been perceived as favouring relatives, political associates and loyalists over deserving candidates.
According to the organisations, such practices have eroded public confidence in the institution and weakened the principles of merit, fairness and transparency.
Concern over recurring political instability
The organisations expressed particular concern over the frequent changes in the Executive Committee, saying political instability has disrupted governance and development.
They noted that during the previous term alone, the CADC witnessed five different Executive Committees. In the current tenure, an MNF-led Executive Committee governed until December 2024, followed by a BJP-led Executive Committee from January to June 2025 before Governor’s Rule was imposed.
The organisations observed that despite Governor’s Rule, political uncertainty has continued.
They alleged that repeated changes in government have often been driven by political inducements and shifting allegiances among elected representatives.
Without naming any individual, the organisations claimed there has been a public perception that some MDCs have been offered positions in the Executive Committee or promises of appointments for supporters in return for switching political loyalties.
“If such practices are indeed taking place, they strike at the very heart of democratic governance, compromise the sanctity of the electoral mandate and undermine the constitutional spirit and objectives underlying the establishment of the CADC,” the letter stated.
The organisations said repeated political upheavals have disrupted administrative continuity, delayed developmental programmes and weakened institutional governance.
They also warned that public offices were increasingly being viewed as instruments of political negotiation and patronage rather than public service.
Raise concerns over appointments and financial burden
The organisations also raised concerns over alleged irregular and backdoor appointments within the council.
According to the letter, such appointments have contributed to mounting financial pressure on the CADC and have worsened its budget deficit.
They said this has resulted in prolonged salary delays, with employees reportedly facing arrears of up to four-and-a-half months.
The organisations argued that delayed salaries have caused hardship not only for government employees but also for their families and have had wider socio-economic consequences for the community.
Calling for reforms, they urged that all future appointments be made strictly on the basis of merit, transparency, fairness and due process, without favouritism, nepotism or political patronage.
Appeal ahead of possible new Executive Committee
The organisations also referred to recent political developments surrounding the possible formation of a new Executive Committee after the expiry of Governor’s Rule.
They said an alliance of two political parties has reportedly approached the competent constitutional authority claiming the numbers required to form the next Executive Committee.
While acknowledging that coalition governments are a legitimate feature of parliamentary democracy, particularly when no party secures a majority, the organisations said public concern remains over whether any new government would be able to complete its full constitutional tenure.
“Our concern is not with the formation of any government through lawful constitutional means, but with the recurring political instability arising from frequent changes in political allegiance and leadership,” the letter stated.
The organisations expressed hope that any government formed through the constitutional process would remain stable, responsible and accountable throughout its tenure.
Eight-point appeal to MDCs
The organisations concluded the letter by making an eight-point appeal to all MDCs.
In the larger public interest, and with a view to upholding the integrity, stability and effective functioning of the CADC, the organisations called upon all MDCs to respect the democratic mandate entrusted to them by the people and refrain from any action that may unnecessarily destabilise the Council or undermine public confidence. They urged elected representatives to reject all forms of political inducement, unethical bargaining and opportunistic practices, while upholding the highest standards of integrity, honesty and public accountability.
They also appealed to the MDCs to demonstrate political stability and responsibility by ensuring that any government formed enjoys continuity throughout its constitutional tenure and is not disrupted by avoidable defections or shifting political allegiances. The organisations further stressed that all appointments under the CADC should be made strictly on the basis of merit, transparency, fairness and due process, free from favouritism, nepotism or political patronage.
They also called on all elected members to work collectively across political affiliations to provide effective governance, accelerate development, improve public service delivery and promote the welfare of the people, while upholding the constitutional principles embodied in the Sixth Schedule and preserving the dignity, credibility, autonomy and democratic character of the CADC.
They further urged the MDCs to exercise fiscal responsibility by ensuring prudent utilisation of public resources and that every policy decision, appointment and expenditure is guided by transparency, accountability, financial discipline and the larger public interest. Finally, they appealed to all MDCs to publicly reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the stability of the proposed government throughout its constitutional tenure, refrain from politically motivated defections or changes in allegiance, and work collectively to provide a responsible, transparent and accountable government dedicated to the welfare of the people.
The organisations further appealed to MDCs to rise above partisan considerations and reaffirm their commitment to constitutional values, ethical leadership and the long-term welfare of the Chakma community.
“The future of the CADC rests in your hands. The decisions you take today will shape not only the present course of governance but also the confidence that future generations place in this constitutional institution,” the letter said.
The joint appeal was signed by YCA president Dr. Jyoti Bikash Chakma, MCSU president Parbesh Chakma and CMS president Juhnee Chakma.
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