Hill Voice, 17 August 2025, International Desk: The All Assam Chakma Society and Guwahati Chakma Students’ Union today observed Chakma Black Day at Dhamma Rajhika Buddha Vihar, Guwahati, commemorating 17th August 1947- a day remembered as betrayal and sorrow for the Indigenous people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
The program was attended by Dangu Ashutosh Chakma, President of All Assam Chakma Society, Dangu Lalit Chakma, General Secretary, along with former Guwahati Chakma Students’ Union Presidents Dangu Buddha Bikash Tongchangya and Dangu Ahimsak Chakma.
Speakers at the event explained the historical significance of Black Day to the younger generation and to those unaware of the events of 17th August 1947. They emphasized the need for students and intellectuals to spread awareness about this history, especially as Chakmas in India are often wrongly branded as “Bangladeshi,” despite their loyalty to India long before Partition and till date.
A reminder to people that the Chakma villages existed in India even before the Partition, and the Chakmas living in India are not Bangladeshis.
The leaders recalled how the Bengal Boundary Commission and Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, failed to advocate for the inclusion of CHT in India during Partition—despite the region being home to 98.5% Buddhist and non-Muslim population. On 15th August 1947, the Chakmas, assured of their inclusion in India, proudly hoisted the Indian National Flag at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Rangamati, CHT. However, just two days later, the radio announcement of 17th August 1947 shattered their hopes, as CHT was handed over to Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
This decision not only betrayed the Chakmas but also marked the beginning of decades of atrocities, killings, rapes, and the burning of indigenous homes, which continue to haunt the minorities of Bangladesh even today.
During the gathering, the Chakma community in Guwahati also resolved to actively participate in patriotic initiatives to protect their community, preserve their rich culture, and uphold their ancestral traditions.
