Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma speaking at the 3rd Annual Conference of the All India Chakma Students’ Union in Guwahati, Assam, on March 6, 2026. Photo: Collected
India, GUWAHATI, Assam | March 6, 2026: The 3rd Annual Conference of the All India Chakma Students’ Union was held in Guwahati on March 6, bringing together Chakma students and young leaders from different parts of India. The event focused on education, identity, and the future of Indigenous communities. The Chief Guest of the conference was Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma.
Speaking to students and community representatives, Pradyot Manikya discussed several issues affecting Indigenous peoples across the region. During his speech, he referred to the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh and the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord.
He said many Indigenous people had hoped that the accord would bring lasting peace, protect their land rights, and ensure political recognition for the Indigenous communities of the hills. However, he noted that even after nearly three decades, many important parts of the agreement have not been fully implemented.
According to him, this has left many expectations of Indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts unfulfilled. He told the audience that the situation shows the political issues of the hills remain unresolved.
Pradyot Manikya also said that Indigenous communities often face difficulties when they do not receive enough support during political negotiations. He added that several provisions of the accord, particularly those related to land and governance, have yet to be implemented fully.
During his speech, he also mentioned his political vision known as Greater Tipraland. He said that Indigenous communities across Northeast India and the surrounding region share historical and cultural ties. Referring to these connections, he suggested that the concerns of Indigenous peoples in places such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts should also be understood within this broader regional context.
Addressing the students directly, he encouraged them to stay united and take leadership roles in their communities. He said education is important, but young people must also understand their rights and participate in public life to protect the interests of their people.
The conference provided a platform for Chakma students to discuss identity, leadership, and the challenges facing Indigenous communities. For many participants, the event highlighted how the issues of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Indigenous rights continue to attract attention across the region.
By The Times of Jumland | Tripura Desk
