Friends of Humanity is a NGO that remains committed to providing aid in a culturally sensitive way. We seek to help people in ways that support their rights as people to maintain a culture. Through understanding the chakmas people of Arunachal Pradesh, India, we can have a better understanding of their unique needs and how to help the Alice School Project improve their lives.

As the chakma people tried to gain independence and exercise self-determination, governments, particularly those of Bangladesh have dealt forcefully with chakma uprisings. The chakmas were largely forced out of their ancestral homelands with the construction of the Kaptai Dam by the then East Pakistan governmment. Traditional areas of cultivatable lands were submerged and thousands were displaced. Many migrated to Diyun, a small township in Arunachal Pradesh, India. However the only seat of political power and self-determination is the Chakma Autonomous District Council in India. This council only represents roughly 35% of the chakmas living in the Mizoram. The Chakmas in Arunchachal Pardesh remain similarly under represented
In Bangladesh, they have been fighting to regain their own “homeland”; in Mizoram for basic rights and facilities, and in Arunachal Pradesh for a right to nationality. The Chakma peoplea are seen by many as are peace-loving people with a strong work ethic. Their form of agriculture is called “Jhum,” popularly known to the world as “slash-and-burn” method of cultivation or shifting cultivation. Chakmas also call it “Duk Haam”, meaning “hard task.” The Chakmas have their distinct culture, tradition and script. However they face severe culture security concerns. Their written script is dying out because many children lack the opportunity to learn the language in school

Read more in The Chakmas: Life and Struggle by S.P. Talukdar
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