Aizawl: The Tlabung branch of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in south Mizoram’s Lunglei district, bordering Bangladesh, has rejected a recent claim by a former West Tuipui legislator that Tlabung was historically a “homeland” of the Chakma people and formed part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts before being brought under British administration in the Lushai Hills in 1898.In a statement, YMA said the remarks, which have been widely circulated in the media, were made without sufficient historical evidence and could create a misleading impression about the history and historical status of Tlabung and its surrounding areas.YMA said Tlabung and its surrounding areas had, since time immemorial, marked the southernmost extent to which the Mizos had settled and had remained under the authority of Mizo chiefs.According to the organisation, during the period in question, the Chakmas and other neighbouring communities were reluctant to venture into areas under Lushai influence because of the reputation of the Mizos as a fierce and courageous people. YMA said the security of Mizo territory had been maintained through the efforts and sacrifices of earlier generations.YMA referred to the British expedition of 1872, during which Chittagong Hill Tracts deputy commissioner TH Lewin — known to the Mizos as “Thangliana” — and his party travelled towards Tlabung and adjoining areas as part of an expedition into the Lushai Hills. Around 600 Chakmas and members of other communities were reportedly taken along as porters.Citing an account of the expedition by military officer General Brownlow, YMA said the people living in the area were described as formidable and courageous, causing considerable fear among the Chakmas and other porters accompanying the British force.The statement said many of the porters reportedly fled because they were afraid to approach areas inhabited by the Mizos. Some were even quoted as saying they would rather be killed than enter Lushai territory. According to YMA, about half of the 600 porters eventually turned back, leaving around 350 to continue the expedition. The situation reportedly led Brownlow to consider whether to proceed towards Tlabung or return.“Therefore, Tlabung could not have been the homeland of the Chakmas, who themselves fled from the area out of fear during the expedition,” YMA said.The organisation also objected to recent claims that Tlabung and its surrounding areas were inhabited by Chakmas during the British period. It described such assertions as an attempt to distort history for political gain and inflame ethnic sentiments.YMA further said areas formerly associated with the Chittagong Hill Tracts were reorganised under the Lushai Hills in April 1898 following recommendations by T H Lewin, as the British administration sought to simplify governance and improve administrative efficiency.It maintained that Tlabung and its surrounding areas remained Mizo territory both before and after the administrative change.The Tlabung YMA branch said it was concerned about attempts by members of other communities to claim that they were the original inhabitants of Tlabung and its surrounding areas, arguing that such claims contradicted documented historical accounts.The organisation said it would continue to oppose what it described as attempts to distort historical facts and was prepared to challenge such claims whenever necessary.
