Aizawl: The Lunglei Zonal Headquarters of the Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (MCSU) has distanced itself from a recent statement issued by the All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU) on the historical status of Demagiri, now known as Tlabung, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).In a statement, MCSU’s Lunglei unit said the AICSU statement represented the latter’s personal views and did not reflect its position. It said the unit was neither a member nor an associate of AICSU and had no prior knowledge of, or involvement in, the preparation or publication of the statement.The clarification comes amid a recent debate on social media over the historical and administrative status of Demagiri, or Tlabung, and its relationship with the CHT.AICSU had earlier cited British-era administrative records, govt notifications, maps and published historical works in support of its claims regarding the history of the CHT and Demagiri. It had maintained that Demagiri was historically located within the geographical area of the CHT but was placed under the South Lushai Hills for administrative purposes in the late 19th century. It had also cited records concerning the subsequent incorporation of the area into Assam and the later change of its name from Demagiri to Tlabung.Distancing itself from the assertions, MCSU Lunglei said it regretted any inconvenience or hurt sentiments caused by the AICSU statement.The organisation said it had “no attachment or association” with AICSU and described itself as an independent student body affiliated with the Central Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (CMCSU).MCSU Lunglei said it believed in peaceful co-existence and brotherhood.
