ZORO rejects Chakma claim over Chittagong Hill Tracts

AIZAWL — The ZO Reunification Organisation (ZORO) has rejected recent claims by Chakma leaders in India seeking to have the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh incorporated into India and reportedly planning to raise the issue before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In a press release issued by Lalramhluna, General Secretary of ZORO's General Headquarters in Aizawl on August 21, ZORO said it had taken note of statements by Chakma leaders concerning the Chittagong Hill Tracts and their reference to August 17, 1947, when the territory became part of Pakistan. The Chakma community observes the date as a “Black Day”, according to the statement.

ZORO said it did not accept the Chakma claim that the Chittagong Hill Tracts was historically their ancestral land.

The organisation said the territory was originally inhabited by Zo (Zofa) people and described it as an independent land before the arrival of British rule. It said the area had its own rulers and was not under the authority of any outside government.

According to ZORO, the Chakmas migrated into the area later and therefore should not claim the Chittagong Hill Tracts as their ancestral homeland.

“Chittagong Hill Tracts is the land of the Zos from our ancestors,” ZORO said, reiterating its position on the territory.

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