In a significant development for the Chakma student community, lawyer and activist Drishya Muni Chakma from Arunachal Pradesh has been elected as the new president of the All India Chakma Students’ Union (AICSU). The appointment was announced on Sunday following the resignation of former president Shyamal Bikash Chakma, who stepped down citing professional and personal commitments. The decision came after an emergency meeting convened under the chairmanship of senior vice president Bipul Chakma, which was attended by leaders of affiliated bodies including the Tripura Chakma Students’ Association, Central Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union, Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union, alongside advisors and office bearers from across India.
Drishya Muni Chakma, who has a background in law, is no stranger to student leadership. He previously served two consecutive terms as president of the Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union and was holding the position of vice president of AICSU before this elevation. Colleagues describe him as a firm advocate for student rights, access to education, and protection of minority communities. In his first statement as AICSU president, Drishya pledged to work for unity, rights, and welfare of Chakma students across India. He stressed that the vacant posts in the national body would soon be filled in consultation with state and regional representatives, ensuring an inclusive leadership structure. “Our aim is to give a stronger voice to Chakma students and create opportunities for growth, education, and empowerment,” he said.
The meeting also recorded appreciation for the contributions of outgoing president Shyamal Bikash Chakma, who is credited with strengthening the organizational framework of AICSU and raising issues of Chakma students at national forums. Members expressed gratitude for his leadership and reaffirmed the union’s resolve to build on the foundation laid by him.The All India Chakma Students’ Union functions as an umbrella body representing Chakma students spread across several northeastern states, particularly Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura, as well as other parts of India. Over the years, it has taken up issues ranging from educational rights and scholarships to larger concerns of citizenship, identity, and community development.
