Plight of the Chakma Community in India: Analysing Legal Protection and Bilateral Agreements

The 1971 influx of refugees from Bangladesh into India marked a significant moment in South Asian history, as Pakistan’s military operation in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) led to the mass displacement of individuals, including the Chakma community. This was not the first occurrence of such mass migration, with a previous wave of refugees arriving in India from East Pakistan during 1964-65. This paper examines the challenges faced by the Chakma community in India and the legal initiatives undertaken by the Government of India and the Supreme Court to safeguard their identity. Additionally, the study explores the impact of Bilateral Land Boundary Agreements in shaping refugee settlements and policies. Based on qualitative data drawn from secondary sources such as research papers, articles, and annual reports published by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) regarding refugee settlements in Northeast India, this research presents an in-depth analysis of the community’s plight. The findings highlight the persistent difficulties faced by the Chakma Community for over six decades, with ongoing struggles in the present era.