ProMASS News
Agartala, November 04, 2019: The road blockade agitation of Bru refugees in Kanchanpur under North Tripura continued for five consecutive days. The agitating Bru people demanded resumption of food and ration facilities. Government stopped these facilities on September 30 last as repatriation process started from October last.
Despite massive agitation, the State Government remained firm on repatriation of Bru refugees to their native lands in Mizoram. However,considering emerging situation, the State Government has announced additional incentives to those who would repatriate within next three days.
To end the ongoing impasse, Kumar Alok, the Addl. Chief Secretary of Government of Tripura, held a meeting with Bru leaders at Kanchanpur Revenue Dak Bungalow today.
Kumar Alok assured the Bru refugees of complete implementation of the tripartite agreement and instructed the agitators to go back to their homeland within next three days. He also announced a special assistance for the Bru refugees who would repatriate on 5th, 6th, and 7th November next — the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to give additional Rs. 25,000 directly in bank account of the Bru refugees to meet expenses for ration etc after reaching to Mizoram only.
Meanwhile, the administration promulgated a prohibitory order under section 144 Cr.P.C at the road stretching from Dasda, Kambaltila to Hazacherra, Anandabazar (via Asapara, Naisingpara and Gachiram) with effect from 12.30 pm of Monday. The prohibitory order, according to the notification, will remain in force until further order.
It may be noted that Bru refugees also known as Reang refugees fled from their homeland in Mizoram after ethnic violence and took shelter in several relief camps in North Tripura district in October 1997. For last so many years, Government provided the refugees rations and other facilities. More than 35,000 Bru people took shelter in relief camps.
After several failed attempt for repatriation to Mizoram, at last a four corner meeting – central Government, State Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and representatives of Bru refugees – decided packages for returnee refugees.
As per the agreement, financial assistance of Rs. 4,00,000 to each refugee families, two years cash-dole of Rs. 5000 per month, Rs. 1,50,000 for housing, free ration for two years would be provided after the repatriation process. Accordingly, Government stopped the ration and made elaborate arrangements for repatriation to Mizoram – many of the refugees repatriated.
In an attempt to dispel fear from minds of Bru people, the administrative officials also decided to form a district-level monitoring committee with representatives of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Tripura and Government of Mizoram. Besides, members from different NGOs and Bru organizations would be included in the committee to oversee the implementation of the package by Government of Mizoram.
Also, one appellate body would also be formed consisting officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of Tripura.
