Tripura: JMC expresses deep concern over kidnapping a person
The Joint Movement Committee (JMC) has expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of a person, Liton Das, from Damchhera in Tripura.
In a press statement, chairman of the JMC, Dr Zairemthiama Pachuau said this on Sunday. He also reiterated that JMC was not against the Bru-resettlement, however, the rehabilitation must be done without affecting the interests of local inhabitants.
The Statement reads as follows:
The Joint Movement Committee (JMC) fully supports peaceful and permanent settlement of Mizoram's Internally Displaced People in "all districts of Tripura" with all the facilities agreed upon vide the 16th January 2020 Agreement, and that it be done "without compromising the interests of the local original inhabitants, the land, the ecology, the environment of Jampui Hills and Kanchanpur subdivision," so as to ensure peaceful existence of all the communities.
We would like to re-emphasize here that our movement IS NOT against Mizoram Bru resettlement, or against any particular tribe or community. In fact, it is a protest against the government's initial plan of mass resettlement of the majority families within Kanchanpur subdivision. We now have faith and confidence that the government would attend to our rational demands that we have been consistently put forth with respect to the Mizoram Bru settlement.
We also express deep pain and grief over the loss of two precious lives, Mr Biswajit Debbarma and Mr Srikanta Das (may their souls rest in peace) during the protest rally at National Highway 8 in Panisagar on 21 November 2020; and we condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any form of violence. Time permitting, the Joint Movement Committee will soon arrange a condolence visit to homes of both the bereaved families, pay our respect and tribute to the departed souls and hand over cash assistance to their families.
We, at this juncture, are deeply disturbed by the kidnapping incident in Damcherra. We request the government to do all it can for the safe release of Mr Liton Das at the earliest from the kidnappers, apprehend them and give the punishment they deserve as deterrent for others so that such antisocial activity does not become the new normal.