Bengalis, Mizos of Kanchanpur Sub-division suffered after Bru people came in Tripura. Protest against Bru settlement in the area. Indefinite strike from Feb 26
Enewstime Desk
Agartala, Feb 24, 2020: Once again, Kanchanpur under North Tripura District is set to plunge into uncertainties as a joint movement body of six organizations called dawn-to-dusk indefinite strike from February 26 next in the sub-division. The joint movement body – comprising Youth wing of local Nagarik Surakhsha Manch and five Mizo NGOs – called the strike in support of three-point demands including immediate resumption of relief to 93 displaced families in Anandabazar area under the sub-division. Theses Bengali families took shelter in Anandabazar PS after Anti-CAB violence and were receiving Rs 2000 per day as relief. However, administration stopped providing the relief from February 18 last.
Earlier, protesting against violence allegedly by Anti-CAB movement supporters, Nagarik Surakhsha Manch held indefinite dawn-to-dusk strike completely paralyzing life and normal activities in the sub-division. However, later Manch leaders agreed to withdraw strike as administration assured to look into the matter.
“It is unfortunate that administration turned a blind eye even though we gave them sufficient time to address our concerns and demands. They have completely ignored our pleas and demands and stopped providing relief to Bengali families. Other demands relating to compensation for Anti-CAB violence victim and rehabilitation of Bengali refugees fell flat. Apathy of the administration is obvious in tackling concerns of Bengalis and Mizos staying in Kanchanpur Sub-division”, Joint Movement Body leaders commented.
Three point Demand list
Talking about three-point demand, Diptanu Nath, general secretary of Nagarik Suraksha Manch said, “First of all, we are demanding immediate resumption of relief to 93 families who are languishing in make-shift camp at Anandabazar PS”.
He added, “Secondly, we are demanding that Bru refugees should not be given settlement in Kanchanpur sub-division or any area close to Jampui Hills for sustainable peace in the area. Thirdly and importantly, since Brus took shelter in relief camps in Tripura in 1997, Bengalis and Mizos were forced to leave areas between Anandabazar-Dasda due to atrocities and crimes committed by the Bru refugees. We are demanding rehabilitation packages like Bru rehabilitation scheme for all the evicted Bengali and Mizo families”.
Statement of Mizo Convention leader
Echoing the same concerns, Dr Zairemthiama Pachuau, general secretary of Mizo Convention said, “Our proposal and suggestion to the government of Tripura are that the displaced Mizoram Brus be settled in areas other than Kanchanpur Sub-Division and far from the Mizo traditional boundaries of Jampui Hill. This will be good for all the three communities: the Mizos, the Bengalis and the Brus themselves. This is also critical for the success of the Bru settlement programme and for long-lasting peace. I want to be categorical that while making these demands, we have no ill-feeling or hatred towards any particular community. In fact, right from the arrival of the displaced Brus to Tripura in 1997, we the Mizos of Jampui Hill received, assisted, and provided many of their needs up to now, for over 20 years. But as a permanent settlement is being worked on, it is time Jampui Hill and Kanchanpur Sub-division are relieved of the responsibility and the burden”.
Dissent and frustration started building up from February 18 last after the administration stopped providing Rs 2000 relief to 93 Bengali families who fled away from their houses during violent Anti-CAB movement in December 10 last.
“Despite repeated pleas, Administration declined to resume relief to those 93 families. Moreover, the administration is not paying any heed to our other demands pertaining to Bru rehabilitation and rehabilitating Bengali and Mizo families since after 1997”, Diptanu Nath, general secretary of Nagarik Suraksha Manch said today.
Since administration is not taking any initiative to address our concerns and demands, we are left with no option, but resuming 12-hour strike from 6am to 6pm for an indefinite period.
