October 22, 2018: Rationing system for Bru refugees at Kanchanpur and Panisagar subdivision resumed today. Considering plights of the refugees after Ration supply was snapped, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb talked about the issue with the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and urged him to consider resumption of Ration supply. Accordingly, the Union Government had agreed and from today the supply had been resumed. The supply will continue till January 15, 2019.
State Education Minister Ratan Lal today formally handed over Rations to refugees at Naising Para refugee camp in North District. He also visited Health center at Ananda Bazar. Among others, Deputy Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen, MLAs Ashish Saha and Prem Kumar Reang, DM Hemendra Ravel Kumar and SDM of Kanchanpur Abhedananda Baidya were also present.
Drawing attention to Chief Minister’s goodwill gesture, Ratan Lal Nath assured that the Government would look after the refugees until they return to their native places. “More than 35 thousand refugees are living in seven camps for last 25 years in the State. Many refugees went back to their native places, but returned for several reasons”.
Talking about welfare of refugees, Nath mentioned, “It is impossible to ensure holistic development of the Reang people staying in refugee camps. They have to return – all of us want them to be settled in their native places”.
Later, Nath and other dignitaries visited Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Ananda Bazar in North District. Interacting with patients, Ratan Lal Nath said, “Refugees are like guests and Government ensured they must not suffer due to lack of food”.
Notably, one elderly refugee Chaingraha Reang had been admitted to hospital after remained unfed for successive days as Government suspended ration supply to refugees pertaining to repatriation issues.
In the PHC complex, Nath said, “Central and State Governments are with the refugees. Ration supply – resumed from today – will remain in force up to January 15, 2019 – till refugees return to their own land in Mizoram.
Local people drew attention of the Minister about the deplorable road condition. In reply, Nath expressed deep concern and said, the new Government needs 5-6 months more time to repair the roads. “BJP Government is trying to address people’s plights. I will bring the issue to the notice of the Chief Minister”, he asserted.
