Social Welfare and Social Justice Minister of Tripura, Santana Chakma stood by the side of the Chorei indigenous people who were allegedly attacked by displaced Bru Reangs near Cascau Bru relief camps in Damchhera on July 26 last. The Minister visited the affected families on Wednesday.
Before the July 26 violence broke out, Bru Reangs reportedly kept on destroying areca nut plantations, poultry and other properties of local Chorei people. On July 26, after a violent clash between the locals, mainly Chorei people, and the Bru Reangs broke out, Brus reportedly gutted several houses and shops of the Chorei people. Besides, several Chorei people were beaten up and left injured in the reported Bru aggression.
Panicked Chorei people fled away from their native place and took refuge in neighbouring Assam. Several elderly persons and pregnant women also left their homes in search of safety and took shelter in schools under Karimganj district. Assam Government provided necessary assistance including conducting Covid tests. Local MLA and administration also distributed food, clothes etc among the helpless Chorei people.
Many Chorei people are still panicking to return to their native place.
Santana Chakma, accompanied by the Additional DM of the North District, SDM of Panisagar, Chairman of Damchhera Block and other officials, met the affected Chorei people and interacted with them. One of the elderly women narrated her plights. According to Chorei people, they had suffered a total loss worth more than a lakh.
Chakma inquired about the incidences that led to the violence. She also inquired about the health condition of injured Chorei people. The Minister assured them of Government assistance. In her personal capacity, she helped some of the victim families.
The Minister urged all the communities – Chorei, Bengali and other communities to live in peace and harmony.