To effect early repatriation of the Bru refugees, which is more likely to start by November, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials have been frequently visiting the Bru refugee camps to take stock of the situation, especially pertaining to demands made by the Brus for early repatriation to their home State, Mizoram.
A high-level team led by Special Secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Internal Security), MK Singla, visited the camps in North Tripura district on Saturday to initiate the repatriation process.
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“We have been putting our efforts and the Centre is trying hard in every possible way to help them (Bru refugees). I feel great to meet the Bru refugees, who have been staying in the camps for the last 19 years and we have taken note of the issues they are facing,” said Singla.
“We will take every possible measure to fulfil their demands and the Centre is in full support of the repatriation process,” said Singla.
Singla also visited three camps at Ashapara, Hazachara and Naisingpara. The Central government at best has tried to agree to their demands and fulfil those. An amount of Rs 1.30 lakh has also been sanctioned for their repatriation. Houses and free rations will also be provided.
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On the other hand, Bru Secretary Donga said such an effort on the part of the Centre is expected to solve their issues and fulfill their legitimate demands. It is to be noted that about 35,000 Bru/Reang from neighbouring Mizoram took shelter in six evacuee camps in Kanchanpur subdivision of North Tripura district in a phased manner since 1997 following ethnic clashes with Mizos over land dispute.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) along with the Additional SP of Lunglei and others were also present in the visit.