A file image of Bru refugees. Image credit: The Hindu

“The Centre and the Tripura government are cheating the Bru refugees,” said CPI (M) leader Bijan Dhar said while raising a question on government’s policy on Bru refugee.

The Brus, since the last 23 years, have been living in separate refugee camps in North Tripura district.

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Over 35,000 Brus were forced to leave Mizoram after the ethnic clashes with the Mizo people.

Recently an agreement was signed at New Delhi among India government, Tripura government, Bru community leaders and Mizoram government.

According to the agreement, 37,000 Bru refugees, who fled Mizoram to Tripura, were permanently settled in the state.

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Accordingly, the Tripura government will give land to these families in the state and the Centre will give Rs 600 crore to the state government.

After the agreement, the situation has been volatile in Kanchanpur sub-division where the refugee camps are situated.

The other communities have been opposing the agreement and they have been demanding for the repatriation of the Bru refugees.

Bijan Dhar, reacting on the spiralling tension in Kanchanpur, said that government failed to ensure the repatriation of the Brus resulting in a rippling effect in the entire area.

“The government should take proper action in order to maintain peace,” Dhar said.

“Where will the government find the land to settle these displaced people?” Dhar asked.

“The agreement will become fruitless. The Centre and the Tripura government have been dishonest with the poor Bru refugees,” Dhar reiterated.