Bru-resettlement in Tripura creates furore among locals

The state government's decision of offering remember settlement to the Bru refugees in Tripura, of late, courted serious repercussions since the signing of the four corner pact with some of the organization speaking vehemently against the decision. But, the issue of sending the persecuted refugees back to their homeland reached fever-pitch once again as people of Tripura seemed reluctant to offer them any scope. 

The state government, only recently, begin to select favourable locations to give Brus settlement in different parts of the North Tripura district inviting vehement protests from the part of local people and community leaders. The local people proposed that they should be given settlement in a scattered manner in all the sub-divisions of the state in equal proportions so that the local community atmosphere does not get disturbed. The aggressive agitations and road blockades in Kanchanpur some months ago appeared to have caused serious damage to the image of Bru refugees. “They have a knack for creating troubles with people in their neighbourhood. As refugees, a section of these people was involved in almost all sorts of anti-social activities. During CAA protest in December last, they were behind all the violence and looting, they caused the displacement of the locals who had been residents of the localities for ages.. We shall not allow them in our areas”, a resident of Ichabpur area in Kailashahar commented.

Similar allegations were pouring in from residents of Dasda and Jampui hills in North District. Notably, a meeting was held at SDM office in Kanchanpur on May 19 the last in connection with visiting proposed sites for Migrated Bru re-settlement. Total of 12 sites spread across North, Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai, West, and Sepahijala districts were proposed for resettlement. What intrigued and then trigger anger was that administration had included only Bru representatives in the site verification process without even any consultation with the community leaders. Such exclusion further complicated the issue. The exercise started from May 21 last.

Also read: Tripura: Farmers lack access to markets amid harvest season

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.