Centre ensures early repatriation of BRU refugees from Tripura

Tripura, June 11 (ANI): Repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura to Mizoram has become a major concern for the government. Recently, Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary at North East division of Ministry of Home Affairs, met Tripura Chief Secretary Y.P. Singh and Director General of Police (DGP) K. Nagaraj to discuss repatriation of the displaced Brus, who are currently sheltered in seven camps in the North Tripura district. Garg also visited the refugee camps at Kanchanpur where more than 30,000 Bru refugees have lived since they fled Mizoram in 1997 following communal violence over a land dispute with the Mizos.Garg said the effort at present is to restart the repatriation process as per the new revised plan submitted by the Mizoram government. In Kanchanpur, Garg also held meeting with the leaders of Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF). Garg discussed the revised road map finalised by the Mizoram government and urged the refugees to return to their home state accordingly. It is worth mentioning that the government plans to start the next phase of repatriation of more than 30,000 Brus from November, after the monsoon. The centre also promised a repatriation package to the inmates. Concerned over the attacks on security forces by insurgents Garg said the Centre has decided to increase security in the unfenced bordering areas to check cross-border insurgency. He also expressed concern over Arunachal Pradesh being used as a corridor and a haven by Naga militants. Garg also said the government is ready to hold talks with northeast based insurgent outfits if they are ready to shun violence. The government is giving special emphasis on the development of Northeast region by encouraging investment in various sectors. Peace will bring more prosperity to the region.