Sixth phase of repatriation of Brus to begin on June 17

The proposed sixth phase of repatriation of Brus lodged in six relief camps in Tripura is scheduled to begin from June 17, a senior Mizoram official today said.
The decision was taken after discussions were held between a team of Mizo officials and North Tripura DM Sandeep Rathod and other officials at Dharmanagar in Tripura on Friday, Lalbiakzama, Joint Secretary to Mizoram Home Department, said.
Security arrangements and transportation for the Bru families who would return to Mizoram on their own will were discussed at the meeting, he said.
Authorities of Mamit district in Mizoram, which is on the inter-state border, said 459 Bru families have so far agreed to return. They would be received by officials at two facilitation centres at Zomuantlang and Kanhmun villages after which they would be resettled in the selected villages, they said.

The repatriated Brus would be given Rs 85,000 per family as rehabilitation and resettlement package after entering Mizoram and Rs 787 lakh has been sanctioned for the overall expenses during the sixth phase of repatriation.
The repatriated Brus would also be provided free ration for one year, Lalbiakzama added.

Thousands of Brus had fled from Mamit district in October 1997 following a fierce ethnic violence and took shelter in six refugee camps in adjoining Kanchanpur sub-division of Tripura.
Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples' Forum (MBDPF), the main representative of the Bru community in relief camps, is yet to receive any official intimation from Mizoram government on the proposed repatriation.

MBDPF president A Sawibung told PTI over phone from Naisingpara relief camp that it would stick to its demand for payment of Rs 1.5 lakh as resettlement and rehabilitation package and also free ration for two years.