Newmai News Network
Aizawl | September 12
Mizoram’s apex and the most influential student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) has strongly opposed the alleged intervention of "outsiders" on the issue of Bru refugees.
The student body expressed strong disapproval of a "group of people" staging a demonstration in front of Mizoram Chief Minister’s bungalow on Bru related issue.
The student body alleged that the group also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Zoramthanga, demanding repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura.
“The student body strongly opposed to the intervention from outside in an internal issue. The mastermind behind the demonstration and submission of a memorandum seeking protection for the Bru refugees was no other than the RSS,” a statement issued by the MZP said.
The student body alleged that the Bru tribals left Mizoram and migrated to Tripura on their own.
“The state government and civil societies have appealed the refugees many times to return to Mizoram and several attempts to repatriate them went futile. The state government is currently making preparation for the final phase of Bru repatriation. The interference of the group is uncalled for,” the statement said.
The student body also asked the "group" not to interfere in the Bru issues, which the MZP claimed is an internal issue.
The MZP alleged that more than 100 people belonging to "Bharat Hitaraksha Abhyian and a group of people from mainland India" staged demonstration in front of Chief Minister’s bungalow on Tuesday and demanded cluster villages and other privileges for the Bru people when they are repatriated to Mizoram.
Meanwhile, the state government is having hectic preparation to repatriate over 4,400 Bru families from Tripura in October next.
The Centre has approved Rs 350 crore for the exercise, which will cover transportation, rehabilitation package expenses, which includes 4 lakh for each family, Rs 1.5 lakh each as housing assistance, Rs 5,000 per month for each resettled Bru family in Mizoram and free ration for two years.
Thousands of Bru families fled Mizoram and migrated to Tripura following ethnic tension triggered by the murder of a Mizo forest guard by Bru militants in 1997.
Several attempts by the Centre, Mizoram and Tripura governments to repatriate them since 2009 went futile as the refugees did not accept the repatriation packages.
