Topics Covered: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Bru refugees demand immediate implementation of settlement pact:
Context:
Leaders of the Mizoram Bru refugees have demanded commencement of their permanent rehabilitation in Tripura in the light of the quadripartite agreement signed in New Delhi in January.
Why is it being delayed?
The government had selected 12 places including the Kanchanpur subdivision in north Tripura where the Brus have been housed in six makeshift camps since 1997. However, the decision to settle some of the refugees is facing protests from a local forum called Joint Movement.
About the Bru-Reang refugee agreement:
The agreement, signed in January this year, is between Union Government, Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives to end the 23-year old Bru-Reang refugee crisis.
Highlights of the agreement:
- Under the agreement , the centre has announced a package of Rs. 600 crore under this agreement.
- As per the agreement the Bru tribes would be given land to reside in Tripura.
- A fixed deposit of Rs. 4 lakh will be given to each family as an amount of government aid. They will be able to withdraw this amount after two years.
- Each of the displaced families will be given 40×30 sq ft residential plots.
- Apart from them, each family will be given Rs. 5,000 cash per month for two years.
- The agreement highlights that each displaced family will also be given free ration for two years and aid of Rs. 1.5 lakh to build their houses.
Need for:
More than 30,000 Bru tribes who fled Mizoram, are residing in Tripura’s refugee camps.
This agreement will bring a permanent solution for the rehabilitation of thousands of Bru-Reang people in Tripura. They will be able to enjoy the benefits of all social-welfare schemes of governments.
Who are Brus?
The Brus, also referred to as the Reangs, are spread across the northeastern states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- In Tripura, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. In Mizoram, they have been targeted by groups that do not consider them indigenous to the state.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Who are Brus?
- What’s the crisis all about?
- Where they have settled?
- What’s there in the peace agreement?
- Signatories of the peace agreement.
- About PVTGs.
Mains Link:
Reconciliation between the Mizo and the Bru communities is necessary for successful repatriation and for a long-term solution. Discuss.
Sources: the Hindu.
