Agartala: In a significant departure from the past, Bru refugees settled in Tripura exercised their voting rights for the Lok Sabha elections without having to return to Mizoram, marking a milestone in their resettlement process.
The Bru Reang Refugee camp in Tripura's Ambassa Subdivision witnessed the historic event, allowing Bru refugees to vote without having to travel to the Tripura-Mizoram boundary as they did previously. This development marks the second time the Bru refugees participated in the electoral process from within Tripura since their permanent settlement in the state, a change brought about by a central government-sponsored rehabilitation initiative launched in January 2020.
The resettlement initiative followed a quadripartite agreement signed on January 16, 2020, involving the governments of India, Tripura, Mizoram, and representatives of the Bru refugees. This agreement aimed to end the prolonged displacement of the Bru community, who had fled ethnic violence in Mizoram in October 1997 and had spent over two decades in temporary camps in North Tripura.
Under the rehabilitation plan, over 14,000 Bru voters were integrated into Tripura's electoral rolls after their removal from the Mizoram rolls due to their new residency status. Currently, 6,959 Bru families are being relocated to 12 identified locations across Tripura as part of the resettlement process. A comprehensive financial package of Rs 661 crore has been allocated to support the refugees' resettlement.
Authorities overseeing the process confirm that most conditions of the 2020 agreement, including provisions for free ration, financial allowances, and essential commodities, are being met. This ensures a smoother transition for the refugees into their new homes and civic life, providing them with essential amenities like water, electricity, and roads.
While a significant portion of the Bru population now resides in Tripura, hundreds remain in Mizoram's Mamit district, where the initial conflict occurred. The current status of these individuals regarding voter registration and participation in the upcoming November 7 assembly election in Mizoram remains uncertain due to a lack of specific data.
This milestone moment in the Bru refugees' journey signifies a significant step toward normalizing their status and highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple government bodies in upholding the democratic rights and welfare of displaced communities. The Bru refugees express gratitude for the settlement and are pleased to receive essential requirements, marking a new chapter in their lives.
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