The inter-ministerial team headed by Addl Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Rajib Gauba conducted ‘public hearings’ at Naisingpara, Ashapara and Hejacherra refugee camps.
While revealing their ordeal before the team, Pada Kumar Reang, an inmate of Naisingpara refugee camp said he had been repatriated to Mizoram but the experience was bitter.
“As part of the rehabilitation package, I had received Rs 80,000 to build a house adjacent to Mizo village with no land for jhum cultivation for livelihood. Besides, almost all rehabilitated Bru families were deprived of basic facilities like school, road and healthcare prompting most of us to take shelter in refugee camp here again”, he said.
“Our children are denied of admission in higher secondary schools because we don’t’ have documents like PRTC, Aadhaar and bank account. It’s very unfortunate that we are facing a identify crisis though we all are citizens of the country”, he lamented.
“We are ready to return home but there must be definite assurance from the government side. We want Bru people living in refugee camps should be rehabilitated in no-Mizo dominated areas with scope for traditional jhum cultivation. Deployment of Central forces must to ensure safety for Bru people after repatriation process”, said one of the inmates.
Following a writ petition, the High Court of Tripura had asked the Central Government to submit a report on the condition of Reang refugees sheltered in Kanchanpur after conducting an on-the-spot inspection. The Committee has been asked report will have to be placed before the court by September 23.
Source: Assam Tribune
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