The imminent signing of an agreement that would resolve the 22-year-old Bru refugee crisis has been in the news recently. This crucial pact involves four parties namely, the Centre, Mizoram Government, Tripura Government and Mizoram Bru Displaced People’s Forum (MBDPF). It is slated to be signed on the 16th of January, 2020.
Understanding the Bru Community
Bru, also known as Reang, is a tribal community native to Northeast India. Their population spreads across three different states – Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam. The Bru tribe in Tripura is recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. However, in Mizoram, they are often targeted by certain groups who deny their indigeneity to the state.
The Bru Refugee Crisis: A Historical Snapshot
The crisis pertaining to the Bru tribe goes back to 1997. Due to ethnic clashes, approximately 37,000 Brus were forced to abandon Mamit, Kolasib, and Lunglei districts of Mizoram. They sought refuge in camps located in Tripura. Over the course of time, 5,000 refugees have returned to Mizoram in eight phases of repatriation. Yet, about 32,000 Brus continue to inhabit six relief camps in North Tripura.
In June of 2018, leaders from the Bru community, along with the Centre and the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura, came to an agreement allowing for Bru repatriation in Mizoram. However, most camp inhabitants declined the terms of the agreement, continuously worrying about their safety in Mizoram.
In October 2019, the supply of ration to relief camps ceased due to the Home Ministry’s directive to expedite the repatriation of refugees to Mizoram; this action was met with criticism from civil society outfits attributing the starvation-related death of at least six refugees to it.
Key Facts: Bru Community and the Refugee Crisis
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin of Crisis | 1997 |
| Total Refugees at Onset | 37,000 |
| Refugees Repatriated | 5,000 |
| Current Number of Refugees in Camps | 32,000 |
The Proposed New Agreement
The proposed agreement of 2018 suggested that the Bru tribals would settle back in Mizoram. However, the new agreement dictates that they will now settle in Tripura.
This imminent change brings with it expectations for a Rs 600 crore package from the Centre. The package includes providing each Bru family with a 2,500 sq ft plot and additional agricultural land. A stipend of Rs 5,000 per month along with free ration for each family for two years is also included. Finally, the Bru tribals would be recognized as part of Tripura’s voter list.