'Voice of Mizos should be heard': Mizoram CM on Bru resettlement in Tripura

On Bru Reang re-settlement near the traditional habitat of Mizos in Jumpui, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga wrote to Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and requested Deb to reconsider the decision. The letter was written today while an administrative team along with Bru representatives went to proposed site visits at Anandabazaar CCRF area in North Tripura district.

In a letter, the Mizoram Chief Minister wrote, “I am given to understand that there is a proposal for re-settlement of a good number of displaced Brus residing in Tripura at Mizo-inhabited Zampui Hills and surrounding areas under Kanchanpur Sub-Division in North Tripura”.

He also said, “As you are no doubt aware, there has been ethnic tension and upheaval between Mizos and Brus, both in Mizoram and Tripura and any strain between the two communities in Tripura will no doubt have repercussions in Mizoram and vice versa, which could defeat the very purpose and spirit of the Agreement signed between representatives of the Bru community, Chairman TIPRA, Chief Secretary of Tripura, Chief Secretary of Mizoram, Joint Secretary (Ministry of Home Affairs) on 16.1.2020”.

Highlighting the ethnic tension, he wrote, “I, therefore, find it pertinent to request you to immediately reconsider and cancel the proposal for resettlement of displaced Brus at the traditional habitat of the Mizos i.e Zampui Hills and surrounding areas in North Tripura. Mention may also be made of the sad fact that Mizos in four villages of Sakhan Hills had fled their traditional villages due to tensions with Brus displaced from Mizoram, back in 1998.”

Also read: Bru-resettlement in Tripura creates furore among locals

The Chief Minister said, “In view of the above, inter alia, I would posit that re-consideration and cancellation of the proposed re-settlement of displaced Brus amidst Mizo traditional settlers of Zampui hill area and arrangement of other appropriate locations is inevitable if the historic Agreement signed on 16.1.2020 is to be successfully implemented in letter and spirit”.

Meanwhile, administrative team along with Bru representatives visited Anandabazaar CCRF and later proceeded to Phuldengshei via Vandarima and Konpui – however, local Mizo people blocked the road to prevent the proposed visit.

On the protests by local Mizos, leader of Tripura Mizo convention Dr Z Pachuau said, “Our protest started from 8 am today and continued till 4.30 pm. Braving inclement weather, thousands of Jampui Hill people attended the protest”.