Agartala (Tripura) [India], In a historic change from previous practices, BR refugees settled in Tripura cast their votes for the Lok Sabha elections and this is the second time that they participated in the electoral process without returning to Mizoram. The development marks a progress in the lives of these refugees, who earlier had to travel to the Tripura-Mizoram border to vote. The voting process took place at the Bru Reang refugee camp located under the Ambassa subdivision town of Tripura. The incident is significant as it is the first time that Bru refugees are not participating in elections in Mizoram after their permanent settlement in Tripura. This was made possible under the Central Government Sponsored Rehabilitation Scheme launched in January 2020
The arrangement stems from a quadripartite agreement signed on January 16, 2020, between the Government of India, Tripura, Mizoram and representatives of Bru refugees. The agreement ended the long-standing displacement of the Bru community, who had fled ethnic violence.In October 1997, after Mizoram spent more than two decades in temporary camps in northern Tripura, as part of a rehabilitation plan, the Election Commission of India and local administrative bodies released more than 14,000 Bru voters, following their deletion from the electoral rolls of Tripura. Have worked to integrate into. From Mizoram Roll Do to their new residence. The rehabilitation process is still ongoing, with 6,959 families relocated to 12 identified locations across Tripura. A comprehensive financial package of Rs 661 crore has been allocated to aid their rehabilitation. Officials overseeing the process confirm that most of the conditions of the 202 agreement, including provisions for free ration, financial allowances, essential commodities, are being met, ensuring a smooth transition for them.Refugees settling into their new homes and civilian life While most of the Bru population now lives in Tripura, hundreds live in Mizoram's Mamit district, where the initial conflict took place. While the current status of these individuals in terms of voter registration and participation in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram on 7 November remains unclear due to lack of specific data, this crucial moment in the journey of Bru refugees is not only a path towards normalization of their status. Not only represents a significant step forward but also highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple government bodies to maintain the democratic rights and welfare of the displaced communities, the Bru votes are now happy to receive all essential needs such as water, electricity and roads. And they are grateful for the agreement.
The arrangement stems from a quadripartite agreement signed on January 16, 2020, between the Government of India, Tripura, Mizoram and representatives of Bru refugees. The agreement ended the long-standing displacement of the Bru community, who had fled ethnic violence.In October 1997, after Mizoram spent more than two decades in temporary camps in northern Tripura, as part of a rehabilitation plan, the Election Commission of India and local administrative bodies released more than 14,000 Bru voters, following their deletion from the electoral rolls of Tripura. Have worked to integrate into. From Mizoram Roll Do to their new residence. The rehabilitation process is still ongoing, with 6,959 families relocated to 12 identified locations across Tripura. A comprehensive financial package of Rs 661 crore has been allocated to aid their rehabilitation. Officials overseeing the process confirm that most of the conditions of the 202 agreement, including provisions for free ration, financial allowances, essential commodities, are being met, ensuring a smooth transition for them.Refugees settling into their new homes and civilian life While most of the Bru population now lives in Tripura, hundreds live in Mizoram's Mamit district, where the initial conflict took place. While the current status of these individuals in terms of voter registration and participation in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram on 7 November remains unclear due to lack of specific data, this crucial moment in the journey of Bru refugees is not only a path towards normalization of their status. Not only represents a significant step forward but also highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple government bodies to maintain the democratic rights and welfare of the displaced communities, the Bru votes are now happy to receive all essential needs such as water, electricity and roads. And they are grateful for the agreement.