The
Mizoram government’s decision to “finally” take back all 32,000 tribal
refugees (formerly Reangs - now called Brus to separate them from their
clan in other states) living in Tripura camps since October 1997 is to
be lauded, and doubly so because it had all along unequivocally claimed
that not all of them were its citizens. Since the decision followed a tripartite meeting between officials of the Mizoram and Tripura Governments and refugee leaders, the repatriation process, scheduled to start on 8 June, is expected to be smooth. The circumstances under which the Brus were forced to flee Mizoram is still not clear. Reports, however, say that following the murder of a Mizo forest warden by cadres of the Bru United Liberation Front, the armed wing of the Bru National Union, the Mizos went on the rampage killing 10 people and burning hundreds of houses. Had there been adequate security, the exodus of more than 40,000 Brus within days could not have taken place.
Relations between the Mizos and Brus, mostly non-Christians, have been strained ever since the BULF raised a demand for an autonomous district council, as enjoyed by minority groups like the Chakmas, Pawis and Lakhers.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh then alleged the Brus were targeted for refusing to be converted to Christianity. Clause 8 of the 1986 Mizo Peace Accord between the Centre and Mizo National Front chief Laldenga, that ended two decades of insurgency, is clear that “the rights and privileges of minorities in Mizoram, as envisaged in the Constitution, shall continue to be reserved.” So far the repatriation process had been in fits and starts.
Refugees were unwilling to go back unless proper safety and rehabilitation were ensured. By winning over the refugees, Aizawl may well check the BULF activities.