Ex- CM leads I-Day programme in Bru refugee settlement
He played key role to end 23 year old refugee stalemate in January 2020
Web Desk
AGARTALA, August 16 2022: The Mizoram Bru (Reang) refugees who got permanent resident status in Tripura following signing a quadripartite accord in 2020 celebrated India’s 76th Independence Day in their new settlements. The most significant observance held at Bruha Para (Hadukalak) in Ambassa, some 90 km east of Agartala where former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb was invited to hoist the national tri-colour.
A large number of children gathered on the occasion sang the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as Deb hoisted the flag in presence of Bru community leaders. After unfurling the flag Deb in his speech detailed efforts of state’s BJP led coalition government to end a 23 year old stalemate culminated with signing of the accord in New Delhi on January 16 2020 in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In pursuance of the conditions of the accord, the state government headed by then Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb selected 12 places to settle over 35,000 Bru refugees. Deb on Monday informed the settlement process was completed in eight places.
The Union Home Ministry has committed to incur expenditure towards executing the settlement process. The quadripartite accord assured each refugee family a package that included a plot of land, fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakh, free ration and a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for a period of two years.
Besides, each family received Rs 1.5 lakh cash to construct a house.
Biplab Kumar Deb spent time to check facilities and civic amenities in the settlement at Hadukalak which he had earlier visited on April 30 2021 as Chief Minister. He distributed sweets to the settlers.
He also interacted with a young girl who is pursuing her B.Ed despite all odds. Born in one of six makeshift camps that housed thousands of evacuees in Kanchanpur subdivision in north Tripura, she is seen as an inspiration among the tribe people.
The Bru refugee influx in Tripura started in September 1997.