AGARTALA, Aug 26 (TIWN): Biplab Deb yet to show better performance than predecessor Manik Sarkar in repatriation of Reang refugees. After the BJP brokered deal among Mizoram Govt, Govt of India and Tripura Govt signed regarding the repatriation of the Reang refugees who are living in North Tripura’s Kanchanpur region over 3 decades, Chief Minister Biplab Deb on that time slammed the Ex-CM Manik Sarkar for his failure to do repatriation. Indeed, Biplab Deb’s Govt is facing similar tough times in Bru (Reang) refugees repatriation just like the previous Manik Sarkar’s Govt had faced. Even though BJP Govt after the agreement was signed on July 3rd, at New Delhi in the Presence of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, confirming the proceeding of Reang refugees to Mizoram within September hit the CPI-M Govt for its failure to complete the repatriation since 22 years, now the same problems are faced by Biplab Deb’s Govt as Reang Refugee Forum President A Sawibunga has not only withdrawn his sign from the agreement but strict to not leaving Tripura unless their all demands are fulfilled.

Noteworthy, in a meeting held at New Delhi on July 23 both the Northeast state’s Govts have exchanged the deal.On behalf of Tripura Govt, Chief Secretary Sanjeev Ranjan was present to sign the agreement.

In the Govt press release it has been said, “This is a historical occasion as after almost 22 years, the displaced Bru refugees would be repatriated to Mizoram before 30th September 2018and all temporary camps in North Tripura would be closed in the 1st week of October”.On May 17, 2018 the Bru refugees had shown mass agitation in front of Civil Secretariat following an unsuccessful meeting held at the Secretariat.

Now, what step Govt will take it’s to be seen as from October the camps will be closed according to Govt’s order.

The 32,876 Reang tribals, locally known as "Bru", have been living in six makeshift camps in north Tripura's Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions, adjoining Mizoram, for the past 21 years. They had fled their homes in western Mizoram following ethnic strife. The trouble in the state started after a Mizoforest official was killed.

After a series of meetings, the representatives of the Tripura, Mizoram governments, Union Home Ministry officials and the MBDPF signed an agreement on July 3 in New Delhi. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and his Mizoram counterpart Lal Thanhawlawere also present in the meeting.

As per the agreement, the refugees, comprising 5,407 families, would start returning to their homes from August 16. The multi-phase repatriation would be completed by September 30.

After their return, the Reang tribals would be settled in three districts -- Kolasib, Lunglei and Mamit -- in western Mizoram where they lived.

The agreement has finalised a six-point benefit package for each refugee family. It includes financial aid of Rs 4 lakh; a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000; Rs 1.5 lakh for building a house and free rations for two years.