Holding reins of development, Home Minister Amit Shah signs pact to end crisis of Bru refugees

New Delhi, January 17: On one hand when the opposition added fuel to fire when it came to the implementation of Citizenship Amendment Act by stating that the Modi led government is dividing the nation, on the other, Union Home Minister Amit Shah signed the Bru agreement on January 16. The agreement, significant as it will end the 22-year-old Bru refugee crisis, signed when Amit Shah met chief ministers of Mizoram and Tripura, along with representatives of the Bru tribes.

 

The Press briefing came as a follow-up after Union Home Minister Amit Shah and representatives of the Bru refugees signed on an agreement to end the crisis of Bru refugees from Mizoram. The agreement was signed for the settlement of refugees in Tripura. The Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga were also present during the signing.

Adding further over the development, Home Minister Shah stated that "Approximately 30,000 Bru refugees will settle in Tripura. The Centre has also allocated Rs. 600 crore package for the same." In his statement, Home Minister Shah also said that to help the refugees, they will be provided with a 40 by 30 feet plot along with a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakhs, cash assistance of Rs 5000 per month for 2 years and free ration.

Chief Ministers of both the States also spoke on the decision taken by the Central Government and termed it to be 'Historic.' The Chief Minister also unanimously agreed that the Government's move will solve a 25 years old 'burning issue'.

Reacting to the Centre's plan for the Bru refugees, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said, "Today we have signed an important agreement with Bru leaders and Govt of Tripura and Govt of Mizoram. This will permanently solve the burning issue that has been going on for 25 years."

Terming this to be a 'historic decision', Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said, "This step is historic. I want to thank the Prime Minister and Home Minister on the behalf of people of Tripura."