Guwahati: The Bru signatories of the Quadripartite Bru Agreement on Monday submitted a memorandum to home minister Amit Shah, seeking his immediate proactive intervention to pave the way for justice and improved living conditions for Bru families resettled in Tripura.The Quadripartite Bru Agreement initiated by Shah was signed on Jan 16, 2020. It is a landmark deal aimed at resolving the long-standing humanitarian crisis of the Bru (Reang) refugees, who fled ethnic violence in Mizoram and lived in relief camps in Tripura for over two decades. The agreement was signed between MHA, govts of Tripura and Mizoram and representatives of Bru refugees.The Bru leaders also expressed solidarity with a 77-year-old member of the community, Zothanga, who is on an indefinite hunger strike to advocate for the fundamental rights and dignity of the Bru resettled families across the 13 settlement locations in Tripura.“We implore you to consider Zothanga’s demands and take necessary steps to address the grievances of the Bru families,” they submitted in the memorandum reminding Shah that his commitment made during his visit on March 9 on issuance of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards. They urged that AAY ration cards are issued immediately, along with an increase of 5kg of ration per head. “This increment is vital to addressing the nutritional needs of every Bru family, ensuring food security, and enhancing our quality of life,” they stated.They also pressed for allocation of agricultural land as per the Quadripartite Bru Agreement as “land is not just a piece of property: it represents opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and food sovereignty. Empowering us to cultivate our lands will enable us to provide for our families with dignity and respect.”They further urged that each resettled Bru family deserves a legal housing plot of 30x40sqft complete with registered ownership documents.
