Reang refugees start agitation

Agartala, Feb 23 (UNI) At least 250 Reang Tribal refugees observed a mass demonstration near Circuit House here today in support of its 17-point Charter of demands.

Refugee leader L V S Chorki said the refugees organised the week-long sit in demonstration to draw the attention of the Centre about the problems faced by them in the state.

A large number of Reang Tribals deserted their homes in Mizoram due to ethnic disturbances and took shelter in temporary camps set up by the Tripura government in North district, close to neighbouring Mizoram, since 1997.

A number of meetings regarding the Reang Tribal refugees' repatriation from here to their home state in Mizoram took place between Tripura, Mizoram and even with the officials of the Union Ministry, he added.

Union Home Ministry Secretary Naveenchandra Verma during his visit in the refugee camps of Kanchanpur on January 30, assured the refugees the Centre would take all possible steps for their early repatriation to Mizoram by February third week.

''We have no other alternative than to resort to an agitation as the Union Home Ministry Secretary failed to keep his words,'' said Mr Chorki.

He also announced if their demands were not met by March 2, then the refugees would launch an indefinite hunger strike.

The demand of the refugees include repatriation of all Reang refugees to Mizoram, introduction of various schemes through PGP shceme in refugee camps, free ration supply for a year to the refugees after repatriation.

Reang Tribal refugees arrived here from Kanchanpur about 200 km from here and participated in the agitation.

According to police sources, the agitation was so far peaceful and security measures had been taken at Circuit House area to maintain peace.

UNI