Ex-Bru rebels call off Mizoram Assy poll boycott

Aizawl, Nov 21 (UNI) Former cadres of the Bru Liberation Front of Mizoram today pulled back its decision to boycott the December two Assembly elections following appeals from various NGOs in the state.

'' Respecting the NGOs' appeal, we have instructed our people to exercise their franchise when the state goes to polls on December two, '' the Bru leaders here said.

The BLFM leadership had earlier threatened not to exercise their franchise as the state government and Centre were yet to fulfil the provisions of agreement made when they had laid down arms in 2006.

A leader of the former militant group had said they were supposed to receive Rs 3,000 as interim relief and another Rs 20,000 each for resettlement package.

Following directions from the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bru refugees, now lodged in six relief camps in neighbouring Tripura, would exercise their democratic rights on November 26 and 27 through postal ballots.

Mr Lalhmingthanga, state Joint Chief Electoral Officer, said he had received the directions from the ECI and preparations were on to ensure that all the eligible Bru voters in Tripura relief camps could exercise their franchise.

UNI ZS SJC DB1812