Bru families demand separate Village Councils; Warn of agitation before VC Polls

A wave of discontent is sweeping through the Bru resettlement camps of North Tripura as residents have issued a direct warning to the administration: create separate Village Councils before the upcoming Village Committee elections, or face mass protests.

On Saturday, thousands from Naisingpara, Khasnampara, and Ashapara marched to the Dasda Block office, submitting a memorandum through BDO Ampuia Darlong to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Their demand is clear — fresh delimitation and additional seats to reflect the sharp rise in population since the 2020 quadripartite agreement that brought large numbers of Bru families into the area.

Currently, the settlements are represented by just two seats, a figure residents say is grossly inadequate for their community. Protesters argue this denies them equal democratic rights and meaningful representation. They insist that under TTAADC’s revised rules, the administration has the authority to redraw boundaries and create new councils in special circumstances — and that this power must now be exercised.

The mood among the protesters was uncompromising. One representative declared: “If our demand is ignored, we will escalate — from locking the Block office to gheraoing the SDM office. We will not remain silent while our rights are denied.”

The warning has sent ripples through political and administrative circles, raising fears of unrest in the run-up to elections. Officials have acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and promised to place the matter before higher authorities.