Santirbazar, Nov 04, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Santirbazar Nov 04: Residents of Durpabari ADC Village staged protest opposing settlement of Bru refugees in the area.
According to the details, a place has been fixed in Durpabari area of Lakshmichara ADC Village under Santirbazar sub-division for the resettlement of Bru refugees.
Reportedly, Brakshatila area of Santirbazar sub-division was earlier earmarked for relocation of the Bru’s but due to the existence of wild elephants in the forest there, the forest department said that the land cannot be given for Bru settlement.
Later, the location of Durpabari ADC Village was determined by the decision of all the departments.
Learning this, the local residents fumed in anger adding that they are not against Bru settlement but they earn their living from that forest.
Residents said that most of the people in this area are poor and are dependent on forests for livelihood.
The locals spend their days collecting bamboo and wood from the forest and marketing them.
Residents further alleged that if this forest is destroyed, for rehabilitation of the Bru Reangs, the people of the area will have to face severe hardships.
The local residents staged a protest at Durpabari ADC Village on Friday.
They said, “We made a special appeal for the resettlement of Bru refugees in Brakshtila or Gobin Bari area of Santirbazar subdivision”.
Residents said that even after informing the District Magistrate, MLA and various officials about this, nothing is being done. So the local people gathered together and demonstrated on Friday.
They said that if the demands of the local residents are not met, they will join the larger movement in the future.
Meanwhile, Harendra Reang, the zonal joint chairman of the South district, questioned the state government about wild elephants. He said that if the state government wants, it can make the remaining areas livable by keeping road for wild elephants.