Mizoram's State Core Committee on Bru Repatriation today decided to resume the repatriation process of the tribals from six relief camps in Tripura and also to consult with the government of Tripura on the move.
Lalbiakzama, joint secretary of the state home department, said those identified to be willing to come forward for self-repatriation complained that transport operators in Tripura were demanding huge rates from the Bru families after knowing that they were receiving assistance.
He said the Mizoram state government could not increase the transportation rate (Rs 5,500 per family) and would seek the Tripura government's intervention on the issue.
Meanwhile, officials in the Mizoram-Tripura-Bangladesh border Mamit district where the repatriated Brus would be re-settled, said 494 Bru families staying in relief camps were already identified as bona-fide residents of Mizoram and willing to return.
However, a section of officials on condition of anonymity, said the state government could not resume the repatriation process expeditiously as the finance department was yet to release Rs 7.87 crore sanctioned by the Centre towards repatriation expenses.
