Non-availability of fund delays repatriation of bru refugees

Aizawl, Feb 3 (PTI) The date for commencement of the third phase of repatriation of Bru refugees from six relief camps in North Tripura could not be scheduled by Mizoram government due to non-availability of funds.

Hmansanga, Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Mamit district in Mizoram-Tripura border told PTI over phone that though the Union Home Ministry had sanctioned the fund for the repatriation expenses, it was yet to be handed over to the district administration.

"We have completed the identification process in the relief camps but we could not proceed with the physical repatriation process due to non-availability of fund for the purpose," he said.

There were some among the 221 families who returned on their own during January last who were not included in the Mizoram voters lists and were yet to be disbursed the rehabilitation and resettlement money.

The state government would have no alternative but to push them back until they could prove that they were bona fide residents of Mizoram, he said.