SIPHRO

Imphal, May 21, 2006: The State Government has conveyed to all the displaced Hmar villagers of Parbung and Tipaimukh, who have fled from their homesteads following alleged brutality of UG cadres, now taking shelter in Mizoram to return home for which security and transport facilities would be provided by the State.

According to an official source, the State Government has intimated to over 300 Hmars of Parbung and Tipaimukh to return back to their villages with firm assurances that special security and transportation facilities would be provided for their safety and travel convenience.

The official intimation also mentioned of the Government’s readiness to construct houses for the displaced people and to provide food grains besides security forces already stationed in the village.

Even though no definite response has been received from the villagers so far, the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district has held an informal talk with the displaced villagers, the source maintained.

It may be recalled here that a team of Ministers and MLAs had earlier visited refugee camps opened in Mizoram for displaced villagers.

On the other hand, it is reported that some of the Hmar villagers have been asked to leave Mizoram on charges of constructing houses without prior approval of the village authorities concerned.

Some Hmar refugees taking refuge in Mizoram have been expelled and would not be allowed to stay there on the allegation that they were involved in construction of houses without sharing any information with the village headmen.

According to president of Hmar Students’ Association John Pulamte expulsion of Hmars from Mizoram is a different case, not related with them taking shelter there.

All the refugees safe and sound, he added.

Police sources insist that even as some Hmar refugees have been expelled, there is no report of deportation from camps set up with the knowledge of Mizoram Government.

Source: The Sangai Express