SIPHRO

Aizawl, June 16, 2006: The Manipur government has made a move to repatriate Hmar families who fled their homes in Tipaimukh sub-division neighbouring Mizoram following alleged atrocities of Meitei underground militants since December last year.

The decision was forwarded to Mizoram chief secretary Haukhum Hauzel by his Manipur counterpart on Thursday.

“The Manipur government has come out with a ‘settlement package’ which allows Rs 5,000 for each displaced family and free ration for a resettlement period of four months,” Hauzel said, adding that the package would not be allowed for those families who return to Manipur after the June 30, 2006 deadline set by the Manipur government.

The chief secretary said he had informed the Aizawl DC and sub-divisional officials so that the refugees receive the news as early as possible.

However, a conflict is likely to arise regarding the number of refugees. Contrary to the Manipur government’s “official record” of the number of the displaced families as 122, comprising of 669 persons, the refugees claim that they are 127 families comprising of 710 persons.

The displaced families have been placed in a refugee camp constructed by the Mizoram government at Sakawrdai sub-division. They have been receiving one kilo of rice per adult and half a kilo per child. The Mizoram government’s expenses on the refugees is to be repaid by the Manipur goverment.

Meanwhile, the Hmar refugees are said to be afraid of going back to their homes unless security is provided to them. They have demanded establishment of army posts at several sensitive areas and reinforcement and addition of police stations and outposts in the sub-division.
Source: Newslink