Kanchanpur (Tripura) : Communal tension flared up between locals of Tripura and Mizoram Bru (Reang) refugees in the Kanchanpur area of the state after the latter burnt and damaged the houses of the former.
Several houses of locals Bengali community were set afire by the refugees following the suicide of 38-year-old Bhiguram Reang after he was allegedly beaten up on being caught red-handed catching fish without the owner’s permission.
Police had to fire several rounds in the air and use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The district magistrate, the superintendent of police and the inspector general of police (law and order) monitored the situation to bring the situation under control.
Seven police personnel were reportedly injured in the clash with inmates of Reang refugee camps in North Tripura district.
Around 31,000 Reang tribals, who locally call themselves ‘Bru’, are living in seven makeshift camps in northern Tripura for the past 19 years after they fled Mizoram following ethnic troubles.
Paramilitary has been deployed in the area to keep the area under domination apprehending retaliation from the locals.
Meantime, locals those who lost their homes and properties have taken refugee in nearby Tripura State Rifles (TSR) camp.
Around 35,000 Reang tribals or ‘Bru’ are living in seven makeshift camps in northern Tripura for the past 19 years after they fled Mizoram following ethnic trouble after a Mizo forest officer was killed. (ANI)