AGARTALA(PTI):The claim made by the Bangladesh government that Chakma tribal refugees in Tripura and other northeastern States had started returning to their homeland was “false, concocted, IL motivated and aimed to deviate World opinion,” president of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) refuges welfare association Upendra Lal Chakma said July 2.
A Press release from Takumbari refugee camp in south Tripura district said the recent radio an houncementin Bangladesh regarding “the return of the first batch of two families was false and fabricated,” According to Chakma these families were “neither registered refugees of Takumbari relief camphor were they members of the as association.”
The release said the refugees had to undergo “inhuman atrocities” after the 1981 and 1984 repatriation following oral assurances by the Bangladesh government. But now they were “determined” not to repatniate until their 13point charter of demands, which included “guarantee for their safe and honorable return” were met.
The association’s delegation led by Chakma had submitted their charter of demands to Bangla ex ternal affairs minister Oil Ahmed in May last, during his visit to Tripura to persuade the refugees to return to Bangladesh,
The demands included removal of all army camps from the CHT area, deportation of “illegal Muslim settlers from plains.” creation of a conductive atmosphere for their safe return and adequate compensation to all the refugees.
The association also demanded presence of various media from India and other foreign countries during their repatriation.
Uncertainty now hangs over the reputation of 56,000 tribal refugees, mostly Buddhist Chakmas, Sheltered in six evacuce camps of south Tripura.
The first repatriation drive on June 8 and 9 had failed to take off following which Tripura chief minister had said the state government was not in favor of pushing back the tribal refugees unless they were themselves willing.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 9, 1993
