The 9th Batch of Bru Repatriation and Rehabilitation continued for Lunglei District today with the 3rd Phase repatriation team departing for Mamit District from the DC Office premises at 6:30 am. The previous 1st and 2nd phase repatriation conducted from 30th September, 2019 saw 181 Brus belonging to 48 families being repatriated successfully to Dinthar, Buknuam, Chawilung S and Putlungasih villages in Lunglei District.

The 3rd Phase Repatriation team consists of three Liaison Officers Pu Zonunsanga Colney, Pu Lalhriattira Fanai, Dr Malsawmtluanga. The Liaison Officers were selected after due deliberation and careful consideration, given the complexity and sensitivity of the exercise. They are accompanied by 6 Supporting Staff and 6 security personnel. 14 Aizawl City buses have been chartered to carry out the 3rd  phase of repatriation exercise for Lunglei District.

A short function was held at the Lunglei DC Office Complex at 6:00 am today to see off the team after a final briefing session. Lunglei DC Pi K. Lalrinzuali, SP Pu C. Lalthanmawia, and other officials were in attendance. Capt Richard Vanlalnghaka blessed the gathering with a prayer.

Speaking at this function, Lunglei DC Pi K. Lalrinzuali once again stressed on the seriousness and extreme importance of the exercise, and reminded the gathering to ensure no shortfall at any stage from any quarters on the tasks assigned to the District Administration by the Home Department. Given the sensitivity of the exercise, she appealed to the team to be ever vigilant and alert; and send in regular reports to the concerned officials in the District headquarter. She also appealed to the team to deal with the Bru families with kindness, patience and understanding. She also took the opportunity to thank all the officials and personnel involved for successful 1st and 2nd phase repatriation, while also encouraging them to keep up the momentum for the duration of the entire exercise.

As on date, 1870 Brus belonging to 316 families are yet to be repatriated to Lunglei District under the 9th Batch repatriation which is expected to stretch till November, depending on the weather and other conditions. Even though Lunglei District has fewer Bru families to repatriate compared to the other two Districts – Mamit and Kolasib, the repatriation exercise for Lunglei is quite challenging due to the long distance involved. In light of this, the repatriation has been stretched out to four days to ensure a comfortable and stress free journey for the families. As was done in the earlier repatriation exercise, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Lunglei and team would again be setting up a Mobile Medical Unit at Luangmual 2nd Battalion MAP Hqrs and the temporary shelters.

The District administration, with the help of Village Councils, YMA and members of the public have been making an all out effort to facilitate re-integration of Bru families in their respective villages. The Deputy Commissioner, Pi K. Lalrinzuali had personally visited all the four villages - Dinthar, Buknuam, Chawilung S and Putlungasih conducting meetings with members of the Village Council, NGOs and the general public to discuss the repatriation exercise and evaluate their preparedness in various aspects such as construction of temporary shelter & latrines and availability of basic amenities including ration supply, drinking water, electricity etc. Fervent appeals had been made to all to deal with the repatriated Bru families with kindness and understanding. Under the guidance of Pu Henry C. Lalrawnkima SDO(C), Tlabung, the repatriated families and their well being are closely monitored, with officials constantly reaching out to them to ascertain any need for assistance.Health and Family Welfare officials, under the guidance of Medical Officers have also been proactive in setting up medical camps and distributing free medicines as required.