Backtracking on its earlier decision and going against the suggestion and request of Mizoram Government, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to conduct electoral revision of Bru voters at their respective relief camps in Tripura before they return to Mizoram, official sources said on Wednesday.
Also read: Bru repatriation: Home Ministry convenes meet
Officials of the State Home Department said that the State Government had earlier suggested the ECI to undertake electoral revision of Bru voters once they return to Mizoram.
The State Government had also requested the ECI not to allow Bru voters exercise franchise outside Mizoram.
Initially, the ECI had accepted the State Government’s suggestion, but later decided to undertake electoral revision at relief camps due to lack of enough time as Mizoram is going to poll this year end, the officials added.
Meanwhile, all civil society organizations and various political parties have strongly opposed the ECI’s decision and decided to raise the matter with the ECI.
Mizoram Government is all set to begin repatriation of 32,857 displaced Bru tribals from Tripura after languishing more than two decades in six relief camps fleeing ethnic violence. The repatriation, as per schedule, will take off on the eve of Independence Day and get completed by September 10, the officials said on Wednesday.