Agartala, October 14, 2025: The Bru People Organisation (BPO), representing the Bru (also known as Reang) community in Tripura, has formally requested the Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Sabha, to issue a corrigendum following an inadvertent error in his recent speech regarding the community’s origin. The statement, the BPO said, misrepresented the Bru people’s historical and ancestral roots in the state.

The comment in question occurred during a public programme held in South Tripura’s Bagafa on October 8. While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reportedly referred to the Bru community as originating from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of present-day Bangladesh and described them as “second settlers” in Tripura. This characterization, according to the BPO, is inaccurate and has caused emotional distress among community members.

“The Bru community, contrary to the statement, are in truth aboriginal sons of the soil of Tripura,” said S K Msha, President of the Bru People Organisation. He added that while the CM’s remarks were likely unintentional, they have nonetheless sparked concern and misunderstanding among community members, especially after the speech was widely circulated on social and digital media.

Historical Context of the Bru People

The Bru, or Reang, have historically been an integral part of Tripura’s social and cultural fabric. Before the partition of India in 1947, the ancient Kingdom of Tripura extended over areas that today fall within Bangladesh, Mizoram, Assam, and Manipur. Many Tiprasa communities were spread across these regions, though the Bru have maintained deep roots in the Indian territory of Tripura.

Msha emphasized that while some members of the Tiprasa peoples may currently reside beyond India’s borders, the Bru community has historically been embedded in Tripura’s soil, sharing in the same heritage, culture, and bloodline as the other indigenous communities of the erstwhile Kingdom of Tripura. “This historical truth must be acknowledged and respected,” he said.

BPO’s Appeal for Correction

Following the speech, the BPO submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office urging the issuance of a corrigendum that would accurately reflect the Bru community’s ancestral identity. “Such a gesture would heal the wounded sentiments of the community, uphold historical truth, and reinforce social harmony and unity,” Msha stated.

The BPO was careful to note that it does not perceive any deliberate intent to misrepresent by the Chief Minister. “We believe that the CM’s statement was made inadvertently,” Msha added. Nevertheless, given the wide circulation of the speech and its emotional impact on the community, a formal clarification is seen as necessary to prevent any further misunderstanding or resentment.

Resettlement and Current Status of the Bru People

The Bru community has had a difficult history in recent decades, having been forced to leave their homeland in Mizoram following ethnic violence in the 1990s. Many were relocated to relief camps within Tripura, where they lived for years under temporary arrangements.

A significant step toward resolving the community’s displacement came in January 2020, when an agreement was signed in New Delhi to provide permanent settlement for Bru families. Under this agreement, over 8,000 families were resettled in various parts of Tripura, receiving recognition of their rights and a measure of stability after decades of uncertainty. The settlement initiative, the BPO notes, reflects the state and central governments’ commitment to the welfare of displaced communities and the preservation of social harmony.

Significance of the Corrigendum

For the Bru community, the request for a corrigendum is not merely symbolic; it is a call to acknowledge historical and cultural truth. Official recognition of their aboriginal status in Tripura would affirm the community’s identity and help prevent misconceptions about their heritage. It is also seen as an important step in fostering mutual respect and understanding between the state government and indigenous communities.

The issue underscores the sensitivity surrounding ethnic identity in regions with diverse populations and complex histories. Misstatements, even when unintentional, can have far-reaching effects, particularly when amplified through media channels. The BPO’s appeal reflects a desire to ensure that public discourse aligns with historical evidence and respects the sentiments of communities whose narratives have often been marginalized.

Moving Forward

The Chief Minister is currently in Delhi, and the BPO expressed hope that the office would respond promptly to their memorandum. Issuing a formal clarification, the BPO believes, will not only rectify the error but also reinforce the government’s commitment to inclusivity, historical accuracy, and social harmony.

By emphasizing the Bru community’s status as indigenous to Tripura, the government can help strengthen the cultural fabric of the state, while addressing the concerns of a community that has endured displacement and hardship. In the broader context, the episode highlights the importance of careful communication by public officials, particularly when addressing issues of ethnic identity and historical legacy.

Conclusion

The Bru People Organisation’s request for a corrigendum serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between political communication and historical accuracy. It also reflects the ongoing journey of the Bru community toward recognition, security, and integration within Tripura. With over 8,000 families resettled in the state, the government’s policies have provided stability, yet the preservation of cultural identity remains equally important.

The forthcoming response from the Chief Minister’s Office is anticipated to address the concerns raised by the BPO and, in doing so, reaffirm the state’s commitment to honoring the historical truth and protecting the dignity of its indigenous communities. For the Bru people, acknowledgment of their aboriginal heritage is not just a matter of pride but a vital affirmation of their place within the social and cultural landscape of Tripura.

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