BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd June 2024: In a desperate bid for survival, a delegation of refugees from the village of Pekucherra presented an urgent humanitarian appeal to the District Magistrate of the North district. The deputation included representatives from the affected community highlighted the dire conditions faced by hundreds of families who have been displaced for nearly two decades.
“We have no food, no water,” stated one of the refugees, encapsulating the dire reality faced by the displaced families. “Hundreds of us are living in shelters made of cloth, bamboo, and polythene. This is not a life we can sustain.”
These families hailing from Anandabazar, Dashada Gochi Ram Para, and Jayashree Prakriti were uprooted from their homes due to caste riots nearly 20 years back. Now, their only refuge lies in makeshift shelters in Pekucherra under Panisagar subdivision. Despite their prolonged displacement, they continue to face relentless challenges, including harassment from the forest department.
“Our drinking water is cut off, our homes are torn down,” lamented another member of the delegation. “This is our daily struggle.”
The financial situation of these refugees is equally grim. With limited resources, 28 families managed to pool together enough money to send representatives from only three families to appeal to the District Magistrate. Their plea is a last resort, as they face impending eviction. The forest department has issued three notices, demanding the removal of their shelters by June 6, threatening forced eviction.
“We are Indian citizens with voting rights,” emphasized a refugee and added “We deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.”
The deputation delivered their appeal on Monday urging the District Magistrate to acknowledge their plight and take immediate action to provide relief and prevent further harassment.
“We hope the ruler of the northern district will respond to our humanitarian appeal,” said one hopeful delegate. The community now waits anxiously to see what measures, if any, will be taken to address their suffering.
This poignant appeal underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and highlights the ongoing struggle of refugees seeking dignity and basic living conditions amidst adversity.
