LET TRUTH PREVAIL: BRUS RESOLVED TO LEAVE MIZORAM BEFORE 22/3/98 TO DEMAND DISTRICT COUNCIL

(Translation of the document provided below.)

Tranlated by   Mariana Lalrindiki

To,

The ......

Tlawng Kai

Mizoram

Date: 5.3.1998

Number of members present: 40 (Forty)

President

Bru Student Union

As soon as this letter is received by you, you are to spread this notice quickly to all your fellow BRU as discretely as possible.

For us, the Bru people, the area surrounding the Tlawng area at the Hachhek Hills is our land. Since we are surely about to be annihilated by the Mizos, we have demanded a separate District Council. While we are fighting for the very land which we are at present dwelling upon, we are being harassed by the few Mizos living here. Therefore, The Bru Student Association had called a committee and has passed the following resolutions. Everyone within the Bru Community has decided to abide with the resolutions passed.

Venue: Riffle Mara (?) Cachar

RESOLUTIONS PASSED

i) All the BRUS residing within aMizoram have to leave Mizoram before 22/3/98

ii) All those who have suffered in the hands of the Mizo or have lost items should submit a report to the BSU.

iii) Those who refuse to obey these orders would be considered a traitor. Even if they encounter death, they shall be out-casted.

iv) They will be considered a MIZO, and will definitely not be delt with tenderly. Even if shot, they will have no say.

This is a SECRET letter. If the Mizos come to know about it, it could lead to immense trouble. If it reaches the hands of the Mizos, your whole village will have to suffer the consequences.

Let us therefore be brave to suffer for a little while for the sake of our people and our land.

Your fellow countryman.

Bruno Msha