A large number of tribal refugees from different camps of the Indian state Of Tripura are voluntarily returning to their homesteads in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). reports BSS from Khagrachhari.

Talking to Journalists Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachhari Mohammad Ismail said, on an average 30 tribal families, comprising 150 to 200 members, are voluntarily coming back to their homes in CHT every month.

Besides the formal repatriation in two phases, about 608 families, comprising 2570 members, returned willingly to their homes in CHT through different border points till June 30. he said adding that the returnees had been reha bilitated with all facilities pro vided by the government

He said, in two phases, some 5186 of 1027 families had been repatriated and settled at their, homesteads in. Khagrachhari. Of them 48’ persons were reinstated in

their previous Jobs.

At present, about 54.000 refugees are awaiting repatriation from different camps of Indian state of Tripura, he added

Earlier, briefing newsmen, brigade commander of Kha grachhari said, a peaceful situation is prevailing in his area following the current ceasefire in CHT.

The members of security forces are working round the clock to ensure security of lives and properties of the tribal returnees, he added

A group of Journalists who visited different tribal villages of repatriated families at Panchnari thana found that most of the returnees had started their lives in their own homestead with renewed zeal and aspirations Rita Chakma. 13. a beaming school girl said I am reading in Class Ten In nearby Panchhari Girls High School, and I am happy now "

Her grandmother Jonaki Chakma. 50. said. "I would be

happy to die in my own home.' i Panchanan Chakma of Kar- | baripara who returned in the , first phase of repatriation said.

"I was given all facilities by the | local administration." He re- i gretted that other members of I nis family are still living in , Takuiqbari camp of Tripura.

He also sal J that some of ! the tribal leaders in the camps | were obstructing the refugees' | return.

Chandrasen. a headman of Shukn.^hari Baburapara said, a I large Lumber ol tribal refugees are eager to return home as they are < urreritly living In the camps amid untold sufferings and Inhuman conditions.

Most of the tribal returnees expressed their hope that the protracted problems-of Chit tagong Hill Tracts should come to an end with the Installation I of new government in the country Every one in CHT ex | peels that the new govern 1 ment will make a constructive | approach Io CHT problem for ' an early solution