Bru (Reang) People of Mizoram

The Bru, also known as Reang in some contexts, are one of the indigenous tribal communities primarily residing in the northeastern states of India, particularly Mizoram and Tripura. They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India. The community has faced significant challenges, including displacement and statelessness, especially impacting their presence and status in Mizoram.

History and Context

The Bru people are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman origin. Traditionally, they practiced jhum (shifting) cultivation and gathered forest produce. Historically, the Bru have lived in forest areas across what is now Mizoram, Tripura, and parts of Assam. In Mizoram, the Bru were once concentrated in areas like Mamit, Kolasib, and Lunglei districts.

A significant period in the Bru's modern history began in 1997 when ethnic tensions and violence erupted in Mizoram. This led to a large-scale exodus of Bru families from Mizoram to relief camps in Tripura. Over subsequent decades, efforts to repatriate and resettle these displaced Bru families were undertaken, often fraught with difficulties and delays. The issue of their identity and place within Mizoram has been a complex and sensitive subject, involving state governments of Mizoram and Tripura, the central government of India, and Bru community organizations.

After years of negotiations and several failed repatriation attempts, a quadripartite agreement was signed in January 2020 between the Bru organizations, the governments of Mizoram and Tripura, and the Government of India. This landmark agreement aimed to permanently settle the majority of the displaced Bru families in Tripura itself, providing them with land, financial assistance, and other benefits, rather than attempting further repatriation to Mizoram. However, a significant number of Bru remained in Mizoram, and their integration continues to be a subject of socio-political discourse within the state.

Culture and Traditions

The Bru community has a rich cultural heritage, expressed through their language, music, dance, and festivals. The Bru language, known as Kaubru or Reang, belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. Their traditional houses are typically made of bamboo and thatch.

Music and dance play a vital role in Bru social life. The 'Buisu' festival, celebrated to mark the harvest season, is one of their most important cultural events. During Buisu, Bru men and women perform traditional dances, accompanied by indigenous musical instruments like the khum (drum) and sarinda (a stringed instrument). Their attire during festivals often features vibrant weaves and traditional ornaments. Animal husbandry, hunting, and fishing also formed part of their traditional livelihood, alongside jhum cultivation.

Their society is traditionally governed by a council of elders, with customary laws dictating social norms and dispute resolution. While Christianity has made inroads, many Bru still adhere to their traditional beliefs, which often involve animism and the worship of natural spirits, alongside Hinduism in some parts.

Ecological Significance and Resettlement Impact

Historically, the Bru's reliance on jhum cultivation and forest resources linked them closely to the ecological landscape of Mizoram and Tripura. Their traditional knowledge of local flora and fauna is extensive. The mass displacement and subsequent resettlement, particularly the move towards sedentarization in Tripura, have brought about significant changes in their lifestyle and traditional practices. This shift impacts traditional ecological knowledge and resource management practices.

The resettlement package, while providing much-needed stability, also presents new challenges related to integration into a different socio-economic and ecological environment. Preserving their cultural identity and traditional practices amidst these changes is a key focus for community leaders and NGOs working with the Bru.

Visiting and Ethical Considerations

Visiting Bru settlements, especially in Mizoram, is not generally part of mainstream tourism routes due to the sensitive nature of their recent history and their often remote locations. Most interactions would be contingent on specific research or community engagement projects. In Tripura, where many have been resettled, there might be more opportunities, but always with respect and sensitivity to their experiences. Engagement should prioritize community benefit and cultural preservation. Permits may be required for certain areas within Northeast India.