Daily Current Affairs : 31-October-2023

The Bru community, also known as Reang, is an indigenous group residing in the Northeast region of India, primarily in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam. Recently, a significant development took place where the Bru refugees, for the first time, will not participate in elections in Mizoram due to their permanent settlement in Tripura under a centrally sponsored rehabilitation arrangement. This milestone has far-reaching implications, especially in the context of vulnerable sections of society.

Bru Community Overview
  • Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG): In Tripura, the Bru community is officially recognized as a PVTG, highlighting their vulnerable status.
  • Ethnic and Linguistic Characteristics:
    • Ethnic Background: The Bru people belong to the Indo-Mongoloid racial stock.
    • Linguistic Affinity: Their language, “Kaubru,” has affinities with the Austro-Asiatic groups within the Tibeto-Burman family.
    • Ethnical Division: The community is divided into two major clans, Meska and Molsoi.
Occupation and Lifestyle
  • Nomadic Lifestyle:
    • Many Bru community members lead a nomadic way of life, engaging in activities like Hilltop Jhum Cultivation and food gathering for their livelihood.
Beliefs and Traditions
  • Spiritual Beliefs:
    • The Bru people have deep-rooted beliefs in spirits and the existence of the soul.
  • Religious Affiliation:
    • They follow Hinduism, with their deities sharing similarities with gods and goddesses from the Hindu faith.
  • Marital and Traditional Practices:
    • Endogamous Tradition: The community practices endogamy, preferring to marry within their own community.
    • Village Council Role: The village council chief, known as “RAI,” plays a crucial role in permitting divorce and widow marriage, following their traditional customs.
Relevance in Governance

The settlement of Bru refugees in Tripura and their exclusion from Mizoram elections underscore the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable sections, a crucial aspect of Governance (GS II). By providing permanent settlement, the government aims to empower the Bru community and promote their socio-economic development.

Important Points:

Bru Community Overview

  • Indigenous to Northeast India, primarily in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam.
  • Officially recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tripura.
  • Indo-Mongoloid ethnic background with linguistic affinity to Austro-Asiatic groups.
  • Divided into two major clans, Meska and Molsoi.

Occupation and Lifestyle

  • Many lead a nomadic lifestyle, engaging in activities like Hilltop Jhum Cultivation for livelihood.

Beliefs and Traditions

  • Deep-rooted spiritual beliefs in spirits and the existence of the soul.
  • Follow Hinduism, with deities sharing similarities with Hindu gods and goddesses.
  • Practice endogamy and have village council chiefs (RAI) permitting divorce and widow marriage.

Relevance in Governance

  • The Bru refugees’ permanent settlement in Tripura signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable sections (GS II).
  • Empowers the Bru community and promotes their socio-economic development.
Why In News

For the first time, Bru refugees will not participate in elections in Mizoram as they were given permanent settlement in Tripura under a centrally sponsored rehabilitation arrangement. This significant development marks a crucial step towards providing stability and a better future for the Bru community, ensuring their integration and well-being in their new home state.

MCQs about Empowering the Bru Community

  1. What is the Bru community officially recognized as in Tripura?
    A. Indigenous Tribe
    B. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
    C. Nomadic Community
    D. Tribal Heritage Society
    Correct Answer: B. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
    Explanation: The Bru community is officially recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tripura, indicating their vulnerable status and the need for special attention from the government.
  2. Which language do the Bru people speak?
    A. Kok-Borok
    B. Kuki
    C. Kaubru
    D. Austro-Asiatic
    Correct Answer: C. Kaubru
    Explanation: The Bru people speak a language called “Kaubru,” which exhibits a tonal influence on the Kuki language but is broadly related to the Kok-Borok dialect.
  3. What role does the village council chief (“RAI”) play in the Bru community?
    A. Collecting Taxes
    B. Permitting Divorce and Widow Marriage
    C. Religious Ceremonies
    D. Agricultural Planning
    Correct Answer: B. Permitting Divorce and Widow Marriage
    Explanation: The village council chief, known as “RAI,” has the authority to permit divorce and widow marriage, following their traditional customs within the Bru community.
  4. Why did the Bru refugees not participate in elections in Mizoram?
    A. They lost interest in politics
    B. They were granted permanent settlement in Tripura
    C. Mizoram government banned their participation
    D. They were not eligible to vote
    Correct Answer: B. They were granted permanent settlement in Tripura
    Explanation: The Bru refugees did not participate in elections in Mizoram because they were given permanent settlement in Tripura under a centrally sponsored rehabilitation arrangement.

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