Sources said that anti-repatriation leaders like A Sawibung and Bruno Msha of the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF) opposed the repatriation unless and until a four-cornered negotiation is held between the MBDPF, the Centre and the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura to sign a memorandum of understanding incorporating a series of their demands.
Pro-repatriation leaders like Elvis Chorkhy of the Bru Coordination Committee (BCC) and Vanlallawma and Lalnunsiama of the Repatriation Implementation Committee (RIC) have expressed support to government plans to repatriate the refugees lodged in six relief camps.
They said that elaborate security arrangements be made to ensure smooth return of the refugees in view of the road blockade threats by anti-repatriation elements.
Zothankhuma, deputy commissioner of Mizoram-Tripura border Mamit district, who presided over the consultation said that the state government has been making all necessary arrangements for the repatriation and he would again consult the higher authority in Aizawl before taking any further steps.