The only option is repatriation
Now Nepalese Government is making policies about the repatriation of exiled Bhutanese languishing under UNHCR-run camps for the last 16 years in eastern districts. Refugee stalemate has almost become a futile deadlock. This endeavor of the government would gain additional support if it would prove to be in favor of majority of the refugees. The upcoming policy of the Nepalese government should help the doomed Bhutanese individuals to retrieve their lost belongings and self-esteem.
At present, the package of third country resettlement has consoled some of the desperate minds due to long havoc of miserable life in the unimproved camps situation. Ironically, it is a fraudulence played against the Bhutanese nationality. It is disgraceful and argumentative that the UNHCR is making the greatest blunder by advocating the issue of relocation rather than exerting pressure on autocratic regime towards repatriating its genuine citizens.
New generation of these people are willing to back home with no alternatives of rehabilitation. So, it would be a praiseworthy patronage of the UNHCR if it had advocated for the dignified return to the homestead. How fair is it for the UNHCR to advocate on behalf of about 5 percent people who do not want to get repatriated? There will be no history written appreciating the credit of the UNHCR if it goes on with the attempt of extermination of majority for the sake of the minority in the name of permanent and durable solution to the impasse.
Nepalese government publicized its opinion that it would stand on with formal policy of considering the voice of majority. This is only the acceptable agenda to the exiled Bhutanese who are so far framed to give the paramount solution to the crisis. It should not be forgotten that majority of exiled Bhutanese have already launched series of demonstrations against such controversial package.
The Joint Secretary and Chief of National Unit for Coordination of the Bhutanese Refugee Affairs at the Home Ministry Mr. Baman Prasad Neopaney, who arrived to visit the camps, said that repatriation of exiled Bhutanese to their homeland in the dignified manner is the official policy adopted by the Nepal government and it won't take any decisions without knowing the interest and spirit of the people concerned.
Individual interest of exiled Bhutanese is a different thing but what they have been appealing to the Nepalese government is to consider the spirit of the majority before taking any decisions or involve the Bhutanese leadership in the negotiation process. It was Nepal's fault to undergo 15 rounds of bilateral talks ignoring the voices of concerned community. Thereafter exiled Bhutanese were confident, it would reach nowhere. The involvement of their representatives is a must for early solution.
The other anticipating role of the Nepalese government is to mount pressure on the Druk regime to directly arrange talks with the evicted citizens. Indian can play major role in this regard since Indian influences in Bhutan is more than that any others. Nepal would face the multiplied problems if it unilaterally takes any decisions.
Currently, the UNHCR country representative Abraham Abraham is advocating only for resettlement. It is translucently seen that some of the exiled leaders are used to mobilize the innocent people in camps. Despite putting the innocent in problems it is the duty and responsibility of Nepalese government to help bar them from misfortunes and drudgeries.
Some European and American countries have even formed a core group claiming that majority Bhutanese have already applied for relocation. This is disgusting. At present core groups are needed to take the initiatives to pressurize the concerned authorities to speed up the repatriation process.
Nepalese Government has a long hand and significant position to implement and execute what ever in the name of solution comes out. Nepal should turn only with the consent of majority of exiled Bhutanese. Now, it has ample chances to get corrected with its past misconducts. The same figures representing the previous government have given the snap judgment and emotional decisions vainly successful to stop the crisis from continuity.
The time has come to show the spirit of nationalism and patriotism for the Bhutanese people living in Nepal and India. Until today exiled leaders are unsuccessful to escort and lead the political movement in Bhutan. The time is seeking the leadership in new generation. Exile leaders must learn lessons of unity before attempting to launch any programs without any visions. Now, if all the exiled Bhutanese leaders do not come together for movement, the dream of people to go back home becomes the attempt of Sisyphus to roll the big boulder. The present petition shows that all those concerned must join the hand to let the exiled Bhutanese back to home with dignity, honor and compensation. Bhutan News Service