First book on Bhutanese media released
Kathmandu, March 31, 2009: Nepalese Minister for Information and Communication Krishna Bahadur Mahara has assured to provide recognition to Bhutanese journalists in exile who have been publishing newspapers, running radio programme and online.
Addressing a function to release the first book on Bhutanese media ‘Becoming a journalist in exile’ written by T. P. Mishra, editor of Bhutan News Service and APFAnews.com, in Kathmandu Today, Nepalese minister Mahara said government is ready to extend all possible support to refugee journalists despite legal hurdles.
He reiterated Nepalese government’s stand for rightful repatriation of exile Bhutanese though the option for resettlement has been opened without ensuring their repatriation.
Senior journalist of Nepal Dhruva Hari Adhikari in his book review said it has all those components needed for a cob and a senior journalist, besides explaining the current media situation in Bhutan and hurdles the Bhutanese journalists in exile have been facing.
Human rights leader Tek Nath Rizal, congratulating Mishra for such weighty publication, urged the Nepalese government to take initiation for ensuring that three options – repatriation, assimilation and resettlement – go together. He also criticised Nepal government for approving the credentials of Bhutanese envoys such as Nado Rinchen, Dago Tshering and V Namgyal who were directly involved in evicting ethnic Nepalis from southern Bhutan.
Another senior journalist Yubaraj Ghimire appreciated the initiation taken by Mishra to inform the world about continuing worse situation of media freedom in Bhutan.
Chairman of Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) Subodh Pyakurel drew attention of the Nepalese government to look into problems being faced by Bhutanese journalists.
Hem Bahadur Bista, executive director of Nepal FM radio, where Mishra had worked in the past, and country representative of the PANOS South Asia Kishor Pradhan expressed their readiness to help promote media among Bhutanese refugee community.
The book was release simultaneously in Nepal and worldwide through internet today. The readers from across the globe can order the book through payment of US$25 through Pay Pal from the link at APFAnews.com. The revenue generated from the book will go for support of the Bhutanese media in exile.