January 30, 2010: Despite being a leading democracy in world, India always remained silent spectator to many of the democratic struggles in its neighbor. Bhutan is one of them, where India not only acted as mere spectator but sided with autocracy to crash democratic fight.
Bhutan Media Society (BMS) called upon leaders from diverse background on Friday in Kathmandu to put up their view on role of India in resolving the issues of exiled Bhutanese, who have spent decades in Nepal and are flying beyond seven seas in search of better days.
Speaking at the interactions, chairman of the Indo Bhutan Friendship Society (IBFS) Prof. Anand Kumar, who is also the chairman of the South Asian Citizens’ Initiative for Democracy, said his organization is set to launch various activities that would pressure on Bhutan for repatriation of exiled Bhutanese who wish to go back.
He said, the peaceful means are the only best measures for securing rights and democracy. “IBFS will dedicate the year 2010 for democratic struggle in Bhutan and rightful repatriation of those who wish to go back,” he added.
Leader of UCPN (Maoist) C. P. Gajurel however, said the only option for oppressed Bhutanese to get justice is to take up arms. “For years, you waited for peaceful means to get justice but ultimately it was resettlement that you were offered against your interest to go back.”
He added, since the issue is of political nature, seeking solution on humanitarian ground would not give a justifiable solution of the crisis.
He expressed his party’s readiness to extend any form of solidarity and support for struggle inside Bhutan.
Bhutanese human rights leader Tek Nath Rizal said he is optimistic of positive roles from India in resolving the issues. He said, pressure on Bhutan to liberalize the politics, withdrawal of travel restriction clamped on Rongthong Kuenley Dorji are some of the latest hints that India has given in favor of oppressed Bhutanese citizens. “The process should continue to new heights,” he added.
Chairman of Bhutan People’s Party Balaram Poudel urged the government of Nepal to clarify its stand on bilateral issue. “Unless Nepal withdraws from bilateral process, India will not engaged in this process,” he said.
Other Bhutanese leader R. P. Subba said even after two decades, India’s attitude on the Bhutanese movement remains cold and questionable.
He added, “If India continues to nurse its own agenda of coaxing the King, she may lose her own credibility in the international arena. The Bhutanese haven taken stories of Indian paranoia to every country of settlement. India should clearly stay away from an active involvement in cooking a solution to the Bhutanese problem.”
In a statement issued by Druk National Congress on the occasion said the party wants the process of repatriation start alongside resettlement process. The party said, since there are some thousands of exiled Bhutanese willing to get repatriated, the process must start at the earliest possible.
Does dissident ever question themselves about their utility to Indian interest?
India will support whoever ensures their interest. As of now, King of Bhutan does this job excellent.
So i urge dissident leaders to think this hard before heaving criticism to India.
Let the people go to the west, learn what it means by nationalism and nationality, earn some wealth and health after many years of loss in the camp. Let individuals decide for their future, and not by those so-called leaders who try so hard to retain people in the camp to keep their leadership status alive.
People, listen to your own heart not to the heart of others who is heartless. I call them heartless because they only think for themselves
I respect the statement of Mr.Gajurel.But who will takeup arms ? So called *Khowist* Maoist of Bhutan HAD taken the life of freedom fighter Late Budathoki for their personal interest.Almost all the Khowsist had filled up the form for third country resettlement and core leader are already out. What ever India is observing is a deplomatic stand.It is the people of Bhutan who decide the future of Bhutan not the ….. People who are in camp and wants to repartate are the real people to whom Bhutanese govt.had done blunder.Now Bhutan should take back those who sacrificed the future of their family’s and ready to face challanges ahead in the camp.It can be these people who can take up arms it they are frusted. Rest THIRD country wallas are the one who hepled Bhutan’s claim of ……?
It would be blunder for the people who insist on repatriation. You respect Mr. Gajurel’s statement because you don’t respect human lives. Show me one good example of what Maoists in Nepal achieved other than killing more than 13,000 people! That’s a pretty big number of human loss, right? Didn’t they promised Nepalese people of political stability? Didn’t they promised refugee youths of repatriation once they come to power when they recruited refugee youths to their mission? Where are those promises? Now they are bent on reviving their “killing mission”, and those who believe and respect Maoists are insane.
I want to reply to Bhumiputra. He should know that Budathoki was killed by his own party BPP/YOB disgruntled elements. Do not blame others without knowing the truth. Can you tell me why BPP did not ask Nepali government to go after Ram Chandra Suedi, the real murderer who is absconding till date? I do not think he is the Bin Lhaden that you can not catch. He is living in India and CAN be arrested any time but BPP leader like Balaram AND jAGIRMAN DO NOT WANT HIS ARREST. In fact some BPP neta helped them abscond to India. So just do not pass your judgement but try to find out the facts. If you are too concerned with Budathoki murder write to Nepali government to arrest Ram Chandra and he will tell you who is the mastermind?