UNHCR urges to refrain from violence (FOLLOW UP)

Kathmandu, August 13: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Kathmandu has shown concern about the violence in Beldangi II camp on Sunday.

In a press statement on Monday, the UNHCR has urged people in camps to refrain from violence and use of force. It has also requested that their grievances and differences are expressed in a peaceful manner.

“Any individual found to be violating the laws of the country will be dealt with accordingly”, the release reads, adding that the UNHCR also urges exiled Bhutanese to demonstrate their civil responsibility and establish an environment of law and order and mutual respect for each other's views and opinions in a democratic manner.

“UNHCR is saddened and also expresses its sympathy for those injured particularly those who have had to be hospitalised and others whose huts were destroyed”, the release further reads.

Meanwhile, the UNHCR has refuted the rumours that it circulated information papers on resettlement.  “UNHCR continues to work closely with the Government of Nepal and any information on resettlement will only be circulated on instruction from the Government and all exiled Bhutanese will be informed of this”, the release reads.

According to the BNS correspondent in Dharan, BP Koirala Memorial Hospital has discharged the Beldangi incident victims on Monday. These victims were referred there for further medical treatment from the AMDA hospital in Damak. 

Those discharged from the hospital includes Parbati Biswa and Manorath Khanal, camp secretary of Beldangi – II and Beldangi – II extension respectively. Bhutan News Service