Bhutanese delegates in Peoples’ SAARC

Colombo (Srilanka), July 23: A three-member Bhutanese delegation led by Mohan Tamang, convener of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society attended Peoples' SAARC in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 16 to July.

The people of south Asian countries represent ting different cross-sections converged in huge number to press their demands for greater freedom, democracy and good governance, food sovereignty, gender rights, peace and justice.
 
Addressing the meet, Tamang stressed on the freedom of people and inclusive democracy in Bhutan. He reiterated that India has geographical compulsion to intervene in resolving the prolonged impasse.

“The Bhutan must accommodate the voice of 20% of the people if she wants to enter into the club of democracies” said he adding “Democracy is not a private property that king has to grant to the people and the sustained democracy has to develop within and from bottom up'.
 
So far as resettlement is concerned, he called upon international communities and the host countries to respect rights of exiled Bhutanese to return and simultaneously press Bhutan to repatriate those who want to return. 

Tamang appealed the Bhutanese overseas to maintain their identity and keep their struggle immaterial wherever they stay.
 
Likewise, Radha Adhikari of Institute of Gender and Legal Equality stressed on the gender violence and continued denial of rights to women in Bhutan.

She also suggested Bhutanese leaders to include women representatives in all decision making processes.
 
The program has garnered significant solidarity and interest in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Bhutan.

On behalf of the Bhutanese delegates Tamang thanked the host organizer and representatives from all other participating countries l for their continuous support to raise Bhutanese apathy.

The Peoples SAARC is s regular annual event organized by the people of South Asian countries to voice peoples' concern just prior to official SAARC. Nira Giri/Bhutan News Service