BNC urges crown prince to address exile issue

Siliguri, September 21: Bhutan National Congress sent an appeal to the crown prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal urging him to find an early solution of the stalled problem of the exiled Bhutanese.

The crown prince is to succeed his father in 2008 when the first parliamentary democratic elections are held.

The party had put forward 12-point demands including a proposal to king to become president of the country for nation's security. Other demands include dividing Bhutan into four administrative divisions, recognise Nepali language in the same manner as recognition is given to English. The party further demanded for establishment of civilian judiciary and repatriation of exiled Bhutanese to their homeland with respect and honour at the earliest possible.

This is the first petition sent to the crown prince urging him to look into political reforms. Bhutan News Service