Exiled Bhutanese begin sit-in

Kathmandu, June 2: More then three dozen exile Bhutanese have begun an indefinite sit-in protest in front of the United Nation (UN) office in Pulchowk, Lalitpur seeking attention of UN and international community towards the refugee crisis from June 2.

The protest led by Bhutanese Refugee Repatriation Representative Committee (BRRRC) demanded UN's intervention to find solution of the long standing Bhutanese imbroglio. They have also asked the Nepal government to give up with the bilateral talks with Bhutan. 'We don’t want to be refugees forever' reads a placard. Claiming India's involvement necessary in the process, the protestors have sought the UN not to stop aid to refugees until durable solution is found out.

According to the organizers, 40 participants including at least eight women have come to Kathmandu on Wednesday representing six different camps of Jhapa and Morang districts. This number comprise 12 from Beldangi-II, eight each from Khudunabari and Sanischare, six from Beldangi-II extension, four from Timai and two from Beldangi-I. Bhutanese youths and students staying in Kathmandu have also extended their support, solidarity and active physical participation.

The sit-in protest is a continuation of relay hunger strike being organised in Beldangi-II and Khudunabari camps since last six months.

Similar type of sit-in protest was staged some few months back in Kathmandu demanding to expedite the repatriation process of exile Bhutanese. Bhutan News Service/ Desvakta Mishra