Exiled Bhutanese seek Indian support for repatriation

New Delhi, February 28: A delegation of the exiled Bhutanese led by Rongthong Kunley Dorji, president of Druk National Congress, met with George Fernandes, Member of Parliament and Convener, National Democratic Alliance at latter's residence in New Delhi recently.

Camp secretary of Beldangi II camp Narad Muni Sanyasi, on behalf of the Bhutanese community in exile, submitted separate appeals to Fernandes and through him L. K. Advani, leader of the opposition alliance.

The Bhutanese delegation apprised Fernandes on the latest development on issue of exiled Bhutanese, resettlement offer by western countries and unfolding changes in Bhutan.

The delegation requested him to initiate the dialogue with government of India to facilitate the repatriation of genuine Bhutanese. 

In response, Fernades promised the delegation that he will take up the Bhutanese matter with the government of India.

The delegation also met with Debrata Biswas, MP and General Secretary, Forward Bloc at his office accompanied by Anand Swroop Verma, former president of Bhutan Solidarity and offered the gratitude and happiness for his support to Bhutanese struggle. 

Biswas expressed his unflinching commitment to Bhutanese movement in spite of receiving a request by Bhutan government to abandon. He informed that he will raise the issue of exiled Bhutanese at international fora.

Similarly, the delegation attended the Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society's Executive Committee meeting as special invitees and submitted a letter to the Prime Minister of India through Satya Prakash Malaviya, President of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society.

The delegation informed the gathering that genuine Bhutanese want the repatriation process to proceed at earliest.  

Malaviya assured the delegation that IBFS will support to the best of its capacity. Bhutan News Service