Former king urged to expedite repatriation (In Exile)

Kathmandu, November 24: Bhutanese human rights leader Tek Nath Rizal has urged the former king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk to opt for immediate measures to expedite the dignified return-home process for exiled people.

In an appeal recently sent to the former king, Rizal expressed words of happiness and extended congratulation to him for handing over the crown to his son, Jigme Khesar. "But we are deeply sad for the completion of your tenure", reads the appeal.

"When viewed from external point, Bhutan seems like a developed country with high literacy rate but it is clear that Bhutanese people are still under suppression–they are crying", reads the appeal, adding- "The international communities have already proved that exiled people in Nepal are genuine citizens from Bhutan." Rizal further argued that the responsibility for greeting such a situation inside the country should be owned-up by the former king, as was head of the state during the period.

Rizal also pointed out the failure of former king in furnishing appropriate solution to suggestions and appeals by exiled political parties and human rights groups including various international organizations at different times.

"It was necessary on your part to study such appeals; books related to suggestions and alike other means of appeals and decide what was wrong and right", reads the appeal, adding- "We were hopeful that we would be compensated during your reign thereby getting united under your guardianship."

Leader Rizal said the issue would further get complicated following Jigme Singye's abdication of the throne. Rizal further expressed hopes that the former king would immediately make exiled people return home in a dignified way. Bhutan News Service