IOM bus vandalized again
Sanischare/Kathmandu, May 21: An unidentified gang comprising at least 30 men yet again vandalized a bus belonging to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today morning at around 6.40 some two kilometers ahead of Morang-based Sanischare camp.
A source close to the IOM informed the BNS over telephone that the bus was plying to pick-up people in Sanischare camp for their interview process in Damak-based IOM office.
According to the source, the gang that was hiding inside the culvert alongside the road suddenly appeared and smashed the front windows of the bus.
The source further informed the BNS that the driver did not stop the bus despite the gang’s attempt to throw stones at the vehicle. No human casualty is reported yet.
Showing deep concern over the incident that took place at a time when resettlement process is getting accelerated, the source further expressed feelings of ‘sadness’.
When asked if such incidents would disrupt the resettlement process, the source said “Oh, No. This process won’t stop under any circumstances as we have been receiving support from government of Nepal”.
The source further informed that those people from Sanischare camp who were supposed to be interviewed today at the Damak-based IOM office came via private transportation.
“Every refugee comes to the IOM bus voluntarily. I do not understand why other refugees from the same community oppose them”, said the source.
IOM, the organization involved in resettling exiled Bhutanese in third countries, has set up its office in Damak, Jhapa to accelerate the resettlement process.
Earlier on May 5, a masked-gang of at least 9-10 men had vandalized a bus of the IOM at Sanischare road near Khudunabari camp. The gang also manhandled the driver and three of the 15 exiled Bhutanese who were returning to the camp after the completion of their interview for resettlement at the Damak-based IOM office.
Police has not yet booked the perpetrators in connection to both of the incidents though it said necessary investigations were underway. Bhutan News Service/T.P. Mishra