Leaders indifferent, people confused (Survey) (Exclusive)
Kathmandu, July 24: More then five dozen exiled Bhutanese have been organizing sit-in program in front of the UN House in Lalitpur since June 2. A back-up sit-in has also been staged at the SAARC secretariat.
However, people back in camps are confused with the mission and future strategy of the programme. Nine sector heads from Beldangi-II camp and the Deputy Camp Secretary of the camp have come to Kathmandu to evaluate the strength and possible outcomes of the programme on July 18. Before leaving for Beldangi, they talked to the Bhutan News Service on variety of issues. Excerpts:
Parbati Biswa
Deputy Camp Secretary, Beldangi- II
I saw the programme and am confident that the movement is going in the right track. However, there is no unity among the leaders in exile. But, I saw no fruitful results from this programme yet from this program.
D. B. Monger
Sector head, sector 'C'
I knew that President of Bhutan People's Party Balaram Poudel is the one to make plans and strategy of the sit-in program. Now he is in Birtamode. There is no unity among the Bhutanese leaders. I saw seen no possibility of repatriation till leaders remain divided. Now I'm sad because donation by the public has gone to vain.
Nanda Lal Dhakal
Sector head, sector 'D'
I knew that the steering of movement is turning to wrong direction. This is all because of ideological differences among seven camp secretaries. However, I can say this movement will be able to hit the target. Leaders are trying get into unity.
Tara Nidhi Phuyel
Sector head, sector 'E'
I knew that Tek Nath Rizal has no vision. There are no strong strategies for movement. Everything is done is hitting around the bush. There should be massive changes in the movement strategies to make it successful. It has clearly been noted that Bhutanese Movement Steering Committee is trying to sideline/isolate Rizal. What I heard in the camps is correct; the movement has not taken any step into progressive phase. It is lazing where it was. If it continues the same way, there are no reasons to be optimistic for repatriation. Everybody should clearly understand all Bhutanese in camps are not in a position to support the movement. The sentiments of the young generation should also be respected for its success.
Bel Bahadur Bhattarai
Sector head, sector 'F'
I saw no satisfactory participation in the program. I still find differences within participants and the leaders. The movement is leaving its track. Youth feeling have not been considered. The lack of unity hinders the programme. Tek Nath Rizal is committed, he has already told people in camps he will take refugees back to their home and make the Bhutanese king surrender; I believe he would do that.
Purna Monger
Sector head, sector 'G'
I could understand nothing. I cannot exactly say whether it is in right or wrong direction. The situation very vague.
Ash Bahadur Tamang
Sector head, sector 'H'
This movement will make a success but we must extend strong support and solidarity. I knew that BMSC itself is inactive and it does not allow others to work freely. People in camps should activate it.
Prem Kharka
Sector head, sector 'I'
I found improvement in sit-in program. Different people are given separate responsibilities to maintain and manage in a well manner. On the other side, I could not see any reliable point that the movement would reach a success if it continued in the same manner. Bhutan News Service