NFD, HUROB appeal Dr Singh ahead of his visit to Thimphu

Kathmandu, May 16: National Front for Democracy (NFD) and Human Rights Organization of Bhutan (HUROB) have asked Indian prime minister Dr Man Mohan Singh to raise the issue of exiled Bhutanese during his visit to Bhutan.

In separate memos sent to Dr Singh, they said India&#039s help would certainly bring changes in Bhutan beneficial to all its citizens.

&quotThough the process of democratization is a welcoming step of the Monarch, the initiative has adversely failed to address the grievances of the diverse population of Bhutan. We have thus become the victims of the royal chauvinistic policies,&quot NFD said.

It further said, &quotBhutan has often being influenced by neighboring disgruntles having the experience of being a safe haven in the recent past. This experience gives an advantage of further threat of developing an ideal hub for such elements. It is, therefore, timely to give a pragmatic approach by India towards resolving the problems which is inevitable in the overall interest of peace, stability and harmonious co-existence,&quot hinting at possible uprising of armed groups.

HUROB expressed hope that besides other important issues, the issue of exiled Bhutanese will also emerge during the talks with Bhutanese rulers as it is manifesting to unprecedented consequences of bomb blasts in Bhutan by the frustrated exiled Bhutanese youths and if continued will not only affect Bhutan but India as well as being neighbor.

It further said the currently ongoing resettlement program will not give permanent solution of the crisis which Bhutan government is hopeful of and instead it will aggravate the situation in the long run as exiled Bhutanese become more equipped with money and international awareness and supports.

PM Singh is reached Thimphu on two-day visit to Bhutan on Friday. He is scheduled to address the joint sitting of the parliament Saturday. Bhutan News Service