One abducted in Beldangi

November 15, 2009: The continuation of violence that triggered the camps since resettlement process began seems not ending in the immediate future. The major cause of violence has been the differences among those supporting resettlements and those opposing it.

In the latest incident, unidentified people kidnapped a young woman from Beldangi II camp on Saturday evening. Krishna Maya Gurung of Beldangi Sector A, Hut No. 216 was kidnapped by unknown group, Armed Police Force in Beldangi confirmed.

Gurung, 20, had very recently divorced her husband, a Nepalese national, seeing less possibility of being resettled when married to non-Bhutanese. She had already filed her application for resettlement at the field office of the UNHCR.

Police quoted eyewitnesses saying that the kidnappers had dragged her up to Mawa River that separates Jhapa and Morang districts. Police further said, it is not known where she has been taken to. Police said investigation on Gurung’s whereabouts is underway.

Only a few days back, a woman was found dead in Goldhap camp, to which police suspected she was gang-raped and subsequently killed.

Amidst increasing violence, APF had announced stronger security measures in the camps. However, the police failed to provide enough security in the porous camps. The security is strict only in main entrance while other sides remain neglected.

The reason behind Gurung’s kidnapping is unknown. Family said there haven’t been any hints of abduction before.