BIRATNAGAR, NOV 09 - Leading Bhutanese human rights activist Tek Nath Rizal today dismissed the blame against India that it is responsible for the Bhutanese refugee impasse, acknowledging India’s help as necessary to resolve more than a decade long refugee problem.
"Many think India is behind the delay of the repatriation of the Bhutanese refugees but this is not true," Rizal said. "India has not interfered in the refugee problem but its help is very necessary to resolve the problem," he added.
We are not in a position to blame India and any other country for the delay in the repatriation of the refugees since we do not want them stop extending goodwill supports to solve the problem, he said. He was speaking at a programme organised by the Elite Club, a forum of Biratnagar-based intellectuals, here today to welcome him.
"The Bhutanese king and his army are responsible for the refugee impasse," he said.
Urging Nepal and India to help internationalise the problem, he pleaded the international community to ensure the safety of the refugees after their repatriation.
Rizal expressed his dissatisfaction over Nepal government’s treatment to him. "I had come to share my plight to the Nepal government but it is not willing to cooperate," he said.Posted on: 2003-11-08 08:27

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