'Diplomatic march' for democracy in Bhutan

National Front For Democracy (NFD), Bhutan has decided to take out what it calls a ‘diplomatic march’ from regional and international agencies and missions based in New Delhi and Kathmandu for the respectful repatriation of Bhutanese refugees and establishment of democracy in Bhutan, Kantipur Daily reports.

NFD, which has been struggling for the rights of Bhutanese refugees and establishment of democracy in Bhutan, reached this decision in the meeting that was held in Kakadvitta Sunday. However, it has been a month and a half that the ‘long march’ campaign, spearheaded by the NFD, for the voluntary return of Bhutanese refugees to their home country from Mechi bridge remains suspended. The campaign had turned violent after Indian security forces intervened, leaving one refugee dead and dozens with serious injuries.

In between this time, NFD leaders went to United States mission in Kathmandu and had requested for their help and support in their campaign. The NFD leaders even went to New Delhi and Calcutta to garner support from the powerful Indian leaders for their cause. Likewise, the refugee leaders went to European Union headquarters in Brussels, Belgium to request EU leaders to show their solidarity to their movement.

NFD chairman Thinle Penjor said they would attempt to garner support by way of campaigning and lobbying through South Asian, South East Asian and international missions based in Kathmandu and New Delhi. Penjor even expressed hope that the ‘diplomatic march” that would be started jointly in Nepal, Bhutan and India would be very successful. nepalnews.com ag July 16 07

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