India to clarify its stance on Bhutanese refugee within 15 days

Officials of Nepal and India have reached three points agreement on the Bhutanese refugees participating on voluntary repatriation campaign.

In the meeting held between the officials of both of the country, India has agreed to release 15 refugees arrested from the demonstration on Tuesday. It also agreed to come up with clear stance of central government of India regarding the movement of Bhutanese refugee within 15 days.

In the talks, Nepali team was led by Chief District Officer of Jhapa, Jaya Mukunda Khanal accompanied by refugee leaders Balaram Paudel and Thinle Penjor among other. Similarly, Police Chief RS Nalba and officials from Darjeeling were present from Indian side.

Bhutanese refugees have been staging sit in on Mechi Bridge. The refugee staged sit in at the boarder as Indian police restricted them while they were trying to inter India to return homeland on Tuesday.

Bhutanese refugees who have been staying in Kathmandu also staged sit in front of Indian embassy protesting Indian atrocity over Bhutanese refugees. More than 10 million of Bhutanese refugees who have launched long march for repatriation have been barred to go ahead by Indian police. One refugee was killed on Tuesday when Indian police opened fire at participants of long march.

Meanwhile, following the talks, Bhutanese refugees on Wednesday called off their Long March for voluntary repatriation.