A rights groups criticises Bhutan govt for action against minorities

A report by a rights group has criticised the Druk regime in Bhutan for a spate of crackdown and arrest of minorities.

Issuing a statement on Monday, Human Rights Organisation of Bhutan (HUROB) has said that "if the crackdown by the Bhutanese government against its own citizens continues then it will cause another exodus of the people from the country for safety and security of their life and of their families."

"Therefore, we request all to raise the issue with the Royal Government of Bhutan without delay to stop arresting people on doubts of being affiliated to a political party and belief in particular ideology. So that people live and enjoy peace without fear and trepidation and another phase of human misery is not created," HUROB said in the statement signed by its chairman S.B Subba.

It also said the Royal Bhutan Police is arresting mainly Nepali speaking locals in the district of Samchi by charging them of being activists of the Communist Party of Bhutan-Marxist, Leninist and Maoist (CPB-MLM) and making them disappear.

According to HUROB, the condition and whereabouts of one Lal Bahadur Chettri of Katarey village in Samchi district is still not known even after a year of his arrest by the Royal Bhutan Police on allegation of being CPB-MLM member. Soon after that his son Devi Bahadur Chettri was also arrested without any reason and is being kept in Samchi jail.

HUROB said it is very concerned of the safety and security of the two prisoners.

"As in the past, the prisoners might be facing inhuman tortures and cruel treatments," the human rights organisation said adding that prisoners are always kept incommunicado till they are convicted in Bhutan, barring them of a fair trial. nepalnews.com ag Feb 26 08