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LETTERS |
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LETTERS |
The Only Hope The cover story "Remitting The
Hope" (SPOTLIGHT July 11) clearly pointed how significant the contribution of
overseas remittance has become to our national economy. Arguably, the remittance is most
vibrant sector of the countryís economy at present. Despite the statements to the
contrary by some experts, I strongly feel that remittance, like any other sectors of
economy, can also become long term and sustainable means of income-generation. By
diversifying our overseas labor market and skills of our manpower, we can expect the
remittances to grow in quantity as well as quality in the days ahead. Shridhar Bista Concern Over JVT Report I appreciated your comprehensive coverage
of the June 18 release of the Nepal-Bhutan Joint Verification Team's report regarding the
Khundunabari Camp refugees. Along with many human rights groups and international
organizations, the U.S. Government is deeply concerned about the report's inconsistencies.
In some cases, for example, parents have been categorized as non-Bhutanese and
therefore not eligible to return to Bhutan, whereas their children have been categorized
as Bhutanese and eligible to return and reapply for Bhutanese citizenship. For a
refugee to appeal the JVT's decision, furthermore, he/she must provide new documentation
or information. However, Khudunabari Camp residents had already provided the JVT all
available documentation to support their claim to Bhutanese citizenship. Moreover, the
appeals are submitted to the same adjudication body that made the original determination -
a body not likely to reverse its own decisions. Consequently, I fear that few appeals will
be approved. I urge both His Majesty's Government and the Royal Government of Bhutan
to reexamine the report's conclusions and review, as well as make more transparent, the
empirical basis for categorization. The U.S. Government is concerned also about the
absence of guarantees provided to Bhutanese refugees returning to their homeland.
Over 70 percent of Khudunabari Camp residents in Category II must wait at least two years
after re-applying for Bhutanese citizenship without any guarantees of approval or of
access to social services. Although the Royal Government of Bhutan has said that
returnees will be provided employment, it is unclear if returnees will be able to choose
their employment or whether that employment will be in their original home area or
elsewhere in the country. With so many uncertainties facing the refugees' future in
Bhutan, I fear that many will be hesitant to return. I strongly believe that UNHCR
is uniquely qualified to assist in the verification and repatriation of the refugees.
The UNHCR is widely recognized by the international community as having the
expertise needed to ensure that the repatriation and reintegration process to Bhutan is
conducted in a just and humane manner in accordance with internationally accepted
standards. The U.S. Government is eager to assist, through the UNHCR, the refugees' return
and reintegration in Bhutan, which will be a lengthy and costly process. The current
conditions of return, we believe, are unlikely to foster sustainable reintegration of the
refugees back into Bhutanese society. I urge His Majesty's Government and the Royal
Government of Bhutan to work with the UNHCR on a durable solution to the Bhutanese refugee
problem. Michael E. Malinowski Enough Is Enough Our Nepal, perhaps the most beautiful and
peaceful country, in the world, has now become a center of grave crimes, corruption, loot,
indiscipline and above all insecurity. The birth of these evils commenced truly with the
advent of the so-called multi-party system in B.S. 2046 and which has now promoted the
situation to this alarmingly dangerous level. It is now high time for His Majestyís
Government to stop playing chess and to take strong measures to control further
deterioration of the situation to protect our sovereignty, independence and image. Enough
Is Enough. It is, therefore, necessary, without delay, to impose Martial Law
Administration not only to control the situation but also to pave way for peace,
prosperity and all round development. Amen! Regarding your story on politics (SPOTLIGHT
July 11), I must say that all that glitters is not gold. Girija Prasad Koirala is
certainly not a grand old man as you said. He is only a dirty old man, utterly useless
which is already known internationally. Mrigendramani Dixit Full Of Ironies The article "Politics of Paradox"
(SPOTLIGHT June 27) amply demonstrated the prevalence of ironies and paradoxes in our
political circle. Our leaders have proved beyond a ray of doubt that Politics indeed makes
strange bedfellows possible. It is interesting to note how the article attempts to draw
the parallel between political paradoxes with traditional and cultural paradoxes of
Nepalese society. Though one cannot attest to or rebuff this argument out of hand, experts
need to debate this issue so that we can better understand the environment in which we
live. Krishna Thapaliya |
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editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
