Justin inaugurates the formal start of creative classes (Picture : Tilak Niraula)

Speaking at an inaugural program held in Beldangi-II on Saturday, General Executive of the Network, Mona Rath Pokhrel, said that the creative classes included vocal, guitar and dance classes for interested youths.

Jash Justin of the charity formally inaugurated the program by lighting a candle today.

According to Pokhrel, two separate centers from Beldangi and Sanischare camps will give creative classes free of costs to interested youths.

The Network has already hired some resource persons for effective operation of creative classes.

Even local youths from the host community will be participated during the classes, according to Pokhrel.

“This types of project is important and necessary for the youth in camps”, public said.

Dozens of her fans were shocked to watch the last 7-minute long video post  in the Facebook before she hanged herself early this morning.

Betrayed by her boyfriend, which is well understood from the video she posted, she had breathed her last before her family members came into notice today, it is learnt.

Her brother Chhatra Thapa, the only family member yet to be resettled from Beldangi-II refugee camp, described her sister as a very wonderful, friendly, hardworking and smart girl.

“The investigation into the suicide is underway in Australia. However, the cause must be a broken-heart that she developed when her boyfriend betrayed her,” he told Bhutan News Service.

The family has not revealed details of Hari’s boyfriend stating the investigation into the case was underway in Australia.

However, some of her friends, who have known about their longtime affair, claimed that she was leading a miserable life after she discovered that the boy was formally engaged with another girl in the U.S.

Any visitors to her Facebook walls could figure out that she was trapped between agony and tragedy for quite a longtime, teaching parents and guardians a lesson to constantly monitor contents posted by juniors in social media for saving irreparable loss of human life.

courtesy: bhutannewsservice.com

माथिका हरफ नाटक बेरङ रङहरुको एउटा अंश हो। झापाको दमकमा रहेर पछिल्लो डेढ दशक देखि विभिन्न नाटकहरु प्रदर्शन गरिरहने गन्तव्य थिएटरले आफ्नो नयाँ प्रस्तुती नाटक बेरङ रङहरु दमकमा पुस्तकालय स्थापना सहयोगार्थ यहि फाल्गुन 28 र 29 गते प्रदर्शन गर्ने भएको छ। यस अघि दार्जेलिङ, भोजपूर र इलाममा राम्रो प्रतिक्रिया पाएको नाटक बेरङ रङहरु दमकमा इ–पुस्तकालय स्थापनार्थ प्रदर्शन हुने भएको हो। यो नाटक दर्जेलिङमा भोलियन्टर युथ एक्सन (भिवाइए) संस्थाले सामाजिक कामका लागि सहयोगार्थ र भोजपुरमा गजल प्रतिष्ठाज भोजपुरले साहित्यीक महोत्सव सहयोगार्थ मञ्चन गरिसकेको छ।
जाती, धर्म, सम्प्रदाय तथा अन्य कुरा भन्दा पनि पहिलो कुरा भनेको मानवता नै हो, भन्ने सन्देश बोकेको नाटक दमकमा मात्र नभएर निकट भविष्यमा नै काठमा48डौँ, भुटानी शरणर्थी शिविर र भारतको सिक्किम साथै सिलगुढीमा पनि प्रदर्शन हुने कुरा नाटकका व्यवस्थापक सुर्य लिम्बूले बताउनुभयो। साथमा उहाँ भन्नु हुन्छ, “दर्शकले अत्यान्तै माग गरेको र दमकमा सिर्जनशिल युवाहरुले इ–पुस्तकालयको बिचार उठाइरहेको बेला यो नाटक प्रदर्शन गर्न लागेका हौँ।” परिकल्पना तथा निर्देशक प्रकाश आङ्देम्वे भन्नुहुन्छ, “सिर्जनशिलल युवाहरुको राम्रो अभियानमा यो नाटक हाम्रो सहयोग हो।” साथमा उहाँ थप्नुहुन्छ, अहिले विश्वमा नाटक लेखिदैन नाटक खेलिन्छ, प्रयोग हुन्छ। त्यस्तै कम संवाद रहेको यो नाटकमा पनि हामीले सकेसम्म म्युजिक र लाइटको राम्रो प्रयोग गरेका छौँ। यस नाटक हामीले सिच्वेसन क्रिएट गर्दै त्यसलाई अभिनय गरेका छौँ, भन्नुहुन्छ नाटकका कलाकार भुटानी शरणार्थी दिलन समाल। पुर्णतः प्रयोगमा रहेको नाटकका कलाकारहरु मध्ये ४ जना भुटानी शरणार्थी शिविरबाट रहेका छन।
दमक क्षेत्रमा पुस्तकालय निर्माणका कुरा यस अघि पनि बारम्बार रुपमा अगाडी बढिरहेको तर कार्यन्वयन नभइरहेको अवस्थामा दमकका युवाहरुले पढ्ने घर नाम दिएर पुस्ताकालय निमार्ण गर्न लागेको कुरा पढ्ने घरका अध्यक्ष विनोद प्रहारले जानकारी दिनुभयो। साथमा उहाँ भन्नुहुन्छ, “यो पुस्तकालयमा हामी किताब मात्र नभएर इन्टरनेटबाट अध्ययन गर्न सकिने पुस्तकालय स्थापना गर्न लागेका हौँ।” पुस्तकालय आगामी ३ महिना भित्र नै सञ्चालन हुनेकुुरा पुस्तकालय समुहले विश्वस्त गराएको छ।

« Their Majesties in Gelephu with the people of Sarpang

« His Majesty the King celebrated His 32nd birth anniversary in Gelephu with the people of Sarpang
Thousands of people from Sarpang  gathered in Gelephu to celebrate His Majesty’s 32nd birth anniversary. His Majesty joined the people for the festive games to mark the joyous occasion.

source: kuensel

According the organizer group, different club of the camps participated in the gme and successfully ended.

In the final game between the Beldangi ii and Beldangi iii, Beldangi-ii wins scouring the one goal in penalty shoot out.

This type of the game should organize for the youth in camps, camp secretary.” Dhan Bir  Subba said.

Dik Man Gurung (left) shakes his hand with Neel Hari Upreti (Picture : Hari Kumar Dahal)

Neel Hari Upreti of Khudunabari (Sector B-2, Hut No 84) and Dik Man Gurung from Beldangi-II (Sector A-1, 61-62) expressed such determination this morning, ending the event at 12:12 a.m.

They said they have easily completed 36 hours and are committed in breaking the world’s record of 48 hours.

The event held at Khudunabari camp and supported by Media Network Bhutan, attracted hundreds of visitors to boost up the duo’s courage.

“If our community supports us for registration and other probable costs, we’ll set a new record,” Upreti and Gurung told .

courtesy bns

A gathering of resettled Bhutanese at Omaha Public School in Omaha of Nebraska elected Durga Biswa as BCN President.

Newly elected President being honored

Other executives included Chandra Kala Rai (Vice-President, Gopal Thapa (Secretary) and Shanti Gurung (Treasurer). Similarly, Yogen Bhujel, Amir Gurung, Sancha Gurung, Sova Biswa, Karna Gurung and Krishna Subba were also elected to 11-member executive board.

Ann Mary, Director of Southern Sudan Community Association led the election team that involved three Bhutanese and one Christine Ross, refugee medical specialist.

Meanwhile, a five-member advisory board under the chairmanship of Kumar Gurung was also formed.

The newly elected President vowed to address the community issues and assured to continue the Literary and Employment Training Center, established two years back.

bns

Since January 14 a group of students fro various refugee camps commence a monthly newspaper – The Refugee Herald (TRH) since January 14.

With the  main motto to  “inform uneducated parents through their students,” the TRH was published in camps which cover the camps news ,resettled news , Bhutan news and tragedy feeling and opinion of the all Bhutanese Refugees.

“We printed 500 copies in our first edition. We have double the number this month following encouraging supports from school teachers and students,” .

We are glad to to achieve  our senior media persons, Manager of Bhutan Media Society Vidhyapati Mishra and Chief Executive of Media Network Bhutan Mona Rath Pokhrel, for our news paper to be in the editorial team.

Mishra and Pokhrel are Chief Editor and Managing Editor for the paper respectively.

The paper aims to disseminate student-friendly contents keeping proper balance on issues related to Bhutan, camps and resettlement.

A British charity HWH has supported the publication for two months, according to Editor Dahal.

“We’ll sell our paper to students and teachers to meet our publication costs.”

According to a report, 37,481 international visitors entered Bhutan in 2011 representing a 38% increase from the 27,196 in 2010. Of those 2,795 were British compared to1,772 from the previous year – an increase of 1,023.

COMO Hotels and Resorts, which owns Uma Paro, the first luxury hotel to open in the country in 2004, also saw an increase in UK and international visitors with many staying at the property for a longer length of time than before.  Of the back of this increased demand, COMO will be opening a sister lodge, Uma Punakha in September 2012, to enable guests to enjoy greater cultural and physical adventure within the country, reported online portal of Incentive Travel.

The hotel is situated on a hillside in the lush Punakha Valley, a five-hour drive from Paro.  The intimate, 11-room lodge will offer the option of a two-centre stay with COMO and provide even more reasons to explore the beautiful centre and east of the country, added it.

It further said, much of the growth in tourism to Bhutan can be attributed to the attractiveness of the country for adventure and culture including trekking, mountain biking, archery, yoga and even spa.

One tour operator which has been sending more UK travellers to Bhutan is Ampersand Travel, it added.

Its founder James Jayasundera said: “The combination of better quality hotels and more exciting possibilities for adventure has led to this increase in numbers.  Bhutan is becoming more accessible yet retains its air of mystery and strong cultural heritage which has always been very attractive to Ampersand customers”.

Source:BNS

According to the General Executive of MNB, Mona Rath Pokhrel, for November month Dilan Samal was declared as the winner on theme, “God’s village”. Likewise, for the month of December 2011 Shanti Sunuwar was awarded as winner on the theme “Beauty of God in flower” a portrait photograph.

The theme for January 2012 is shared that is “Motion of Human Being”, a landscape photo and the last date for the submission of photograph is 15^th February 2012; it is to be sent to medianetworkbhutan@gmail.com.

Photo Exhibition started by MNB reaches seventh place including three places of host community. The exhibited photographs are taken by the participants of the training organized by MNB in September first week at Beldangi and the photographs come from the Best Photo Award said Pokhrel the GE of MNB.

According to the source, starting next month Bhutan Telecom will start work to expand its 3G network in Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Paro and Gelephu.

3G is the ‘3rd Generation’ technology for mobiles which enhances internet speed and enables features like video calling, faster audio and video streaming and quicker downloads.

Apart from the 3G services, Bhutan telecom will provide Next Generation Network (NGN), Fiber to the Cabinet (FTTC) services for fast and reliable communications and broadband connections around the country.Source: kuensel

12

By: Narad Pokhrel

Nepal Taekwondo Association conducted four days world peace taekwondo training to five exiled Bhutanese and other Nepalese taekwondo players at Dharan on 1^st-4^th February.

According to the representative from camp Bal Bahadur Basnet, eight Korean players from World Taekwondo Association trained them with the main aim to uplift Nepalese and Bhutanese taekwondo in front of world.

Since Bhutanese players won national games too but in absence of citizenship, they are not getting chance to participant in international, told Basnet.

Power officials, however, fear the real hurdles to achieving its target has now just begun.

“So far we’ve only covered areas which have access road,” a power official said, adding what was left now were the far-flung rural areas like Laya in Gasa, Shingkhar Lauri in Samdrupjongkhar, Doban in Sarpang and Denchukha in Samtse.

“Transporting equipment and materials over hostile terrain is our concern,” he said.

Most remote areas require at least a day’s walk from the nearest road and the project involves carrying heavy equipment and material such as electric poles, transformers and construction materials.

Bhutan Power Corporation’s rural electrification project, so far supplied electricity to 21,820 households covering 10 dzongkhags of Trongsa, Trashigang, Tsirang, Mongar, Dagana, Chukha, Paro, Haa, Samtse and Bumthang.

From their experience of having connected many rural villages with electricity, power officials said  harsh weather conditions, work delays by contractors, time loss in processing funds and importing materials from third countries were hassles they were wrought up over.

A power official said the corporation did most works of carrying materials to designated areas leaving only wiring, electricity pole alignment and painting works for contractors.

Till date construction works in different dzongkhags were awarded to 40 different contractors.

Another officials explained that labour shortage was another problem besides delay in importing   transformers and poles.

Only about 20 percent of the materials are from India and the rest from third countries like France, Indonesia and China.

“It takes about 18 months for the materials to reach the country,” he said. “Much of the time is lost in paper works, such as having the funds transferred for construction materials.”

Japan International Cooperation Agency and Asian Development Bank have assisted in terms of loans and donations towards financing the rural electrification project in the country.

source. kuensel

By Mishra Vidhyapati, Manager of Bhutan Media Society in Nepal and General Secretary of Association of Press Freedom Activists Bhutan.

The third country resettlement programme of the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal is ongoing, and over 80 percent of these refugees should depart within a few years. By 15 December 2011 the refugees had already witnessed the resettlement of over 58,000 fellow countrymen. UNHCR is processing another 41,300 camp residents, who were forcefully evicted from Bhutan in late 1980s and early 1990s. The current population in the five remaining refugee camps is 54,900, with around 1,500 refugees departing for various third countries under the resettlement programme every month. Although it has been advocated as a humanitarian solution, resettlement has sharply divided refugees into two groups: those for and those against.

For those refugees who are not convinced by the offer, resettlement is paralysing their democratic struggle for repatriation to Bhutan. They recall tyrannical suppressions they were made to undergo by their rulers in Bhutan, but are determined to exercise their right to return. According to them, the international community is accepting refugees for relocation but ignoring the two other options: repatriation and local integration.
Others want to relocate at any cost, stating that a longer stay in the camps will further ruin their lives. Most of the younger generation is eager to accept the resettlement package, taking it as a temporary solution for their long-standing problem. They believe settlement in developed countries like the United States and Australia will help them attain better education and enhance their economic conditions.

‘Life in the camp has not allowed me to realise my dream for good education and improved standard of living’, explains J.K. Education in the camps is free but limited to tenth grade. His five-member family is waiting for departure to Canada, having completed all the procedures. Family reunification is also a factor to consider, with J.K.’s father stating, ‘I must join my three children in Canada since they have already decided to get resettled’. However, some family members who were farmers in Bhutan are not happy about leaving Nepal. For them, remaining in the camps is the best option to allow them to demand dignified repatriation at a later date.

I.B.S., a 108-year-old registered refugee from Beldangi-I camp, was only four years old when the British institutionalised the Bhutanese monarchy in 1907. He walked from a nearby camp to Beldangi-II to attend the 104th National Day Celebration on 17 December, and stated: ‘Life as a refugee is bitter in every sense. I have seen all the five kings of my country. I am a genuine Bhutanese and still have a dream to die in my own soil’.

There are several youths who accuse senior citizens of the community of standing in the way of the third country resettlement programme. When family members fail to reach a consensus regarding resettlement, some households have serious disputes. ‘Certainly, elderly members in the refugee camps know the pain and suffering they were made to undergo while in Bhutan, but they still desire to return’, says S.R. He also pointed out that while some parents have been publicly opposing resettlement they have been secretly allowing their children to apply. ‘I know a few of them. They claim their family is against the resettlement, without letting others know that their children have already been relocated’.

Meanwhile, exiled surgeon Dr Bhampa Rai, chair of the Bhutanese Refugee Representative Repatriation Committee, said that not only the elderly, but all refugees have the desire to return to their own hometowns. ‘I know youths are accusing their parents of standing in their way, but, if doors for repatriation open, even those who are ready to fly to America or other countries will cancel their process and return to Bhutan’, he clarifies.

A member of the Senior Citizens’ Group, H.J.S. (69) is of the opinion that many parents were forced to accept resettlement as they could not convince their children otherwise. ‘It was a hard decision for them to opt for resettlement. The process has undermined their desire to return home with dignity and honour’, claims S., who is sternly against resettlement, but has nonetheless allowed his children to relocate to the United States of America.

For C.B.G., a former soldier of the Royal Bhutan Army, Bhutan will never be allowed to evade its responsibility to accept its citizens back home. ‘I have my citizenship card and weapon license issued by the Royal Government of Bhutan. No foreigners can present these documents’, states Giri, producing his documents in front of the camera. ‘Resettlement will never be my choice. I am a Bhutanese and have the right to return home’.

Some refugees want local integration into the Nepalese community instead of resettlement to any developed country. Local integration would be easier for them since they share language, culture and dress with the Nepalese. Others have not yet decided whether they want to go for resettlement, but similarly have not expressed a decision regarding integration or repatriation.

As well as registered refugees, the camps have over 3,000 unregistered asylum seekers who have been demanding refugee status for a long time. Refugee status is a must to qualify for resettlement, repatriation or local integration. Some of these unregistered asylum seekers were absent during the official registration process in 2007, and some avoided registering but now want refugee status. Others still are part of a group which consists of new arrivals from Bhutan, whose claims for refugee status have not yet been heard by the Nepalese government.

There are several cases of rejection for resettlement on different grounds. These reasons are not disclosed to the individuals in most cases. The rejection has even separated families, leaving behind a single or a few members in the camps after relocating others. Refugees convicted of gender-based sexual violence and other forms of crimes are among those likely to be excluded from the resettlement.

The ongoing resettlement will terminate by 2015, downsizing UNHCR’s longtime investment for the Bhutanese refugees, whose population prior to the resettlement was around 110,000. According to UNHCR’s Country Representative in Nepal, Stephane Jaquemet, the population in camps will be reduced to 10,000 by mid-2015; the remaining refugees will be those who are against resettlement, are unregistered, or have been excluded from resettlement for various reasons. The fate of those who are not resettled is an issue that no one is currently discussing.

source: http://frlan.tumblr.com/post/16854131088/longing-to-repatriate-or-resettle-bhutanese-refugees

At a time when one of the world’s largest resettlement programs has attained its climax, the United States of America said it received the 50,000^th exiled Bhutanese from Nepal on Monday.

On Tuesday, the camp management committee of Bhutanese refugee camp Beldangi conducted Ganesh  Pooja based on the Hindu religion to be away from wild elephants’ problems .

All students, Bhutanese refugee celebrated the Shree Panchami or Goddess Saraswati Pooja in every schools with the co-operation and co-ordination between the teachers and Bhutanese ,which has been observed as efficient manner. Most of the students were presented in the Saraswati Pooja with the views to gain the knowledge from Goddess Saraswati for better future. They decorated the schools much and pray by one by one in queue.

They sung the lyrics of Goddess Saraswati and read the recitation of mantra. All Bhutanese students celebrated the Saraswati Pooja in joyes manner in camps.

Related articles

• Bhutanese marked Saraswati Pooja (refugeesvoice.wordpress.com)

A little Bhutanese refugee kid gazing at the photos hanged in the wall of School on the ocassion of photo exhibition organized by Media Bhutan Network. Photo: HK Dahal

A little Bhutanese refugee kid gazing at the photos hanged in the wall of School on the ocassion of photo exhibition organized by Media Bhutan Network.

Photo: HK Dahal

Related articles

• Photo Exhibition in TRSS (refugeeherald.wordpress.com)
• Photo Exhibition in TRSS (refugeesvoice.wordpress.com)

Docarated gate of World Peace Ceremony conducted in Bhutanese refugee camp Sanischare. Photo: HK Dahal

Late Kumar Pradhan had been in Palmerston just four months but had arrived New Zealand in late August last year. Friends and relatives remember him of a friendly person but of silent nature and short temper. The incidence is thought to have occurred in the night but the family found him dead only in the morning.

Born in Kalikhola of Dagana district, Pradhan was forced to leave the country with his family when he was still a child. The family stayed at Maidhar initially and moved to Bhutanese refugee camp Bendangi II.
A good football player of his age, Pradhan had not pursued his studies. Here, he had been attending ESOL classes at English Teaching College (ETC). Last went to his class was on January 13.

‘I like this country and is a beautiful place to live here”, he had told his brother Gopal one day while meeting him at Mangere and had hinted that he should have got married before moving to this country.

According to community organisation’s chairman Sudarshan Adhikari, the Bhutanese community really got organised in short period of time to manage for his funeral the next day.

source bns.

Posted by: Hari Kumar Dahal

Reported by Narad Pokhrel and Semi-Khawoth Hang Subba from Beldangi for Refugees Voice.

A hut partially destroyed by the wild elephant in Beldangi-II. Photo: HK Dahal

According to DB Subba, 6 huts from Beldangi-II and 5 huts from Extn. were destroyed without any human harms.
The victims of elephant who are now homeless are now in critical situation.
Meanwhile, the victims will be supported by WFP for food and LWF for constructions.
More details:
From Beldangi-II,…Jay Deep Rai, F3 82
Jas maya Magar, H3 104
Hem Bdr. magar H3 32
Chabi Lal Magar H4 22
Prem kr. Chhetri H4 23
Prem Kri Chhetri H4 30
From Beldangi-II extn… Chhabi lal Pradhan C4 90/91
Ran Bdr. Sundash C4 89
Jashi Maya Khadka C4 47/48
Pradeep Rai B4 78
Dhan Maya Rai B4 68

According to Monarath Pokhrel( President of MNB) that MNB is  also planning to conduct this exhibition again in Ration stores of Beldangi-II and Extn.

All those past photos taken by Bhutanese Photo Journalists last time while conducting photo training. Lastly, there is also one photo which had won MNB’s Best Photo Award October 2011 which photo was taken by Kashi Kadel.

The donation Camps was organized at Camp Management Committee(CMC) Sanischare with the technical support of Nepal Red Cross Society Sub-office Damak.

According to the program coordinator of Youth Friendly Center(YFC),” YFC is actively organizing donation Camp in co-ordination with all camps. In this  , where 148 pints of blood has been collected this year from all camps”.

the blood was stored in NRCS Damak and can make use of it by anyone if in need. The same kind of program is to continued every year to be a part of Refugee and Host community.

monarath pokhrel.

The process of relocation of camps in Beldangi and pathari created various problems to Refugee. They are adjusted in camps with less area as compare to their family member.

Various infrastructures like education, house, and other necessary material are not getting in proper manner by the relocated refugee.

Now, the camps are full of bamboo hut, which is dangerous to spend the life for the refugee for long period of time.

Relocated refugee said to Refugee herald ( RH), “the house made by the agency is not strong to live, so we are repairing again”.

In the education field student of Timai is getting problems. One student of grade ten said to RH, “due to the new teacher we are getting trouble in study. So, we aspect CARITAS NEPAL provide guess, guide and coach of major subject for the SLC exam”.

With the funding supports of Lions Clubs, Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) had conducted the free-eye checks up program in Refugee camps. The program held on 10 January at Beldangi ii and on 11 January in, Beldangi Extension.

Youth of camps, teachers, students were participated in the programs.

Current reports of the scam are localized to Texas, but I would like to spread the word to as many government folks, immigration service providers, churches, and teachers as possible, said a circular issued the Department of Homeland Security, Thursday.

“A man identifying himself as a representative of the “Federal Grants Department” calls from a Washington, DC-based telephone number, (202) 436-9601, informing recently resettled refugees that they are eligible to receive $10,000 because they are refugees from Bhutan,” ORR reported USCIS.

It further said that in order to claim the money, they are instructed to produce a money order for $650, and call the telephone number for further instructions on where to send the money.

At least one refugee has been coerced into making multiple payments as ”processing fees”, totaling more than $5,000, added the circular.

The circular also clarified that the federal government does not demand processing fees or security deposits from grant recipients.

The Office has also requested the resettled Bhutanese to contact local police or respective resettlement agencies for further assistance upon a suspicious request.

BNS for Refugee Herald.