An exiled woman has disclosed that a non-Bhutanese has become successful to proceed his process for third country resettlement up to cultural orientation classes, the last step before receiving the departure date.
According to Phul Maya Rai of Beldangi-II extension, Hira Shrestha of Kathmandu valley in Nepal, was pushed for getting the official ‘refugee identity card’ instead of her son Deo Bahadur, who was absent during the time the census was carried.
Phul Maya further claimed that the then camp secretary Manorath Khanal, who is now in Arizona State in USA under third country resettlement, had replaced her son with a Nepalese national while taking photo during the official census conducted by the UNHCR and Nepal government.
Phul Maya further claimed that despite her unwillingness to accept it, Khanal had given her 21,000 Nepalese currencies saying nothing would go wrong if allowed to replace Deo Bahadur with Hira Shrestha.
According to Phul Maya, their resettlement process has been ahead for Canada and is awaiting the departure date.
Phul Maya further said that Shrestha has threatened her over telephone not to disclose the matter following escalating media highlights in Jhapa-based daily newspapers and FM radios.
“I urge the UNHCR and other concerned authorities for my safety and security in camps”, said Phul Maya, “I am innocent on this issue since Khanal had said nothing would go wrong even if my son Deo Bahadur arrive sometime during the resettlement process”.
Meanwhile, the refugee-camp based media group called Media Network – Bhutan (MNB) has urged the UNHCR for fair and free investigation on the issue.
A press statement issued by the General Executive of the network, Manorath Pokhrel, has further urged action against those involved in the forgery.
Responding to an e-mail inquiry of the BNS regarding if he was involved in the forgery, Khanal termed the incident as a baseless allegation.
“This is just to tarnish my image and reputation”, said Khanal, “I am ready to give any sort of clarification as and when needed if ever they feel I am Involved in this matter.”
Khanal has further urged the government of Nepal, UNHCR, civil society members, journalists and fellow Bhutanese citizens to ask for clarification from Phul Maya regarding the matter and take stern action against her.
June 10th, 2009 at 7:00 am
If it is true, IOM should immediately stop the process of Shrestha, he should be stopped from travelling to Canada. To me it sounds like Phulmaya and Khanal are both guilty. I am sure Camp Secretary knows the identity of the person at the time of processing for resettlement, Phulmaya is guilty because she took the money. This should be thoroughly investigated. I have heard the similar case in Timai camp too. Now what happens to the person whose place has been illegaly taken ??
June 11th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
this is a strong evedence that supports many non-bhutanese took the place of bhutanese.it seems that the the then sacretary should be punished first.he is the first person do this illegle act.and next IOM is should be responsible.It gives pressure to pure bhutanese to cross different steps before they are lifted,then how were this sort of person were able to about to fly?this is a big question to IOM.
June 11th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I fear, wheather the investigation will be much fair or not. It must not be like an ordinary issue(taking bribes). Those who are culprit must be punished. As far as possible other cases must be seen thoroughly not hampering the resettlement process. As it was started it must be ended. UNHCR must be crystal clear about the bhutanese and non bhutanese.