Rijal ends hunger strike on Govt. assurance

April 2, 2004
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Bhutanese human rights leader Tek Nath Rijal Thursday evening called off his fast-unto-death on the third day of protest following the government’s assurance of its support to resolve the refugee impasse.

The government assured Rijal of its support to his demand for internationalizing verification and dignified repatriation of Bhutanese refugees and involving the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and Human Rights Council of Bhutan in the process.

Dr Madan Kumar Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reading the written commitment, assured Rijal the government will continue its efforts for seeking the assistance of India and UNHCR to settle the issue.

Rijal called off his fast-unto-death in the presence of NC president Girija Prasad Koirala, UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal at 7.30 pm Thursday. Koirala and Nepal offered fruit juice for ending his fast.

“The government’s commitment seems ambiguous…but I understand it will involve UNHCR and Human Rights Council of Bhutan in the verification and repatriation of refugees,” The Kathmandu post quoted Rijal as saying after hearing of the government’s assurance from Spokesperson Madan Kumar Bhattarai.

“If I am cheated again, I will return to this place as a fast-unto-death is the ultimate means to resolve the problems of over 1,50,000 refugees, ” he added.

Rijal, who was imprisoned for over 11 years in Bhutan, is currently suffering from various diseases of diabetes, asthma and has kidney problems.