Morang: Genuine Bhutanese refugees residing in Morang have taken to the streets, urging authorities to take action against those involved in illegally identifying individuals as Bhutanese refugees and sending them to the United States. The real refugees, based in Shanischare camp in Pathari, Morang district, also called for sustainable management of their situation.

In a peaceful demonstration, the refugees demanded rehabilitation for those left out of the Third Country Refugee Settlement Programme, which facilitates resettlement abroad. So far, 16 individuals, including former ministers and a sitting government secretary, have been arrested in connection with the scam. Over Rs 270 million has been reported to be fraudulently obtained from 113 victims who filed complaints with the police.

The genuine Bhutanese refugees expressed frustration that the issue of their reunification was being delayed due to the presence of fake Bhutanese refugees. The protest, which began at the Shanischare camp, concluded with a corner meeting where social activists Pradeep Kumar Rai and Shanti Pakhrin criticized the government for neglecting the rehabilitation of genuine Bhutanese refugees instead of finding solutions to their problems.

Ram Baniya, joint-secretary of Shanischare Camp, emphasized the need for unity among the real refugees, especially in light of scammers sending fake individuals abroad under the guise of Bhutanese refugees. The genuine refugees warned that they would continue their protest until their concerns were addressed by the authorities.