Refugee leader Paudyal’s book ‘Bhutan behind the curtain’ released

Kathmandu – A new investigative book titled “Pardapachhadi Ko Bhutan” written by Bhutanese refugee leader Balram Paudyal, along with its English version “Bhutan Behind the Curtain,” was unveiled at Yalamaya Kendra in Lalitpur.

The event was organized by the Tankaprasad Acharya Memorial Foundation, where rights activist and journalist Kanak Mani Dixit, Devendra Bhattarai, and Sushil Pyakurel joined the author in launching the book. The English version, edited by Narayan Phuyal Sharma and Bhishma Prasad Sangraula, was translated by Sangraula himself.

During the program, discussions were held on issues related to refugees and political prisoners. Speakers called for a just resolution regarding the injustices faced by Nepali speakers under the Bhutanese government. They pointed out that over 6,000 refugees remain unsettled in Nepal, with many Nepali political prisoners still in Bhutanese jails.

The speakers noted that the situation of Bhutanese refugees expelled from the United States has become increasingly complex and urged the Nepalese government to engage in serious diplomatic efforts. Bhishma Prasad Sangraula proposed the formation of a concerned group, which received unanimous support from attending activists and intellectuals.

Author Paudyal emphasized the need for resuming bilateral talks, expressing hope for a resolution to these issues by 2025.