30 Indian securitymen injured as Bhutanese refugees turn violent

Panitanki, Indo-Nepal Border, May 29 (UNI) Nearly 30 Indian securitymen including Darjeeling's Superintendent of Police Rajesh Subarna, were injured today when scores of Bhutanese refugees stoned them at Mechi bridge here, about 30 kms north of Siliguri town, a senior official said.

Inspector General Police (North Bengal) MKS Nalua said the refugees hurled stones, wooden planks and other missiles when they were prevented from enterning Indian territory by the combined force of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the West Bengal Police.

The trouble began last evening when thousands of refugees, under the banner of 'People's Forum for Human Rights and National Front for Democracy in Bhutan', assembled on the other side of Mechi bridge to move for Bhutan in groups.

But the Indian security jawans resorted to mild lathi-charge to foil any move of using this side for going to Bhutan.

Of the injured, 20 of them were admitted to a government-owned hospital at Naxalbari in Siliguri sub-division of Darjeeling district while the others were released after receiving first aid, hospital sources said.

The refugees had assembled there in a bid to go to Bhutan by using Indian territory and take part in ''Mock election'' in the Himalayan Kingdom.

To retaliate the brickbats and missiles, the jawans fired some 40 rounds to disperse them, Mr Nalua said, adding the refugees had the backing of some armed group, probably Maoist forces.

Mr Nalua said the refugees were pushed beyond the ''No-Man Zone'' in the border area where the situation was still tense, but under control.

A report from the other side of the border said at least four refugees sustained bullet injuries.

In order to go to Bhutan from Nepal, the refugees have to use the Indian corridor as there is no other way barring high mountain passes.

The Indian security forces had earlier today used teargas shells and resorted to mild lathicharge, but finding the situation going out of control, they were compelled to fire at the crowd, Mr Nalua said.

A report said among the four injured refugees, two critically wounded were admitted to a local hospital at Kakarbhitta in Nepal.

Meanwhile, with the tension prevailing, more security forces were deployed and the border was sealed, the Inspector General Police added.

People's Forum for Human Rights general secretary D P Kaple, who led a section of refugees, said they have every right to take part in the election since they are Bhutanese.

UNI