Bhutanese refugees stone Indian security forces

Siliguri, May 29 (UNI) At least ten Indian security personnel were injured when hundreds of Bhutanese refugees stoned them at Mechi bridge, bordering India and Nepal, about 30 km from this town, today, a top official said.

The refugees had assembled there in a bid to use Indian territory to go to Bhutan and take part in a ''Mock election'' there.

When Indian securitymen- Seema Sashastra Bal (SSB) and the West Bengal Police, prevented them from entering this side, the refugees pelted stones injuring at least ten jawans, Inspector General Police (North Bengal) MKS Nalua said.

The jawans fired some 40 rounds to disperse them.

An unconfirmed report said at least four refugees sustained bullet injuries.

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

But the Indian security jawans had already taken position at the site to foil any such move. The jawans had last night resorted to a lathicharge to prevent the same.

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

The Indian security forces today used teargas shells and resorted to a mild lathicharge, but as they failed to control the situation, 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 tension prevailing, more security forces were deployed and the border was sealed, Mr Nalua 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