Biratnagar, May 5:

Following the formation of the new government, the Bhutanese refugees who have been languishing in different refugee camps of Jhapa and Morang districts, are now optimistic about their prospects of returning home.

A Bhutanese refugees’ leaders, Ram Chandra Sigdel, who had led the self-repatriation campaign in the past, said the refugees have high hopes from the new democratic government of Nepal. He urged the government to take firm steps to help resolve the refugee crisis, adding, international pressure in this regard would be helpful. Kin Dorjee Dukpa, a Bhutanese refugee, who has been staying at Timai camp in Jhapa, is also hoping to go back to Bhutan.

Another refugee, Dukpa, said the new government should take necessary steps to repatriate the Bhutanese refugees.

Different refugee bodies have initiated a range of programmes to draw attention to their problems.