Damak, March 25 :

Threat by the Bhutan Communist Party-Maoist (BCP-M) to the Bhutanese refugees in Beldangi camps in Jhapa district has created terror and tension there.

The BCP-M is strictly against third-country settlement of the refugees and has threatened refugees to denounce the idea and opt for repatriation in Bhutan.

A week ago BCP-M activists beat up eight refugees including two teachers. “The situation in Beldangi camps are not favourable to discuss issue of third country resettlement,” said DP Pradhan, secretary of Beldangi-1 camp.

Some Bhutanese refugees have welcomed America’s offer to give them sanctuary, but other refugees and BCP-M activists are demanding repatriation and have launched anti-America campaigns in the camps.