Refugees suspend march

Bhutanese refugees camping in Nepal suspended their march to Thimpu today following assurances from Indian authorities that it would react to their demands within 15 days.

The assurance was communicated to the refugees after Indian and Nepalese authorities met in Panitanki area of West Bengal. One refugee was killed and 30 security personnel injured in a clash at the Mechi Bridge area yesterday. Sources said the Indian authorities have agreed to release 15 refugees in their custody and also meet the medical expenses of those wounded besides compensation to family of the deceased.

A PTI report said India has decided not to allow passage to the refugees without valid documents. 8220;No person will be allowed to use the Indian corridor at Panitanki without valid documents,8221; West Bengal Chief Secretary A K Deb said.

The Indian authorities role has come under sharp criticism from UN bodies. 8220;The UN refugee agency is extremely concerned over a violent confrontation on the Mechi bridge8230;8221; a statement by the UNHCR8217;s Kathmandu office said.