The country had witnessed a pro-democracy agitation in the 1990s with a section of Nepali-speaking residents in its southern parts rising in revolt against the monarchy.
The crackdown that followed led to thousands of Nepali-speaking people from southern Bhutan fleeing to Nepal. Now an estimated 100,000 people are sheltered in relief camps.
The Himayalan kingdom is heading for its first-ever parliamentary election on March 24 to elect 47 members to the National Assembly or the Lower House as Bhutan makes a historic switchover from monarchy to democracy. The Bhutanese have already cast their votes for National Council or the Upper House in December.
Meanwhile, Bhutan police detained a 17-year-old student who was caught with three hand grenades.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Nepal on trouble
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