The responsibility of nations takes on multiple dimensions when a particular group of refugees bear affinity OT connections with more than one country. Such is the case with the Bhutanese refugees now living in camps of eastern Nepal, many in their fourth year in exile. Linguistically and by origin, they are Nepali; they also have links with India, where their ancestors migrated to first; and they are settled in Bhutan, acquiring Bhutanese citizenship over time. These three dimensions must not be lost when we try for a solution to the Lhotshampa refugee problem.
In times of great stress and uncertainty, a migrant population usually tends to return toits country of origin. Naturally, therefore, when faced with persecution the Lhotshampa fled Bhutan and headed west over Indian territory towards the Nepal border at Kakarbhitta.
As such, Nepal cannot deny the refugees entry or asylum on the plea that its limited resources will be stretched by the extra burden. India, too, must own up its responsibility towards the Lhotshampa in the sense that a) the refugees´ exodus was first into Indian roadheads, and b) it is Bhutan´s public claim that most of these refugees have their origins in the Indian Northeast.
Finally, since most inmates in the Jhapa camps claim to be Bhutanese citizens, Thimpu´sauthorities simply cannot wash their hands of them without providing a convincing rebuttal. The fact that the refugees fled their homes in Bhutanese territory should alone persuade the Drukpa authorities to make adequate arrangement for the safe return of those who request repatriation. All this is easy to say, but hard to put into practice.