Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp in Morang Remains Non-Operational Following Jenji Movement

The Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp located in Pathari Shanishchare Municipality-10 of Morang district has remained closed and has not resumed operations since the Jenji movement. As of April 30, Kathmandu. The Armed Police Force had shut down the base camp due to arson and vandalism during the protest. Although various police posts and armed base camps across the country have been rebuilt and are operational, this particular camp has yet to reopen.

The prolonged closure of the base camp has caused concern among local residents and the Bhutanese refugee community. Despite repeated requests and appeals, they claim the state has largely neglected the area. Established in 2007 BS (1960/61 AD), the camp previously deployed about 15 armed police personnel who helped control theft, disputes, social conflicts, and drug-related activities, according to locals. Since the camp’s closure, the situation in the area has deteriorated noticeably.

The Bhutanese refugee community has reported an increase in criminal activities, drug abuse, trafficking problems, and a rise in social insecurity recently. This has led to widespread fear among the communities residing around the camp. According to locals, the camp’s location is geographically sensitive. The open settlement patterns, cross-border movement, and lack of adequate surveillance have compounded security risks, they point out.

Both local residents and refugees have repeatedly urged authorities, from the District Administration Office to the Armed Police Force headquarters, to reinstate the camp. Unlike other areas where security agencies returned post-reconstruction, here there has been no concrete decision or permanent arrangement, intensifying disappointment among the community. Karan Rai, secretary of the Bhutanese Refugee Security Base Camp, stated that the community is willing to bear all costs related to the camp’s reconstruction and maintenance if the Armed Police Force agrees to return and operate the camp. The community has called on the state to promptly restore security presence and provide a lasting solution.