Five discharged from hospital, two still critical

I am glad to learn that five passengers, who were injured in van accident in Georgia, have been discharged from the hospital. This indicates that all five of them are out of danger, which is a good news.

Bhutan News Service has reported that it could not reach Mr. Bhim Bista, the driver and the owner of the van, but BNS did not disclose why BNS was unable to reach Mr. Bista. Did he refuse to talk, or he was unable to talk?

I have been told by few of my Bhutanese friends that Mr. Bhim Bista is unable to talk to anyone at present because of his injuries, despite the fact he has been released from the hospital. I also have been told that Mr. Bhim Bista, not long ago, went to Arizona to get his driver license, and returned to Georgia after getting his Georgia driver license.

Many people living here in America know the fact that thousands of people, especially Bhutanese, Burmese, Iraqis, Somalis and other refugees, resettled here in American, who were unable to get their driver licenses in the states they were living in, went to Arizona to get their driver licenses. Arizona is known for driver licenses. Many people who never drove in their lives or do not speak even one word of English, went to Arizona, paid few hundred dollars, and got their driver licenses without any problem, just in 2 or 3 days, because many driving schools in Arizona help people get driver licenses, knowing these people are not even residents of Arizona.

Some smart people learnt how to drive safely, even after they got their licenses from Arizona, and then they converted their those Arizona driver licenses to their resident state’s driver licenses, but some people started to drive their cars soon after getting their Arizona licenses, without any further practice, and got into auto accidents.

I have been told that in the State of Massachusetts, all of those Arizona driver licenses have been revoked (Suspended / Cancelled), by the Government and all of those who got driver licenses from Arizona, and have cars, have been sent written notices, ordering them to stop driving immediately, and to appear to Court to explain why and how they got their driver licenses, and to answer why they claimed to be residents of Arizona to get driver licenses, when in fact they were never residents of Arizona?

It is my understanding that the State Government of Massachusetts, now taking actions against those who went to Arizona to get driver licenses because a vast majority of these new drivers, got into accidents, causing serious injuries to the people and huge loss of properties, and the Government officials and auto insurance companies officials feel that these drivers are a big threat to safety of themselves and to others, and they should not be allowed to drive.

To the best of my knowledge, in Massachusetts, Police have arrested one Bhutanese new driver who got his driver license from Arizona, because he continued driving, even after receiving that order not to drive with his Arizona license. Many Bhutanese drivers in Massachusetts are very afraid now, and have stopped driving with their Arizona licenses, after learning about that arrest of a Bhutanese man.

To the best of my knowledge, under the law, it is a crime to go to any other State, and claim to be resident of that State, by providing a fake resident address in Arizona, to get driver license. Only permanent resident of Massachusetts are allowed to apply for a Massachusetts driver license.

If Mr. Bhim Bista, in fact went to Arizona, and claimed to be resident of Arizona, and got his driver license, and then returned to Georgia, and converted his Arizona driver license to Georgia license, the Department of Motor Vehicles in Georgia, that issued him Georgia driver license, must have his application to convert, with his signatures, on file, and probably, he will be investigated why he went to Arizona.

I urge all of those Bhutanese friends who got their driver licenses from Arizona, to stop driving their cars, and start taking driving learning courses at local driving schools, for their own safety and for the safety of others.

Remember, life is much much more important than a driver license.

Mr. Shahid M. Pasha, Massachusetts, USA.

I think there are still three injured passengers in hospital. Nar Monger, Ugen and Bhuddhi Maya Monger

I think there are still three injured passengers in hospital. Nar Monger, Ugen and Bhuddhi Maya Monger. As far I know there are still three in hospital

Dear Shahid M Pasha
Thank you for bring new message to our bhutanese fellow of america .According to your comments it is worst than Nepal to get driver lience in Arizona America.Our Bhutanese people have much eagar to have car and have relax in busy road.It is wise to know what is mine entire responsibility after having car.This is same as Not getting banana getting eating with bark.

In Canada it it very tough to get driver license than america.After going in Driving School client most have to wait for 8 months to have road test with government driving staff.No one can pass road test in first attempt .After full authorization of driving trainer than only government issue him driver licenses.He most hang Novince plate back side front side of his car for one. year.Wish you all the best of quick recovery of injured fellow .
Once more thank you Pasha.

it was all the carelessness of driver. he should be investigated in fact. the passengers were not using seat belts, due to which there was heavy injuries.

First of all,I would like to utter ,”Thanks a lot” to Mr. Shahid M.Pasha. for sharing this secret about the driving license in Arizona. Well ! I also guess that,the trend of attaining fake license,has been contributing as one of the causative factors of such fatal motor accidents in the United States.On behalf of Pasha jee, I too suggest my Bhutanese friends to withdraw your licenses( if really one possesses a fake) and to take exclusive courses about both theoritical as well practical in a pararell sequence ,so that you can sharpen your skills of manoeuvring a car in the traffic. Obviously, its challenging for us to drive in American and European countries because we came from Asia, where prevails vast differences like right handed steering vehicles,left handed driving lanes and much more, whereas, here lie the opposites and obstacles, adding as fuel to fire, the complex traffic rules. Despite being the first Bhutanese to drive in Norway,I still fear of possibly hidden hazards while going in traffic.I aggressively condemn those, who assign that,”buying a car and driving in a third country is just a matter of thumb”. Thus,we must be able to differentiate between a neccessity and a desire properly.So never try to get a car only when you see your friends or neighbours possess before you. Let us set a trend of buying a car,only after attaining proper training,skills and experience about driving. So that, we may not be prone of being victims of accidents and we may not be unnecessary hazards to the other road users. Finally, I extend my heartiest condolence to the bereaved families, praying that they will be compensated with power to tolerate these irreparable losses and praying that those departed souls would rest in peace. Nonetheless, I also pray for the fast recovery of all those injured involved in the accident.

Hem Kumar Gurung,
Nordreisa, Norway.

The Indian community has received donations and pledges of $5400 so far. Their goal is to raise $15,000 for rent, I have also approached company and some private individuals for donations.

Be careful with Mr. Shaid Pasha, he too keeps teaching Bhutanese refugees with 45 dollars for how to drive with his own car with which is not authorised or made to teach for student drivers. He sees lice on others head but doesn’t seem to see elepnahts on his own head.

Dear Editor Bhutan News Service:
And
Dear readers:

I have talked to many people, including resettled Bhutanese and Government officials, in Georgia and other places, on the issue of van accident.

I did this investigation on my own to help Bhutan News Service and its readers so that they know what actually caused that van accident that killed two innocent people and seriously injured all of the passengers, just a few days ago in Georgia.

The driver of the van, Mr. Bhim Bista has been found 100% innocent. Four witnesses have stated that Mr. Bista was not over speeding. Mr. Bista was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of accident. Mr. Bhim Bista took a driving test and passed, and holds a valid and legal driver license of Georgia. There is no eveidence that Mr. Bista went to Arizona to get his driver license.

Here is the actual cause of accident: The tire blew out and the van went off the road and hit the guardrail, and that was when it overturned. Hitting guardrail caused the van to overturn, not tire blowing out itself alone, and caused all that damage.

Previously, I was told by someone that Mr. Bista went to Arizona to get license, but I never believed that, and decided to investigate that matter myself to find out what actually went wrong. Arizona driver licenses issue had to do othing with this van accident, but it is true that so many auto accidents have happenned because a driver who originally got his/her driver license from Arizona, did not have enough knowledge and skills to drive safely.

Few commenators here previously have stated that the driver was over-speeding and was travelng at the rate of 75 or 85 miles per hour. Only those commentators can tell how did they learn about the speed of the van, and who told them that the driver was over-speeding?

In the eyes of law, Mr. Bhim Bista is completley innocent, and Police have not issued him any citation for any violation. A Government official, however, made a statement soon after the accident that it appeared that none of the passengers was wearing seat belts. Obviously, that was why two people lost their lives and all other passengers got hurt seriously.

Let us not blame the driver from now on, and let us pray to God for Mr. Bhim Bista (The driver), and all other injured passengers for their speedy recovery.

And let us all promise to ourselves that from now on, we will wear seat belts whenever we ride or drive a vehicle, for our own safety.

If you are a driver, please tell all of your passengers to wear seat belts. Not only that, you personally check all of your passengers, actually are wearing seat belts. If someone tells you, “Oh, I do not want to wear seat belts”, simply tell him or her, “Oh, I do not want to drive if you do not want to wear seat belts”.
And do that to your parents, children, family members and your friends, if you really care about their safety.

Mr. Shahid M. Pasha, Massachusetts, USA.

Hats off to Indian friends who did a fantastic job of raising fund to help these bhutanese families in GA Small help at the hour of need will really carry a better gravity.
Regarding the legal and illegal driver lisence I think now it is time we got to make our wise decission “Bhutanese frens” for life is equally important for all of us let us try to be bew in the newer place and try not to go beyond the limitation. No one likes to lose the life but most of us like to drive so let us be more sensetive and serious. I guess the suggestions given to us by Mr. Shahid is supportive if it is not as quoted by Ushita Pandet ” What ever let all our injured frens get well soon and may the departed souls rest in peace in heaven with lord

To Editor of BNS: The client who was released is Corneleous from Sudan, not Carlos from Ghana. Also, there were two women in the van, not one. The other woman’s name is Rebeka.

RIYA Jee:

Thanks for your kind words and support.

If someone writes a comment on Bhutan News Service about me and claims that I am a murderer, rapist or drug pusher, will you believe him?

A lot of mud has been thrown at me by some commentators in their comments on Bhutan News Service and have been warned other Bhutanese about me, in the past. One commentator warned his Bhutanese brothers and sisters about me and wrote that Bhutan Government has sent me to USA to spy on Bhutanese refugees. Another commentator wrote and claimed that I work for Indian Intelligence Agency “RAW”, and my mission is to get close to Bhutanese refugees in order to divide them and to destroy them. (I have never visited Bhutan or Nepal in my life, and I have never met any Indian intelligence official ever).

Some Bhutanese commentator here on “Bhutan News Service”, do not like me just because I am not a Bhutanese, and they just cannot see and tolerate someone non-Bhutanese person talking about their Bhutanese issues, and that is what bothers them, and they personally attack me and intimidate me in an effort to force me to quit writing on Bhutanese issues.

Indian friends have stepped in to help Bhutanese. (I admire Indian friends for their help to their Bhutanese friends). If Indian, Europeans, White Americans and others are allowed to talk about Bhutanese issues, why a Pakistani-American cannot help Bhutanese people?

I spend my own time volunteer to help Bhutanese people. I approached senior Police officials in Georgia, and talked to them, to get accurate information on the matter of van crash, and then sent my detailed report to “Bhutan News Service” to have it posted so that readers all across the world will be able to know what actually went wrong. Did I do something bad to hurt Bhutanese? Do Bhutanese people really need to be very careful about me, because I am very dagerous man?

Did anybody ever see me forcing innocent Bhutanese people learn driving from me? Did anybody ever see me receiving $45 an hour for teaching Bhutanese people driving?

I have requested Bhutan News Service many times in the past that it should not allow its commentator to attack me personally, but BNS is still allowing some commentators attack me personally and spread lies about me.

There used to be a Bhutanese website called, “Bhutanusa.com”. Some commentator posted a comment attacking another commentator. That commentator got so upset that he filed lawsuit in a local court, against “Bhutanusa.com”, for publishing negative comments about him, and damaging his reputation

“Bhutanusa.com” received legal notice and approached that commentator and begged him to withdraw his case against “Bhutanusa.com”.

That commentator demanded that all of the negative comments must be removed from the website immediately. “Bhutanusa.com” immediately removed all of the negative comments about him and apologized to him for publishing negative comments. That commentator, a Bhutanese man from Massachusetts, USA, agreed to withdraw his case soon after that.

“Bhutanusa.com” never published any personal attacks on any commentator by any other commentator after that.

I have saved record of all of the negative comments and personal attacks on me, on my religion, on my race, on my character, and on my nationality that “Bhutan News Service” has been publishing for last few months.

All I have to say is that “Bhutan News Service” needs to end its “campaign of my “character assassination” immediately, because enough is enough.

Mr. Shahid M. Pasha, Massachusetts, USA.

Update: Indian community has donated almost $11,000 to SEWA for the accident victims.Rent for April for 8 families has been paid from this fund. Recently 2 Indian children in one family decided to forgo birthday presents and wanted money to be raised for victims. They raised $450 and their father matched it and raised it to $500. A great gesture from our youngsters,

As far as I know the; the supposed rent has not been paid to the apartments yet. I myself handed over the rent of late. Kharka Chhetri yesterday. What say????

Kamal

I am reporting what I have been told. I have seen the emails from Swadesh Katoch authorizing payments and requesting checks. I am taking this at face value. There may be a time lag, however rent will be paid be it April or May. I hop you are not doubting the sincreity and honesty of the SEWA folks. Call me and we can discuss it or you can contact Swadesh.

Historically they have paid rent especially in 2009 bu sending checks to reimburse agencies for what they have paid out to prevent evicitons.

Dear Ralph Parker:

Please do not just report blindly whatever you are told, but verify the information first before posting any information here, because anything you post here, becomes global, and millions of people worldwide read whatever is posted here. You are morally and legally responsible for any claim of donations being delivered to the victims families. By simply stating, “I am reporting what I have been told”, does not release you from being morally and legally responsible for making public announcements.

I do not think anyone here doubts the sincerity of the SEWA folks, but you need to stop posting unconfirmed claims.

Thanks to “SEWA” folks for reaching out to the victims families and offering them their help.

Mr. Shahid M. Pasha, Massachusetts, USA.

Mr. Ralph,
I can never doubt about the sincerity and honesty of SEWA folks. They have been doing a lot for Bhutanese community. I am just unsatisfied with what you guys say before you execute them out.
I guess you remember Ram Mainali and Jaga Rizal. They were symathized by the Sewa folks including you. All their documents were taken by you….but “PAYING RENT”; It never happened. They were evicted dearests. I was the one among others who helped Jaga Rizal from Wynview to Inian Valley. On Ram’s case; I took them to the court.
What do you say about this or do you want a proof?
I wouldn’t think I am wrong, if I say, “You know me.” Don’t you????
KAMAL DAHAL
Lilburn, Georgia
[email protected]

6789738696…if you got any says….

Shahid

I have sent Kamal Dahal the actual emails from Swadesh Katoch to the person responsible for writing checks at SEWA I also have sent him copies of emails regarding the situation in 2009 regarding the 2 individuals, He is incorrect in assertions. There is a complete accounting of what SEWA spent but much of the money was payable to agencies to reimburse them for rent they laid out.

Mr.Ralph,
I am seeing you here as a big time propagandist. Unless you have a proof in hand that the amounts have been delivered to the concerned, you should not have opted to broadcasting the grant through this media. At the beginning of fourth month of March someone who said he is a member of SEWA told us by phone that SEWA was taking care of the Chhetri family’s monthly rent for April 2011. So we didn’t think about paying the month’s rent, but on the 5th of April the leasing office warned us about the late fee. So, we ourselves paid the rent on the last day.
So, what do you think is going on here? I am not very happy to read your comments here above.

Hari
678 608 8615
(nephew of Late Kharka Chhetri who was killed by the accident)

Dear Ralph Parker:

Can you please identify yourself? Who are you and why you are posting announcements here on behalf of SEWA folks? Do you have authority to make announcements? Do you hold a position at SEWA cmpany? Why SEWA folks are not making announcements themselves? Where your office is loated and what is your phone number? Are you making announcements on behalf of SEWA folks or you are doing that for your own publicity and fame and just because you have some inside information? Why SEWA folks are quite?

I would greatly appreciate if you would please post your answers to these questions before making any other new claim.

Hari, the nephew of late Kharka Chhetri has done a great job by challenging claims made by Ralph Parker, and every word in his comments, makes a lot of sense.

I suggest Bhutan News Service that it should not publish Ralph Parker’s comments until he proves that he in fact has authority to make announcements on behalf of SEWA folks.

Mr. Shahid M. Pasha, Massachusetts, USA

Mr.Ralph,
Thank you for your cal back and promising to verify with apartment managements that, why the apartments charge the bill of rent to SWEA also? Please, I do not need any justify on my statements.

TO BNS,
What would be your further steps on those case of comments(RENT/PERSONAL ATTACKS)being a media is a sensitive part of community? What we(reader, well-wisher,community) aspect from you?

Hari Timsina
Decatur, Georgia

Spelling Error
I am sorry for using wrong word on my question. I am correcting here,
“what we expect from you”?

Shahid

I have been a volunteer with refugees in Atlanta for 15 years and for the last 3, I have worked with the Bhutanese. I spend almost every Saturday with the Bhutanese in Clarkston and Decatur Georgia. I am now working with 5 new families in Roswell, Ga who were isolated until I got involved and I am visiting 3 times a week, They are Gurung,Rai and Adikhari. Priro to the arrivalof refugees in warly 2008, I was asked to work with the original Bhutanese community-14 families who came under political asylum. I was the one who brought the Bhutanese situation to the attenion of the Indian community and SEWA. I have np agency or religious affiliation. I put the information out so that the community knew that help was on its way.

Swadesh who is the local head of SEWA was checking to make sure all the money arrived at the apartments. I have seen documentation and money should have been there by April 6th

I have no agenda. I have probably helped 15-20 families and I love the community. Many people know and respect me as a friend of Bhutan refugees. I am tired of constantly having my motives challenged. I brought the current situation to SEWA and asked for their help

Both SEWA and a Christian church and are helping the Roswell families. I work with Rai,Gurung, Timsinas, Adikharis. I care not about religion, ethnicity or caste. My record stands on its own and I am not out to seek recognition. I think your email comments are misguided.

I can now verify that rents have been received at all apartments for 8 families. I deeply resent the insinuation that SEWA did not pay the rent and that I have an agenda. I am due an apology, Kanal-you also are ignoring the facts regarding the issuse in 2009. What is it that you and Pavitra have against me and Indian assistance?

Here in this tragic situation all parts of the community must work together regardless of political, ego, personal or leadership issues. There still seems to be so much animosity and resentment,

Every part of the community needs to meet with RFS and the agencies to implement a cohesive plan.

Is the childish rancor between the 2 national groups and the local problems ever going to end?. As refugees, you face so many hardships-the average Bhutanese refugee needs help and it is not important as to where it comes from.

I do not plan to respond to this site again. It appears to be a waste of time, since so many people seem to have agendas on this issue and those in the past where I was persoanaly attacked.

Dear Ralph Parker:

I am glad you have verified that the rent has been paid. You must admit your fault. You claimed earlier that the rent has been paid when in fact that was not the case. Now, you have done the right thing, and have claimed that the rent has been paid after verfying it.

I truly appreciate your help for Bhutanese community and all of those who need help. I never meant any disrecpect to you but I just wanted you to verify your claim first before making an announcement.

I also have been attacked personally many times, and few times I decided not to write any comments anymore on this website because this website allows commentators to insult eachother and intimidate and harass others. Bhutan News Service is wrong by allowing it to continue.

But please do not stop helping others, because today’s society needs selfishless work and help from good people like yourself. Just remember there always will be some jealous and unwise people who will try to discourage you by insulting you or by discouraging you, but you must not allow them to stop you doing the right thing.

I am sorry if my comments have offended you in any way.
God Bless You.

Mr. Shahid M. Pasha, Massachusetts, USA

Mr. Ralph.
I am very happy to hear that “The job is in fact done.” I heartily appreciate this Memorial help. I consider it MEMORIAL in regard that, it shows something after long talks. I do not hesitate to say that you have been doing a lot for Bhutanese community. But there are some deteriorating facts, I do not want to expose here. I am telling you this, because you openly offended Pabitra and me. I don’t have any problems with you. But Pabitra is my aunt. Why did you bring her name in the comment. Did she write anything to you? I opened myself in this topic because I am an immediate family member of Kharka Chhetri. He is my uncle. Why did you join me with Pabitra? I need clarification. We are not among others who easily can digest direct attack. You might remember the day, when I stopped you on door in OBCA convention. I still feel pity upon your red face. I also remember the talks when I and Sanita had with you during donation drive of Bhutanese Refugee Support Group? What else???????
I don’t accept you as a helper for Bhutanese Community.
Kamal Dahal

Kamal

I have no idea what “memorial” means in the context you indicated. I do not know what all the facts are but I know the community appears even more split.Regarding OABCA, It was Sarman who I spoke to primarily and I was angry about the constant attacks on me.I had nothinI did not mean offense to Pavitra but my sense was that she also felt distrusting to the Indians and the veracity of the gesture I had nothing to do with the support group donation drive. Who is Sanita?
I know clearly the intent of SEWA and it is clearly humanatarian Why would you doubt that their offer was sincere and deliverable?

Whether you accept me or not, I will continue to work with families. Just ask the families if I have been helpful

I would be glad to meet and disuss.

I am not going to use this forum again.

Ralph.
I have to say that, “You are very forgetful.” But I am not. I never forget about the facts in Tilachand Koirala’s Tax refund case. You might have forgotten Sanita but she and me haven’t forgotten you. We still remember every words you used that day. About BM Rai, DJ Khaling, Pabitra, Sarman Samal, Narayan Katel, and Deo Sharma. Did you remember now? Or not yet? I also remember the words of you and Narayan Katel, in Birch grove apartment complex. You laughed at me, when I said, “I voluntarily help Bhutanese community.” Didn’t you? Do you want to meet the listeners? You can just write emails in good English unlike me. You do nothing more than that. You just keep running after BAG.