Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The Breach of Sovereignty- a heart wrenching knockout for true Bhutanese.

The seemingly all purpose official gazette of the Bhutanese Cabinet " The Bhutanese " under its 6th April,2015 " Editorial " and " Two highway projects" article  confirms that the two crucial  South Bhutan  highway projects have been shelved because of Indian Army Operation against Militants. The Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay has finally blurted out the truth to the ' The Bhutanese '. The duration of the  Indian Military Operation is termed indefinite. It can go on forever.

The  Prime Minister of the Bhutanese Nation has near about admitted that South Bhutan Jungles have been taken over by the Indian Military Forces for indefinite period and therefore the two nationally crucial highway projects that run along these very Jungles of South Bhutan had to be shut down. Thank you Prime Minister for at least being honest and  voicing out the state of your helplessness.

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan bestows upon the royal shoulder of the constitutional Monarch the security of the Nation and the Kidu welfare of the people including the grant of land and citizenship.
So security of South Bhutan is not in the hand of the ruling Cabinet.

A democratically elected Government's main mandate, therefore, seems to be , to  shoulder the responsibility of implementing to the fullest the 5 year Development Plan. Possibly for this reason a newly elected Government takes over the rein of governance at the onset of a new 5 year Plan. The elected Government takes over the proposed 5year plan and after incorporating any new additions or deletions in line with its Party manifesto and Election Promises, submits the same to the Parliament for passing the planned activities and required budget. Once that is done, the governing Political Party has the moral and executive responsibility to get the job done. And just as you cannot save the baby if the womb is removed, the 11th 5year Plan does not have a soul if the South Bhutan Highways are shelved. All other nitty gritty and sleeping walking affairs of the nation can be done by an interim government. It is not necessary to have a democratically elected pro active vibrant Executive Government.

I humbly pray to the Prime Minister to please submit his Government's predicament to the Throne. If he is unable to implement his Government's 5 year Plan because of precarious security problem in South Bhutan, do not approach Tenzing Lamzang of The Bhutanese. Only His Majesty the King has the constitutional mandate to ensure ( in this particular case ) the physical internal security of the  Kingdom in the South.  Not Tenzing Lamzang and certainly never the Indian Army that should dictate how the Bhutanese Government should govern and fulfill its mandate.

The Prime Minister has made extensive reference to the 2003 military campaign led by His Majesty the 4th King to oust the armed insurgent groups of Indian origin from these very Jungles of South Bhutan. The Triple Gem King led the military campaign personally at the head of his own Defence Forces because he realised the grave national risks involved if Bhutan entrusted the Indian Army
to oust the Indian Insurgents from South Bhutan. And now after 12 years the Indian Military takes over.

What is the difference to the sovereign status of the Kingdom of Bhutan between the occupation of South Bhutan by armed Indian Insurgent Groups till 2003 and now the " indefinite period " of Indian Military supposed Operation against Insurgent Groups that requires the Government of Bhutan to lay off its development jurisdiction over South Bhutan? What really did the National Defence Forces  achieve in the 2003 military campaign if South Bhutan still lies captive to foreign forces ? And of what use is our Defence Forces if according to the Prime Minister they cannot even ensure safe travel to Bhutanese even if his Government constructed the two highways in South Bhutan ? Forget guarding the Kingdom against external aggression, the Defences Forces of Bhutan cannot be relied upon by  the Government to ensure safety of  Bhutanese travellers inside Bhutan along the  if constructed Southern highways. A fearful reason for national lament.

The Paper quotes the Prime Minister stating that the South Bhutan Highways were shelved, " for domestic reasons and not under any advice or pressure of any foreign Country ". What can a Bhutanese citizen honestly say against such a declaration. It was not any Foreign Country just India or since when had Indian Military Operation become a domestic issue of Bhutan.

In a nutshell , one can assume that the citizens of the Kingdom would be aggrieved that the Government has been prevented from implementing its flagship development activity of the 11th  5year Plan. Therefore, the strong reactions in the social media. However, the Leadership must not feel  that the animosity is directed towards  it. The animosity should be rightly directed towards the Southern Neighbour which is the cause of South Bhutan highway projects stoppage under whatever national or regional reasons. But grief will be expressed to the national Leadership for where else could the citizens of the Kingdom look for leadership ? It is for the Leadership of the Kingdom to impress upon the Government of India and her Military that South Bhutan cannot be held hostage for indefinite period. I for one deeply respect the Government and upon my soul hold the highest of reverence and faith in the Throne. But the Policy of India towards Bhutan especially in the recent times poses danger to the Nation and therefore to the Throne also. Bhutan needs to gain jurisdiction over its Kingdom and for this reason I am passing this message to India.

Of all the Countries in the world I have genuine reasons to be grateful and like India and her people but by the oath of Pelden Drukpa I love Bhutan above all else and will forever in my lifetime express and practise this loyalty and love for my Country. It is not my responsibility to call upon fellow Bhutanese to join me. A Bhutanese has a sovereign duty to find where his or her heart lies. It should not be in the gut of the stomach. It should be in the nerve centre of self existence in a sovereign Kingdom. We must support our beloved Monarchs and the Prime Minister in the dark hour when even most imperative core development plans  and  of indispensable national nature are stopped for reasons of Indian Military Adventurism. With Love from Sangey of Haa Wangcha Bhutan.

Pelden Drukpa Lha Gyelo ! ! !

24 comments:

  1. People listen to the editor's valuable advice and stop criticizing the present government. The editor seems to be more concerned about the security of the nation than anyone of you criticizing the government. But then again I really don't understand how the construction of highways in southern Bhutan is a security threat to Bhutan when in fact it (the highway) could enhance the security of the nation. Above all, the presence of Indian army operating on Bhutanese territory is no good for the sovereignty of our beloved Pelden Drukpa. Wasn't it for the same reason that our 4th Druk Gyalpo led the armed forces to flush out the Indian militants from southern Bhutan in 2003? Our beloved 4th Druk Gyalpo knew too well the dangers of allowing Indian army into Bhutan to do the job. But now we have a government that seems to be too submissive to New Delhi. And "the Bhutanese" (not Bhutanese people) defends the government's position on this issue of national importance.

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  2. Construction of road along the border solves security issues or creates security issues? Well for India it solves the security issues as they have been doing in the northern borders with china and Bhutan, it is just the otherwise for Bhutan? haha,

    U have answered it all sir, to the article in The Bhutanese...

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  3. I am a regular reader of your article.. The last one about the southern highways is another great article that I already saved including this one..
    we are united ..but please..please stay away with the indian govt. we still remember the current status of Sikkim..

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  4. Dear Sisters and brothers of Bhutan-
    It is sad to learn that our sovereignty is taken hostage, yet another time; it is sadder that you realize this too late- Had the Druk Gyalpo and the erstwhile government realized this two decades back when those 100 thousand genuine Bhutanese citizens- the Lhotshampas and Sarchokpas- had raised their unequivocal concern and love for the king and the country, the regime was hell bent to evict these peace-loving people framing them "Ngolops" or Anti-nationals under the ludicrous policy of "one nation one people..." and at the behest of the bigger Southern brother... And now, you realize the truth: I feel sorry for the myopic vision of those in power then and now! I can only pray that my beloved country be saved from external encroachment... I fear this is just the tip of the iceberg unless the regime wakes up from its smug-as-a-bug-on-a-rug attitude, and entrusts its citizens irrespective of what they profess, look like or speak... in saving the nation...lest one cannot rule out the another 16th May 1975 FOR, history repeats! I want you dear writer to print two maps of Bhutan: one some 30 year old and one current and gift it to the King- so he could see how our beloved country is shrinking all corners, how our Kula Gangris are being beheaded and how our plains and forest are being encroached! God Bless Bhutan!

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  5. Dear Sisters and brothers of Bhutan-
    It is sad to learn that our sovereignty is taken hostage, yet another time; it is sadder that you realize this too late- Had the Druk Gyalpo and the erstwhile government realized this two decades back when those 100 thousand genuine Bhutanese citizens- the Lhotshampas and Sarchokpas- had raised their unequivocal concern and love for the king and the country, the regime was hell bent to evict these peace-loving people framing them "Ngolops" or Anti-nationals under the ludicrous policy of "one nation one people..." and at the behest of the bigger Southern brother... And now, you realize the truth: I feel sorry for the myopic vision of those in power then and now! I can only pray that my beloved country be saved from external encroachment... I fear this is just the tip of the iceberg unless the regime wakes up from its smug-as-a-bug-on-a-rug attitude, and entrusts its citizens irrespective of what they profess, look like or speak... in saving the nation...lest one cannot rule out the another 16th May 1975 FOR, history repeats! I want you dear writer to print two maps of Bhutan: one some 30 year old and one current and gift it to the King- so he could see how our beloved country is shrinking all corners, how our Kula Gangris are being beheaded and how our plains and forest are being encroached! God Bless Bhutan!

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  6. Au wangcha sangay, keep sharing your opinions on issues of national importance. I, for one really appreciates your analytical and logical thinkings. When I read the PM' s explanations in ''the bhutanese'' I can't help but laugh. Our PM is a joke. Whats worse, he is a lapdog of Indian govt. He said to his mouthpiece "the bhutanese" that those who criticised his govt's decsion of shelving the construction of highways in southern Bhutan have short memories. To our righteous PM...let me ask " Mr. Prime Minister, is it you or the Bhutanese intellegentia that is short on memory?" If I recall correctly, the Indian military wanted to come to Bhutan to flush out the ULFA, BODO and KLO militants in 2003 but with our beloved 4th Druk Gyalpo at the helm of affairs had the wisdom to understand the dangers of allowing the Indian military to enter Bhutan to fight the militants. Thats why he led the Bhutanese armed forces to flush out the Indian militants from our soil. An extra ordinary and selfless king whose service to his country and his people is recorded in the history of Bhutan. The 5th king, HM the 5th king said it best when he said that " there never was a king like Jigme Singye Wangchuk and that never will be". But sadly all the selfless efforts that our beloved 4th Druk Gyalpo made are made meaningless if what we are to believe "the Bhutanese". According to "the bhutanese" 6th April editorial, the stoppage of highways in southern bhutan is to enhance the security of Bhutan by allowing the Indian army to operate on Bhutanese territory to fight indian militants. Probably I as a common man do not understand politics or may be our PDP politicians are from another planet. Thats why I, like the rest of the concerned Bhutanese dont grasp their logic on national security. All said and done, I pray to our national guardian, Pelden Lhamo to protect our beloved Pelden Drukpi Gyalkhap from the selfish greddy and power hunger mortals.

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  7. What do u expect anyway from "the bhutaese"...it is nothing more than gov mouthpiece! Check the content, language and tone of the paper till 2013 and their after---u can see the difference that even class v student make out! i wonder if people working in this paper ve moral right to be called themselves the journalist! I don know even they know abt the journalistic ethics? i dont know anyone working there nor i ve any personal grudge but i am totall disgusted! i ve so much hope, faith, respect and admiration to the editor but now m totally dismayed.

    now coming to the point abt two high ways....let us not fool around by giving such lame excuses! having highways and other infrastructures will lead to more settlement and thus, militants wont b able to come and hide there..moreover, it will b convenient and easy for our soldiers to patrol with road connectivity. It nothing but just a cover up story!!! our gov miserably failed to convince Indian gov that road is good for both countries...Anyways, when v such immature leaders, wat do we expect?God bless Bhutan!

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  8. Thanks to the author for your discussion on the recent happenings in our country. The ousting of the govt secretaries, stoppage of the southern highways and now the Indian military operation inside Bhutanese territory. The opposition is in a situation where it cannot oppose much for reasons that many of us know. Thats why this govt has the luxury to commit blunders after blunders. Our small great country is being bullied by India but our pathetic leaders seem to be too willing to give into their unreasonable demands. I think its time that we the people must rise up to protect the sovereignty of our beloved Pelden Drukpi Gyalkhap.

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  9. Had the government been DPT or other, it would ve been big headline for "the bhutanese" abt this story...it would be ...Government compromising Sovereignty! Spineless Gov...etc etc

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  10. The present government's foreign policy with regards to India is "lab mi nyen, bjin mi lyen" (Do what they say and take what they give).

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  11. How pathetic! But whom do we blame? what have we done that forces us to swallow our pride and.......! Perhaps time to reflect on the past and find ways to move forward as a progressive society with a deep sense of loyalty to the Institution that has kept the country united for over a century.

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  12. Guru Rinpoche prophecised that "times don't change, but people do". In line with this, leaders have changed, so do the policies. Its for the Bhutanese to judge which leaders have acted in the interest of our beloved Pelden Drukyuel and which leaders have acted for their selfish ends. For the moment, nobody dares to speak out the truth and defend the true interest of our beloved Pelden Drukpi Gyalkhap out of fear. But the eyes of truth are always watching and someday history will tell the truth.8

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  13. If having road will result in Indian Militants fleeing inside Bhutan than what's the guarantee that not having a road will prevent them. And the HPM asserted that during 1990&1991 some militants entered, did we have road those days along the borders which compelled them to enter Bhutan. Also wouldn't it b easier for our security personals to mann the border traveling through roads than the thick jungles. And whether road workers will b mistaken for militants would depend on the brilliance of us. Let's not stoop to such a lowest level wherein our vital developmental activity gets drained out overnight!!

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    1. well said . it is a food for thought for our policy makers. high time to wake up

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    2. The PM told "The Bhutanese" that some Bhutanese those who does'nt agree to his decion to shelve the sothern highways have short memory. He mentioned how the 4th Druk Gyalpo led the Bhutanese armed forces to flush out the Indian militants from Bhutan. Mr. PM, who questioned our 4th Druk Gyalpo's leadership in Bhutan's development and Bhutan's security, so its better you don't questions on this issue. Your justification on the stoppage of our southern highways is Bhutan's security....what a lame excuse? A weak government like the current one is what suits to maintain the status quo..but surely the Bhutanese people want the PM to be a strong leader...not a stooge.

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    3. PM has a habit of taking refuge in our Kings when he fails to deliver his job!!!! Kings are above this political debate and he should refrain from dragging Kings in such debate. If he doesn't have point, he just need to admit the fact n inform public about his circumstance/situation in which he had to drop such important project. That way, people may understand and perhaps forgive!

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  14. The very fact that our Prime Minister requesting PM Modi about his wish to attend Vibrant Gujarat Summit, trying to be Indian by speaking in Hindi and saying he desire to do pilgrimage of Varanasi and Both Gaya itself shows not only his submission to India but also of whole Bhutanese. Leaders are invited to attend but not request to to attend.

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  15. Guess who will be the first Chief Minister of Bhutan?

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    1. Self proclaimed Chief Minister is already there.

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  16. What happened to ur kabney Patang issue post?

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  17. Indeed!!! what happened to your post on Patang Kabney? Why did you remove it?

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  18. All patang Kabney decoration should be limited to while some one is in civil/public service, be it any form. Once they are out, they should be ordinary with white kebney as commom citizen.

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  19. Yes, what happened to that article? even the one posted on kuenselonline forum has not been cleared by the moderator..

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  20. Yes, all types of kabney and patang should be while some one is in civil/public life only. It is very correct once retire, they should mingle with common man with white kabney.. Patang and kabney should be kept as souvenir and hung on the wall so that children and grand children shall cherish and honor.

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