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Note no. 459
24-July-2008
BHUTAN: New Constitution Formally Adopted: Update No: 71
By Dr. S. Chandrasekharan
It was on May 8 this year, the King while addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament said “ . . . my father, the fourth Druk Gyalpo and I hereby return to our people the powers that had been vested in our kings by our forefathers one hundred years ago. We do so with absolute faith and confidence, offer our complete support and our prayers for the success of democracy.” Thus, he created history by voluntarily handing over power to the people.
The same day, the first session of the first parliament adopted the draft constitution in toto and it was also decided that June 2nd every year will be observed as the constitution day.
The transition to a new democratic state was seamless and peaceful. The present Prime minister Jigmi.Y. Thinley who took over on April 9 this year has ensured continuity under the new dispensation. In governance he declared that he would be guided by two principles, namely transparency and accountability to people at regular intervals.
On July 18 (15th day of the fifth month of the Bhutanese calendar), the King, all th members of the National assembly and the National Council signed the historic document of the new constitution in the presence of the fourth Gyalpo, the monk body, the royal family, government leaders, members of civil society and the international community.
The King in his speech said that through this constitution, they would strengthen the sovereignty and security of Bhutan, secure the blessings of liberty, ensure justice and peace and enhance the unity and happiness of all Bhutanese now and always.
The signing ceremony ended with a special prayer dedicated to Lord Buddha for eternal peace, prosperity, security, sovereignty and the well-being of the people.
Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley’s State visit to India:
Prime minister Jigme Thinley accompanied by 42 members that included Foreign minister Ugyen Tshering, Economic Minister Khandu Wangchuk and Finance Minister Wangdi Norbu made a formal four days visit to India from 14th July with other senior officials.
This was Jigmi Thinley’s first foreign visit after assuming the responsibilities of the Prime minister of the “world’s newest democracy.” Protocol was strictly followed and the Prime minister besides calling on the Indian Prime Minister, met the Indian President, Vice President UPA chair person Sonia Gandhi, Leader of opposition, Deputy Chairman of the Planning commission and many others. Bhutan’s Press was quick to point out that despite the fact that the government in India was in a “difficult embroil,” its top leaders, including the opposition made a visible effort to welcome the delegation.
To quote the Bhutan press again, the real success of the Bhutan Prime minister’s visit was the “mutual conviction that in face of historical changes taking place in both countries, Bhutan-India relations will be stable.” The bonus according to them was India’s commitment of about 35 billion rupees as direct assistance to Bhutan’s 10th plan.
During the Indian Prime mInister’s visit to Bhutan in May 2008, a sum of 100 billion rupees was pledged for Bhutan’s development for the next five years. Two important projects that will absorb Indian aid would be the development of hydro power of 10,019 MW by the year 2020 as also a railway from Hashimara to Phuentsholing. The Government of India had also made a commitment to other “non plan” projects that include a medical college and a scholarship scheme. A standby credit facility of 4 billion rupees has also been committed to ensure the stability of Bhutan’s currency reserves.
It was sad to see that the Press in India more involved in the Arushi murder case and the nuclear agreement did not give due importance to the visit of the Bhutan Prime Minister. He is the first elected Prime minister visiting India and the first country he was visiting. Bhutan is one country that is closest to India and its strategic location and its importance cannot be ignored.
Soon after the elections, even before he took over as Prime minister, Jigmi Thinley explained his party’s (DPT) stand towards Indo- Bhutan relations. He said “ The two countries enjoy a unique friendship and understanding that had contributed to mutual benefit and it is a relationship that the DPT and the new government will continue to strengthen.” He said that he was looking forward to being invited to visit India.
It has now been officially declared that the New King’s coronation will take place on 6 November 2008. The ceremony is being planned to be simple but in keeping with the traditions and culture of the Bhutanese.
Refugees:
By 30th June more than 1400 Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in the USA and six other countries. The UNHCR expects that the intake may increase in the coming months and a target of 10,000 has been fixed for this year. Of these 1255 left for USA and 169 to Canada, The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.
Of the total of 107,000 in the camps more than 38500 refugees have registered their desire for settlement. This comes to almost one third and many more are expected to register in the coming months. Though there was initial hesitation in being settled abroad, the refugees despite opposition from the younger and radical elements in the camps are becoming aware of having a better life abroad rather than suffering immense hardship in the camps. Many of them are said to be suffering from mental health and depression problems.
While the older generation would prefer to go abroad which is a major change, the younger radical elements are determined to stay and the ranks of the communist party of Bhutan appear to be swelling.
On June 6 two bomb blasts took place in Samste and Phuentsholing. In the blast at Samste Nainital Primary School, the army recovered leaflets and banners of the communist party of Bhutan from the residence of Chandra Raj Rai who was living nearby. Under interrogation Rai is said to have confessed that he was sent by the communist party of Bhutan from Nepal to carry out bomb blasts in Nainital village.
The second blast went off at Damchen Petroleum Dept. at Kharbandi under Phuentsholing dungkhag. They came across the dead body of one Indra Bahadur Ghalley who was killed while activating the bomb.
On June 28 a bomb exploded on the rod to Sipsu-Tendu of Samste district. Another bomb found buried under the soil was reportedly defused by the Police.
Earlier there was a bomb blast near the Damak office of the International Organisation of Migration (IOM). The Terai armed group of Jwala Singh claimed responsibility for the blast but said that their real targets were missed!
In April, the West Bengal Police arrested three persons all members of the CPB (M) based in Nepal who were assembling bombs to carry out sabotage operations. Three persons from Beldangi camp lost their lives when a bomb accidentally exploded at Champasari in Siliguri. The Police recovered a loaded 9 mm pistol, several bombs and timer devices from the house where the blast took place.
It looks that those hardcore youngsters who do not believe in third country settlement will continue to indulge in acts of violence in southern Bhutan. The incidents mentioned earlier appear to be just the beginning.
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