The story of civil disobedience
Mass gathering in moral sense seems to be a challenge for Bhutanese rulers – be it for any cause. Political gathering is most dangerous. Things have not changed much though mere announcements and procedures show the country has changed from absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy. Yet mind set has not changed an inch.
Opposition voices are merely digested. Do you remember how Prime Minister Thinely threatened the media persons early this year when he briefed them of the achievement DPT government made in one year. That served a good reason of abstaining journalists from asking any critical questions to political leaders.
Oh! I was talking about gatherings. In 1989 when Tek Nath Rizal was released, before being arrested finally from Nepal, he was warned not to talk to more than three people at a time. That’s old story since Bhutanese rulers have learnt much about freedom and stories against Chinese one-party rule and Burmese junta. They are also seen in TV the live execution of Saddam Hussein.
So, liberties have been extended, little by little. When ministers or royal family members engaged, that becomes a mission for a cause but when others organize similar events, it is hardly digested.
The latest incident is visualized by the solidarity walk by Thimphu residents who marched in mass from memorial chorten to the swimming pool and then to parliament building to submit memo to Prime Minister. The civil disobedience was against the government’s dire ignorance towards death of seven school children. These innocent children were drowned in Wangchu, when the flooded river swept away a bridge.
“There are so many questions and concerns on the minds of Bhutanese people on how the boys could not be rescued. We hope that the petition letter will stimulate the government into launching a high-level investigation on what actually happened in Tsimalakha,” said one of the organizers, Kunga T Dorji. “We also hope that the government will, from now on, be in a better state of preparedness.”
The organizers have well informed the police and the home ministry of their event. Journalists took good interests to participate and write and public participation was enthusiastic. Prime minister did not meet the protestors but sent his messenger.
Cabinet Secretary Tashi Phuntsho, Home Secretary Penden Wangchuk, Education Secretary Sangey Zam were more irritated by the protests. They even called to view the long term consequences of the walk.
The fear inherent seems interesting. Will there be any negative consequences of a solidarity walk organized by local residents to remind the government of its seer ignorance towards death of innocent children? Is the call for government to get better prepared and equipped to face the wrath of natural calamities a harm to civil harmony?
The consequences of the walk turned bitter for Bhutan Electricity Authority chief K. B. Wakley, who joined the walk. Royal civil Service Commission interrogated him for participating in what was termed an ‘immoral activities’. Had it been organized by Lhotsampas, without doubt, more Nepali speakers would get the stamp of ngolops. He is only person to be interrogated for joining the group, which was only to console the bereaved families of drowned children. The motive is clear; the Nepali speakers are still in target of Bhutanese rulers.
The fear of a small walk spread like wild fire in Thimphu rulers and now efforts are ahead to avoid any such incidents in future. Who wins the race in democracy is matter of time but things are now clear, civil disobedience against government’s inability has begun to pour into this tiny kingdom.