Extra security adds panic in Gelephu
The authorities in southern districts are extra cautious with the approach of local government election. The extra cautiousness was invited by the two simultaneous explosions on May 24 in Gelephu and Phuentsholing.
The extra cautiousness has added panic to the general people. A local resident in Gelephu said her fear of more explosions has risen with the police and authorities patrolling more often. However, police say they are taking all possible measure to combat the rising fear among residents as well. Police say their intention is to create awareness among locals to counter crimes.
Underground groups claim responsibilities for few explosions in Bhutan. Though Bhutan claims these groups were based in refugee camps in Nepal, there are no evidences that their operation base is camp except that their sentiments have been linked to the prolonged refugee crisis.
The police have set up 113 as emergency hotline for everyone to report on suspected act and new faces. Plan for 24-hours patrolling has not been materialised due to shortfall in police strength. Residents are also worried that regular visits to the bordering Indian town, Dathgari, would be risky.
There are chances that authorities might tighten the security measures at Gelephu-Dathghari but this would give no relief as rebellions generally use not main routes for the subversive activities. Additional security measure is likely to affect the Indian workers in Gelephu who travel across border daily.
Similar strategies have been adopted in most of the southern border as election approached. The underground groups, despite warning, haven’t been able to make any distraction in the election process so far.