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The Bodo & Ulfa Problem
Bhutan Bodo & Ulfa Conflict
Bhutan's security must be safeguarded by its people
Security situation in Zhemgang
The government's security report 2001
Agreement signed with the ULFA militants
Bhutan threatens crackdown against ULFA militants
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Bhutan's security must be safeguarded by its people

Sharing the views of their fellow citizens in other dzongkhags, the people of Chukha said they were fully prepared to support military action against the ULFA and NDFB militants to make them leave Bhutan before they destroyed our security and well-being as a sovereign, independent nation. Several representatives of Chukha dzongkhag spoke when the militant issue was discussed at the Eighth Plan meeting on April 11, expressing their concern and anger over the illegal presence of the militants in the kingdom, and pledging their total commitment to the protection of the sovereignty of the country.

Karma, a Tsimalakha businessman, said that since all peaceful efforts to resolving the militant problem had failed, Bhutan must prepare for an armed action. The royal government should, in the mean time, stop all development works and devote all its resources to strengthening its security. "Investing in new development activities would be pointless since, in the event of an armed conflict, even the existing development infrastructure and facilities would be destroyed," he said.

Tashi Phuntsho of Jabtsho village said that the militants were bent on creating problems for Bhutan. "We must stop them from causing any further trouble to our country," he said. Pasturam Sawal of Tala geog felt the prolonged stay of the militants would only aggravate Bhutan's security problem. "The sooner they are forced to leave the better," he said. "Otherwise, the problem could grow out of proportion."

The gup of Dung geog, Pem Dorji, said the people of Chukha will not waver in their commitment to support the government in any course of action taken to resolve the problem. Kencho Dorji, a businessman, pointed out that having taken on the full responsibility for protecting the security and sovereignty of the country, His Majesty was risking his precious life by visiting the areas rife with militant threats. "The people of Chukha would like to plead that His Majesty the King avoid travelling to the high security risk areas," he said. Briefing the representatives of Chukha dzongkhag the home Minister, Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, said that the ngolops and the militants from Assam had disrupted an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity in Bhutan.

The most serious security challenge to Bhutan today was posed by the ULFA and Bodo militants who were illegally camped in Bhutan, according to the home minister. Bhutan had so far held two rounds of talks with the ULFA and one round with the NDFB. But the results of the talks were not fruitful. The militants had stated that they will not leave Bhutan until they had achieved their objective of independence for Assam.

Since they would never be able to fulfill their objective, the militants would end up staying in Bhutan indefinitely. We are losing our hopes in finding a peaceful solution to the problem and we might be left with no alternative but to take up military action," Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho said. An armed conflict with the militants would, however, cause immense suffering to the Bhutanese people in all the 20 dzongkhags. It would not be safe for Bhutanese people and vehicles to travel through Assam, economic activities in the country would be disrupted and many Bhutanese lives would be lost. Armed hostilities with the militants could even affect Bhutan's relations with Assam. The home minister reminded the meeting that the Bhutanese people must be ready to protect their country even at the risk of their own lives. "Our forefathers faced many hardships to protect the country," he said. "It is our duty today to safeguard this legacy for our children by being completely united in thought and action in the service of our country."

The Lhengye Zhuntshog Chairman, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, said that only the Bhutanese people can safeguard the security and the sovereignty of their country. Pointing out that a country's true strength lies on the unity of its people, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said that a united Bhutan can confront challenges even bigger than the security threat posed by the ULFA and the Bodo militants.

The Lhengye Zhuntshog Chairman also lauded the exemplary manner in which the residents of Phuentsholing had dealt with the numerous "peace march" demonstrations instigated by the ngolops from across the border. "The people of Phuentsholing have shown the rest of the Bhutanese people a good example of what our responsibilities should be as the loyal and dedicated citizens of the Kingdom of Bhutan," he said.

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Zhemgang discusses the security situation
May 19 , 2001

With the shops and businesses in parts of Zhemgang already closed and the daily lives of the people affected by the presence of the ULFA and Bodo militants, representatives of the dzongkhag who attended the Eighth Plan mid term review meeting on May 12 said that they were ready to face whatever hardship was necessary to get rid of the militants.

"Since Zhemgang is directly affected by the proximity of the militants we have no peace of mind," said Ugyen Dorji of Ngangla gewog. "If we have to resort to an armed conflict to get rid of the militants we, the people of Zhemgang, are ready to face the worst situation because our nation's security is at stake." Living close to the border the people of Zhemgang felt particularly vulnerable, he added. "It is only because of the protection of our guardian deities and the personal sacrifices made by His Majesty the King that we have enjoyed such peace and prosperity," he said. "Now, at this difficult stage, we must support our King because only he can ensure the security and sovereignty of our kingdom."

Dorji Choedup, also of Ngangla geog, said that an armed conflict with the militants may result in the destruction of homes, roads and bridges, villages and towns, and the loss of food and cash crops. "But, far beyond that, we are ready to sacrifice all our possessions and our own lives if necessary," he said.
Sonam of Thrisa village in Shingkhar geog said that, while the real conflict was between the militants and the

Indian government, the Bhutanese people were already facing serious difficulties and problems. "Our people have been killed, traveling through Assam is no longer safe, and trade and businesses have been disrupted," he said. "We request the Indian government to solve this problem at the political level. We, the farmers, may not be as well armed and well trained as the militants but we have a far greater goal : to preserve the security of the Palden Drukpa."

Yonten of Womling village said that the people were concerned because they heard that His Majesty was risking his safety by travelling to the affected areas. "We would like to plead that His Majesty does not take such risks because the solution to the problem and the future of the nation depends on his well being."

The home minister, Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, who briefed the meeting on the background and implications of the militant problem, said it was encouraging that the people of Zhemgang, like their compatriots around the country, understood the magnitude of the problem and were willing to sacrifice their material belongings and even their lives to protect their nation. Just as the people had suggested the royal government, he said, was in close touch with the government of India to find a solution to the problem which was of serious concern to both countries. He said he was confident that the age old friendship and the complete understanding between the two countries would enable the two governemnts to deal with the problem successfully.

The home minister informed the people of Zhemgang that the government will make every effort to look after the kidu and well being of the people in case of an armed conflict. "If necessary, we are planning to accommodate the people of west Panbang in Gelephu and the people in the eastern part of Panbang like Nganglam, Norbugang, Dechen-choling, Deothang, Martshala and Gomdar in Trashigang or Pemag-atshel" he explained. He said that no country in the world allowed armed foreigners on their soil. Bhutan, a small country with a small population, was more vulnerable than most. The illegal presence of the ULFA and Bodo militants in Bhutan was a direct threat to the kingdom's security and had serious implications on its sovereignty.

The home minister said that the people of Khenrig Namsum were more aware of the problem than most others because the four gewogs of Ngangla, Goshing, Phangkhar and Bjokha fell within Panbang dungkhag which was directly affected by the problem. Many businesses in the dzongkgag were losed today because the people chose to sacrifice their income rather than to provide supplies to the militants. He pointed out that, in the case of an armed conflict, more than 100 government services and installation would have to be closed. Twelve dzongkhags would be directly affected and there would be serious impact economic activities around the country.

Chairman of the Lhengye Zhungtsho presents the government's security report 2001
Jun 30 , 2001

Drawing inspiration from His Majesty the King, the government of Bhutan treads the path to Gross National Happiness, placing people at the centre of development, said the chairman of the lhengye zhungtshog, Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, as he presented the government's annual report to the National Assembly yesterday.

The report was dominated by an overwhelming concern for the kingdom's security. "National security being an important pre-requisite for stability and development, it is the most important issue facing the country today," Lyonpo Zimba said. "It is of foremost concern to all Bhutanese people as an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity has been threatened by the ngolop problem and by the presence of the ULFA and Bodo militants in the country."

Lyonpo Zimba said that, in all 20 dzongkhags, the members of the GYT, DYT, the representatives of the business community, students, and the general public pledged to do whatever was necessary to remove the militants from Bhutanese territory. "With such spontaneous support, the government is reassured of our people's love, loyalty and dedication to the tsawa sum and is more confident than ever of finding a speedy solution to the problem," he said. "I would like to make it clear that the royal government remains fully committed to carrying out the National Assembly resolutions if the peaceful means fail to persuade the militants to leave Bhutanese territory."

The lhengye zhungtshog chairman added that national security was not dependent on military strength alone, and that the people must be united in thought and action, and they must place the interest of the nation above all else."It is also important to have a strong economy to ensure national security," he said. "We must all work towards strengthening national self-reliance, generating economic opportunities, creating employment and improving the lives of the Bhutanese people."

The head of government informed the National Assembly that the Royal Bhutan Army had been strengthened and equipped with better arms with the expenditure met entirely from the RBA's own funds, without affecting the development budget. The Royal Bhutan Police had also been strengthened to maintain law and order. All highways were being kept open throughout the country to facilitate safe travel for the people and shelters had been constructed for people traveling within Bhutan. Arrangements had been made for the supply of fuel and essential food commodities for people in the affected areas. Preparations for emergency camps were underway and emergency medical teams had been set up. Two security coordination committee meetings had been held in Gelephu and Deothang to facilitate coordination among government agencies in case of an emergency.

Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba said that, meanwhile, the ngolop threat carried equally serious implications for the country's future. "We must remain ever vigilant of such elements that threaten our peace and stability," he said. "I would like to inform the honourable members that the Cabinet continues to review the security situation frequently."

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Agreement signed with ULFA
Aug 07, 2001
The home minister, Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, informed the National Assembly of the latest developments in the government's earnest attempts to find a peaceful solution to the problem.

On the directive of His Majesty the King and the National Assembly, the home minister had led a Bhutanese delegation in five rounds of talks with the militant leaders, two rounds of talks with the ULFA leaders, in 1998 and 1999, and two rounds with leaders of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, in October, 2000, and May, 2001. Finally, in June, 2001, after three days of talks, ULFA's political advisor and the finance secretary cum assistant general secretary signed the agreed minutes with the government on three points:

- The ULFA will remove four of their nine camps in Bhutan by December, 2001; they will reduce the strength of their cadres in the remaining five camps.
- Following the implementation of this agreement within December, 2001, the government and the ULFA will meet again to find a solution to the remaining five ULFA camps in Bhutan.

"Although this agreement does not really resolve the problem, it is a good start towards a peaceful solution," said the home minister.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland NDFB, who were told to remove their camps from Bhutanese territory as soon as possible. NDFB intended to leave but could not commit a deadline.

The Zhung Kalyon explained that the agreement with the ULFA leaders had been signed primarily in keeping with the general consensus in the Assembly to solve the problem through peaceful means, and to uphold Bhutan's status as a peace-loving nation, an ideal inspired by His Majesty the King. The Kalyon assured the members that the agreement was a culmination of three meetings with the ULFA leaders so far. The content of the agreement had been drafted taking into account the country's security, Bhutan's cordial relationship with India, and the interests of the Bhutanese people. He said that the ULFA leaders had specifically informed the royal government that their representatives had been given full mandate to take decisions.

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Bhutan threatens crackdown against ULFA militants
Dec 31 , 2001

Bhutan's monarch has threatened to launch a military crackdown if ULFA and Bodo rebels do not vacate their bases located inside the tiny Himalayan kingdom. "Bhutan, today, faces a grave security threat from the presence of the armed Assamese militants who had illegally entered Bhutan and refused to leave," King Jigme Singye Wangchuk said. "Bhutan will make every effort to resolve the problem through a process of peaceful dialogue," the king told a National Day rally.

"If, however, the efforts and initiatives for a peaceful solution do not yield results and the Assamese militants refuse to leave the country, there will be no option but to send the security forces to remove them from Bhutanese soil." The outlawed United Liberation Front of Assam and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland -both fighting for independent homelands in Assam - have their headquarters in Bhutan.

The rebels have operated out of Bhutan over the past three years, staging hit-and-run guerrilla strikes in Assam. It is estimated that more than 4,000-armed rebels are operating from Bhutan, according to Indian officials.The king said up to 80,000 people would have to be evacuated from parts of southern Bhutan if the kingdom's troops were to launch an offensive on the rebel bases. "If an armed conflict breaks out in the country, it would create many problems for the government and bring immense hardship to the people," the king said.

"Members of the security forces, civil servants, businessmen, and people would face serious danger and many Bhutanese lives could be lost." Last year, ULFA leaders and top Bhutanese government officials held talks in Thimphu where the rebels agreed to shift their bases by December-end. Reports say the ULFA has already relocated at least four of its camps from Bhutan into adjoining Bangladesh. More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam during the past two decades.

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