Time is yet to ripen
Dr. D. N. S. Dhakal has been the prominent personality in the democratic struggle of Bhutan soon he took up the responsibility as the general secretary of the Bhutan National Democratic Party (BNDP). Since his involvement, Dhakal has been leading most demonstrations and peaceful protests that have been organized by political parties and apolitical groups in exile to put pressure on Bhutan government for repatriation of its citizens and drawing attention of the international community to look into the matter so as to find its solution at the earliest. With democratic changes initiated in Bhutan, Dhakal as one of the first political activists, talked with Bhutan News Service about contemporary Bhutanese politics and credibility that democratic changes in Bhutan would own.
Who won in the democratic struggle of Bhutan?
The results have not come and the time has not matured for that. There have been no changes seen that we demanded. Bhutan is yet to enter the era of democracy where every ethnic group and every citizen get their rights guaranteed. All the citizens should be treated equally. Unless, these are met, the pretence of the regime of establishing democratic system would become a ploy. Establishment of true democracy is not possible in short struggle; it takes decades and continued efforts from community leaders. When democracy is finally established in Bhutan, this will be the victory for both sides: those ruling now and the people struggling for equality.
The issue of third country settlement is at the climax of debate. Do you think this is beneficial for the democratic struggle in Bhutan?
Bhutan National Democratic Party (BNDP) welcomes the move. The major obstruction in our democratic movement was the financial crisis. Resettlement would help us raise our financial status. This in turn will help the movement. At the same time, it is the right of every Bhutanese in exile to choose their future. I am not one to determine their future and neither Bhutan or Nepal, India or America. The initiators of the country settlement must respect the right of the individual exiled Bhutanese. BNDP believes, let individual decide what they want to do.
Will that not derail the movement?
Never, never. You can see the examples from nearby country. People of Indian origin but citizens of Nepal and living abroad never mixed up with NRI and people of Nepali origin but citizens of India and living abroad never intended to call themselves as NRN. The same would be the case with Bhutanese. Feeling for nationality becomes stronger when people become economically strong. If people are resettled in the west, they might take a decade or so to settle. The real movement would start after that.
If it would be the case as you said, people would have forgotten Bhutan after 17 years of life in exile. However, the sense of nationality has become stronger. They sough to accept the proposal of third country settlement to avoid any uncertainty that may arise because the donors have been reducing their support. The life in the camp is become harder, day by day. People wish, they end such a life.
The king has already initiated democratic changes in Bhutan and signs have started coming out. What would you do then?
Democracy comes through struggle. I don't hope people living inside Bhutan, especially in the north, have become ready for democratization. Democracy means delivering justice to people at the bottom level and it cannot be achieved in a short period. People from all groups and communities must feel their voices are heard.
Of course, the king announced for democratic changes by 2008. It is not doubt the result of our struggle for the last 17 years. If we had not begun the movement, the changes would have been impossible. People in Bhutan would be living in dark for next few decades. Now, the democratization process has begun, as the king claims. But I don’t hope, the international community would accept the result of 'mockery' elections by excluding parties like BNDP, BPP who first raised the issue of democracy and human rights in Bhutan. The election in Bhutan would not be recognized as legitimate.
Will you be able to participate in the election?
Time is yet to mature for a legitimate democratic force to participate in such election conducted under strict surveillance of the government security force. We would not.
Why don't you tell your cadres inside the country to register the party?
That is not a good reason, but not impossible. We think, we may pursue registration of the party for democratic election if environment becomes conducive. First let us see that there is guarantee of establishment of lasting democracy.
What do you think is the cause of adjournment of the repatriation of the exiled Bhutanese? What would be the solution?
The major cause is the stand that Nepal has been taking till now. Nepal agreed for verification and categorization which would never be completed. Bhutan never wishes let the process completes. There should be the involvement of India and the international community which will exert more pressure on Bhutan to take rapid decisions. Nepal should withdraw from the bilateral process and let the international community settle the issue.
What do you think the role of India and cause of armed rebellion in Bhutanese context?
There should be drastic changes in the thought of the people and government of India to help our struggle. No Indian would support the struggle until we are few. India would be compelled to support the struggle after the whole Bhutanese society becomes ready for changes. And the whole Bhutanese would support the initiative taken by southern Bhutan because changes are not only for southern Bhutanese.
Armed struggle is not feasible at this situation. It our brothers and sisters who would help us get shelter during the struggle. This would increase the possibility that Bhutan would expel these people as well creating another group of refugees. India may provide support to do that.
When I met some communist friends, I told them to try motivating the northerners. Lhotsampa community is ready to help us but they have not been able to do that due to fear. The prime target is to make the non-Lhotsampas involved the democratic movement.