Draft constitution need massive amendment: Indian leaders
New Delhi, November 25: A conference on Bhutan's proposed constitution, democracy and exiled Bhutanese was held on November 25 at Indian International Centre, New Delhi. Jointly organized by Public Interest Legal Support and Research Centre, Indo-Bhutan Friendship society and Druk National Congress, dozens of leaders from India joined to extend support to the Bhutanese democratic struggle.
Welcoming the guests, president of Druk National Congress Rongthong Kuenle Dorji raised the reservation on the provisions in the new Election Act, which stipulate that a Member of Parliament must be a graduate. He said, "In the present system of education, a "graduate" is exclusively referred to a western-type qualification that essentially snubs the age-old traditional Bhutanese educational system. This appears a paradox, since government, including Crown Prince, advocates on preserving the rich cultural heritage and promoting Dzongkha as a mandatory medium and Lingua França of Bhutan".
He raised concerns that the environment to conduct free and fair elections is absent in Bhutan at present. However, if Article 19 (i.e interim government provision) of the draft Constitution is implemented, then Druk National Congress demands the inclusion of an elected Councilor from Sharchopa, Lhotshampas and Naglung communities to assist Chief Justice in the interim Government. Before the run up to the elections, he said, the King must resign from his executive post.
He added the King should, under the present legal system, legislate that all Bhutanese citizens should be guaranteed freedom of speech, expression and fundamental rights as will be enshrined in the draft constitution. All laws, inconsistent with democratic practices that are in force, must also be declared null and void, he said further. "All political prisoners imprisoned during his reign, must be freed unconditionally and be allowed to participate in politics. This is essential to usher a meaningful new democratic era in Bhutan," Dorji added.
Welcoming the third country settlement proposal by the US government, he said DNC advocates for adequate compensation for the repatriated exiled Bhutanese according to UN norms with equal recognition like any other Bhutanese citizen and freedom of choice.
Dr. Mahendra Lama, Dr. DNS Dhakal, Dr. Gopal Siwakoti, Praful Bidwai, presentation carried the message that the further lingering issues of the exiled Bhutanese may prove harmful to Indian security in the backdrop of Maoist triumph in Nepal.
Ravi Nair outlined the ruthlessness in Indian foreign policy execution and protection of its interest and urged exiled Bhutanese youth to shun violence for he feared that Indian security officials will do more harm than what Bhutan government has done last fifteen years.
In regard to the US offer of resettling 60,000, Ravi Nair urged fellow exiled Bhutanese to take pragmatic initiative and grasp this opportunity to escape the bleak future.
Majority of other speakers said that the present draft constitution contained enormous power to King. Satya Praksh Malaviya said that involvement of Chief Justice in interim government completely distorts the basic features of constitution – Executive, Judiciary and Legislator.
Prof. Anand Kumar urged Bhutanese delegates that draft constitution may not be perfect yet the King has shed considerable power and Bhutanese must grasp this political process to bring out the democratic changes from within. The constitution can be amended as per the need of time. Every Bhutanese democrat must accept draft constitution as a milestone and urged every one to prepare for 2008, which is not far away. Therefore, unity in action from Bhutanese democrats is needed.
Other prominent Speakers in conference included Satya Prakash Malaviya, Former Union Minister and IBFS President, Praful Bidwai, Senior Journalist, Dr. Anand Kumar, Professor at Jawarlal Nehru University and vice-President Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society, Rongthong Kunley Dorji, President of Druk National Congress, Ravi Nair, Executive Director, SAHRDC. Dr. Mahendra Lama, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr.Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Prominent Nepalese human rights lawyer and President INHURD, Dr. D. N. Dhakal, Author and General Secretary, Bhutan National Democratic Party. Dr. Rajeev Dhavan, Constitutional expert and senior Supreme Court lawyer, Dr. Arun K. Singh, water scientist, Anand Swaroop Verma, Dr. Arvind Chaturvedi, Satya Paul, Professor Balraj Kumar and Mr. S.S. Nehra, Supreme Court Lawyer. Bhutan News Service