Our party is getting ready for 2008 election

Rongthong Kuenley Dorji, president of Druk National Congress was once a top leader in Bhutanese political movement. However, while he was trying to garner support from Indian friends, he was arrested by Indian authority and sent to jail. With special request from the Bhutanese government, Indian attempted his extradition but failed. One year later, he was released but restricted to leave New Delhi. He said his party may take part in the election to be held in 2008. Based in the Indian capital, Dorji talked to Bhutan News Service on contemporary Bhutanese politics.
Excerpts:

How the Bhutanese political movement moving ahead?
RK: You are indeed well aware of fact that Bhutanese king has announced to established democracy in 2008 and this itself is the testimony of progress made by Bhutanese political movement. It is only obvious that political movement hereafter will always move forward.

What have you done in New Delhi during your long stay?
RK: The Government of India arrested me at the behest of Royal Government of Bhutan in 1997. Initially I was kept for fifty days in Lumpur Beggar House. After twelve months in Tihar jail, I was release on bail in 1998 with conditions that I should report local police station twice a week and cannot go out of New Delhi jurisdiction. The extradition proceeding is continuing at the Delhi Court.

In spite of my limited option, I have organised many conference, symposium and seminar on Bhutanese political and refugees issues here. Every Indian leaders, academicians and intellectuals are aware of Bhutanese political and refugee issues and expressed their solidarity and moral support.

Recently, we have released the CD and cassettes on Democracy and Human Rights Education Program. We have distributed thousands of CD and cassettes all over Bhutan.

What you think would the result of resettlement offered by the US and the UNHCR?
RK: We have welcomed the US and UNHCR offer. However, we categorically stressed that Bhutanese nationals should merit first priority from non-nationals for any settlement. Any result will be positive if it unshackles their present ordeal.

Resettlement will not hamper Bhutanese political movement. It is a misconception that only refugees are engaged in political movement. Every Bhutanese citizen inside country is desperate to breathe the air of freedom and democracy. The intensity of democratic aspirations of people has already risen and it will continue to ascend.

How have you taken the latest development is refugee issue?
RK: This development is positive and I welcome it.
However, US reminded that the Bhutanese government must show good faith to repatriate a ‘small number’ of Bhutanese nationals. Now, the ball is in Bhutan’s court. I believe that resumption of ULFA camps in Bhutan would not take place without the consent of RGoB (Royal Government Of Bhutan).

What you expect the role of India in Bhutan's politics?
RK: Bhutan and India enjoys sort of fraternal relationship and the role of India in Bhutan’s politics will be pivotal.
Involvement of India in repatriation of refugees will naturally come as Bhutan and Nepal doesn’t share common boundary. First and foremost verification of refugees on line of national and non-national (Bhutanese and non-Bhutanese) must be completed before any talk on repatriation.

Is India proactive in refugee issue? Why?
RK: The involvement of India in refugee issues is inevitable and displays the presence behind the scene. However, definite concerted effort from the refugee leaders to lobby and canvass in India is lacking. Refugee leaders have even failed to pursue the government of Nepal in this issue. Engagement in mudsling in camps politics will only rub the salt on sore wounds.

Your party cautiously welcomed the new draft of constitution. In want sense it is good and what it lacks? Does it encompass all demands raised during the political movement?
RK: Our party welcomed the released of draft constitution because it is a first ever written constitution of Bhutan. This development is a fruition of our effort to certain degree.

It is good that some sort of democratic institution is going to be instituted. The drastic replacement of old order by new order cannot be viable to Bhutan. Changes needs to seep slowly so that foundations of democratic institution in Bhutan become firm and strong to withstand future challenges.

It certainly doesn’t encompass all the democratic demands. However, it is totally ridiculous on part of refugees to bring out constitution. Every one is entitled to criticism and suggestions. There is an amendment provision in draft constitution (RGoB version) so that all the demands of public are adequately accommodated.

How do you analyse the role of international community and that of UN at this period of repatriating refugee and political change in Bhutan?
RK: The role of international community and that of UN is very important and must play as a constructive player. At the same time, it cannot force its opinion/decision on the Royal Government of Bhutan because Bhutan too is a member of UN and mutual and amicable consensus must evolve. The neighboring countries must also come forward to support the political changes in Bhutan including refugee repatriation.

How have you taken the philosophy of GNH?
RK: At present moment, I cannot subscribe to the philosophy of GNH.
I cannot give affirmative answer to suitability of philosophy to Bhutan. So far Bhutan is plagued by vast difference in haves and haves-not. There are massive differences in developments activities. One particular region has skyrocketed in living standard whereas other region lies below poverty. Therefore, we cannot draw conclusion on the state of Gross National Happiness.

Will your party also accept the election going to be held in 2008?
RK: Obviously, we will accept it because we have already welcomed the draft constitution. Our members inside Bhutan are getting ready for the 2008 election. I am of view that RGoB should grant all political parties the opportunity to participate in the historical election.

What should be the political system of Bhutan?
RK: According to draft constitution, Bhutan is poised to institute two-party system with bi-cameral legislature. It is the wishes of people to determine the system that is most suitable and stable to country. Even the economic policy will be subjected to the wishes of people.

Communism has begun to rise in Bhutan. It is natural and no one can stop it.