Indians extend solidarity to Bhutan's democratic struggle
New Delhi, June 18: The Druk National Congress celebrated its 13th 'Founding Day' on June 16 with a pledge to continue its democratic struggle for the establishment of democracy in Bhutan.
The members of Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society and Bhutan Solidarity participated in the revelry of foundation day held in New Delhi. They expressed their solidarity to Bhutanese democratic cause.
A small booklet, entitled, "Bhutan: On a democratic path?" published by DNC was jointly released by Satya Prakash Malaviya, President, Indo-Bhutan Friendship Society, Dr. Sunilam, Convener of the Bhutan Solidarity and Anand Swroop Verma, noted journalist and member of Bhutan Solidarity during the function.
R. K. Dorji, President, DNC briefed the delegates about booklet content. He said that the fake democracy is making inroads in Bhutan and King is trying to make everyone fool. "King is determined to make his brother-in-law, Sangay Nidup as a first Prime Minister by bringing in various kinds of stipulation in existing laws and statutes," he said.
Malaviya informed that the recent remarks by Pranab Mukherjee, Indian External Affairs Minister, on the issue of exiled Bhutanese of being an 'international issues' shows the significant shift of Indian policy. Dr. Sunilam and Verma reiterated same views. Both expressed that united effort from Indian friends is required to step up the pressure on government of India in view of this recent positive development.
Ramesh Sharma expressed his deep concern to recent eruption of violence at Mechi Bridge. He urged all responsible leadership must come together to dissuade youth from resorting into violence. He feared that the focus on issue of the exiled Bhutanese would be lost if violence means are adopted.
The speakers agreed to chalk out program for holding conference on Bhutanese issues at Delhi before October this year.
Bhutan plans to hold the election to upper house National Council by October. Bhutan News Service