Can Bhutan become a Sovereign Nation?

BY DIRGHA RAJ PRASAI
Bhutan is a blockade because it is a landlocked nation. The transportation development in Bhutan will rid itself of Indian bondage. After China starts the railway from Lhasa in Tibet to Chumbiya Valley, it will be a great achievement for Bhutan. Paro is Bhutan’s only airport and a beautiful city very near to Yadung in Chumbiya Valley. After the railway reaches China’s Yadung it would be easy for Bhutan to connect to various nations in the world. Then Bhutan would not have to shrink by contemplating its small size and the fact that it is landlocked. China and India are looking forward to extending its business relations. The developments between the nations will benefit Bhutan to some extent. The transportation facilities will enable Bhutan to hold its head high as an independent and sovereign nation.
Bhutan and China had been at loggerheads regarding a 100 square kilometers of land in Chumbiya Valley. Now that China has wholly taken over the land, an agreement has been reached between the two nations that Bhutan has no claim to the land. Meanwhile China would provide a 400 square kilometers land to Bhutan located at northeast. India is endeavoring not to let Bhutan stroll out from its grip noticing the strengthening relation between Bhutan and China.

India wants to extend its trade to Yadung in Tibet via Nathula Bhanjyang(saddle) of Sikkim and China has agreed. China will be operating railway from Lhasa via Fari in Tibet to Yadung of Chumbi Valley. The Fari in Tibet is considered a business and admisnistrative hub since early times. China has a huge army camp in Yadung near the Chumbi Valley in Tibet. India might take is as a threat. The Paro city of Bhutan is a famous business around the world through China. This may become a gift to Bhutan.

The Nathula Bhanjyang in Sikkim from Yadung in Tibet is 52 kilometer. The Nathula Bhanjyang will become a China-India business point for Yadun. No matter how much the Nathula business center is published it cannot become a permanent road for India as it snows there for 8/10 months. India always fears an attack from China and also fears that Bhutan might escape its grip. India is in a difficult situation because of China’s railway and Chinese army camp in Yadung. Although in political terms, China and India have reached understanding in all issues, the defense source in India has not yet reached a consensus in security prospects. In such a plight if India withdraws its business transaction with China, Bhutan will escape.

The 1949 Bhutan-India Friendship Treaty states that the defense and foreign policy of Bhutan would be related to India. Due to which, a bilateral relation could not be mentioned between Bhutan and China. It is to be noted; that in perspective of the 1949 Treaty between Bhutan and India; Bhutan is not considered a sovereign nation. Bhutan is an India protested state. Although, Bhutan became a member of Untied Nations due to India, which was a shrewd step. Now, it has become a headache for India. The China railway is likely to free Bhutan from the Indian control. If Bhutan firm step it will be able to decide on its own fate. There is one danger whoever; India might take-over the control by citing the 1949 Treaty. Bhutan most be aware to organize its citizen as a precaution from possible India step for control.

Bhutan was created with joint effort of Tibetan, Nepali language speaker and few Kutch-Bihari people. Namgyal was the founder of the Bhutanese royal institution. In 1681, during Dharmaraja’s reign the act, rules, Mana-Pathi, Tula that was in use in Gorkha was also used in Bhutan. In 1907, Devraja Pellop Wangchuk ended the Dharmaraja system (with conspiracy) by taking the side of the policy of punishment and was declared King the same year. Though Pellop Wanghuk self proclaimed himself King in 1907, British East India Company did not want to continue the royal institution. Nepal had a good relation with the English. Pellop Wangchuk took advantage of this and came to Nepal with a delegation constituting the Bhutanese Nepali speakers and reached and agreement with the English through Nepali government to retain its royal institution. But the caste that helped Wangchuk dynasty retain the royal institution has been rendered refugees. It is a big crime. The new Bhutanese King should call Teknath Rijal including other refugees in Nepal back to Bhutan and maintain a cordial relation with Nepal and China if he wants to keep Bhutan independent.

After China builds the railway to Yodang, no one will be able to stop Bhutan from commuting and from Yadang of Chumbi Valley via Tremilo Bhanjyang (saddle). The close study of the situation shows that the developments taking place between Bhutan and China is natural. India does not have any space to tell Bhutan to shut up. Bhutan is a member of the United Nations. If Bhutan desires to free itself from Indian grip the China will take Bhutan’s side. All the nations of SAARC including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will side with Bhutan.

Nepal has been an independent and sovereign nation. Being the blocked nation Nepal is sharing a transit with India but Indian imperialism has always offended the Nepalese. In 1989, India resorted to blockade by declining to comply by the treaty of business and transit. But, the irrational blockade of India (Primeminister Rajiv Gandhi’s naket intervention) can never be forgotten. Countries who shared acquaintance with Nepal including China expressed sadness over the blockade. So, all the nations in South Asia including the member of SAARC are annoyed with India. They will unite against India. Bhutan has become a sovereign state being able to commute to and from China and carry out business.

So what will the New King Jigme Keshar choose between being a king of an independent and sovereign Bhutan or accept India’s slavery. The time for a decision has come.
Email:dirgharajprasai@gmail.com
(Mr. Prasai writes for bhutanusa.com from Kathmandu, Nepal.)
(Note: This expression and analysis is of writer’s own, not of bhutanusa.com)