Change of Guards
While Nepal goes through tumultuous period, another Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan witnesses a big change of guard as King Jigme steps down in favor of his son
By A CORRESPONDENT
Even though it was already known that King Jigme Singye Wangchuk of Bhutan planned to step down by 2008, his decision last week to formally hand over his responsibilities as the Monarch and head of state of Bhutan to the Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck came as sudden news.
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King Jigme (right) and Crown Prince : Royal Succession
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According news reports by Bhutanese online media Kuensel, the Crown Prince will now assume the full responsibilities of head of state as the fifth Druk Gyalpo.
“The time has now come for me to hand over my responsibilities to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck,” the December 15 news report quoted King Jigme as stating. “I am confident that a very bright future lies ahead for Bhutan with the leadership of a new King and a democratic system of government that is best suited for our country as enshrined under the Constitution. I have every confidence that there will be unprecedented progress and prosperity for our nation in the reign of our fifth King.”
The report added, “As the transition was formally announced on December 14, the 24th day of the 10th Bhutanese month, the day was charged with emotion, and a special sitting of the Cabinet in Tashichhodzong was unable to articulate a comprehensive discussion. Cabinet members and special guests that included the chief justice, the speaker of the National Assembly, and the chief election commissioner were overcome by emotion and sat in a long and stunned silence after His Majesty the King’s announcement.”
King Jigme, in fact had been saying that he would abdicate from the throne since last December.
King Jigme said that Bhutan could not hope for a better time for such an important transition. “Today, the country enjoyed peace and stability, and its security and sovereignty was ensured. After phenomenal development and progress the country was closer than ever to the goal of economic self reliance. Bhutan ’s relations with its closest neighbor and friend, India , had reached new heights. International organizations and bilateral development partners were ready to support Bhutan ’s development efforts and political transformation,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the Crown Prince was fully capable of carrying out his responsibilities. Judging by his performance as Crown Prince, his thinking, and his principles, King Jigme said he had no doubt that the fifth Druk Gyalpo would serve his nation with selfless dedication.
King Jigme himself had taken over the reigns of governance at the age of 16 years. His son is currently 26 years old
The big change of guard in Bhutan , however, has not impressed refugees languishing in eastern Nepal . As they accuse King Jigme of architecting the systematic ethnic cleansing through eviction of Nepali-speaking population, they have been demanding that the Bhutanese authorities facilitate their honorable repatriation.
Bhutanese refugee leader Tek Nath Rijal said it was not of any significance to them. Rijal had been urging the Bhutanese government and Bhutanese King to allow the repatriation of over 100,000 refugees who are languishing in refugee camps in eastern Nepal for last one and a half decade. Likewise, Association for Press Freedom Activists-Bhutan has termed the Bhutan King’s announcement of abdication of the throne a ploy aimed to ‘blindfold the international community about the democratization in Bhutan .” In a statement, it said King Jigme’s abdication indicates that democracy has been passed to his son, not to the general public. Likewise, Ratan Gazmere, another refugee leader, also said that they cannot positively react to changes in Bhutan till the issues of refugees are addressed.
