The national call
Our move to democracy has been on the basis of peace. It has come from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo that a peaceful state of affairs is a bonus to embark on to a political transition. It warrants a cushion of peace that almost none of the democracies around the world enjoyed when they embraced democracy.
Last weekend, the nation saw attempts made to shake the foundation of peace in the form of a series of explosions around the country. It left us shocked and suspicious. Shocked to have extremist infiltrations in the country and suspicious of people who avert the idea of peace.
While the explosions raised speculations, it did not deter our patriotic spirits. While it fueled apprehension, it did not question our democratic aspirations. And if the explosions succeeded in anything, it only succeeded to remind us that we need to stand in unison to ward off such acts of ‘terrorism’. Violence could win battles but not wars. And today, each Bhutanese is at war, not with those responsible for the violent acts, but with ourselves to condone violence.
Today, we are so close to achieve our cherished goal of having the first democratic government. Things have worked out well. Incredible amount of efforts have been put to have free and fair elections. We might be the only country in the world ready to legally pay voters to encourage them to vote. And then we have these extremist acts trying to derail the smooth ride we have enjoyed so far.
After the explosions, there were informal calls to tighten security along the borders. While it is important to beef up security, it is more important for Bhutanese, every one of us, to be taking a united stand, to be responsible, and to affirm ourselves mentally and wholeheartedly to the national call. While tight securities can be breached, the sovereignty of the nation lies within each citizen and if we, as citizens, are undeterred, so is the nation. Each one of us can contribute to the nation building process by reporting any suspicious acts to relevant authorities. One such act will save lives. It will assert selfless patriotism. It will lay the foundation of a sunny future. It is time for us to heed to the national call.
Source: Bhutan Observer