Haa tragedy

September 3, 2013Posted inMonarchy, Security13 Comments
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the tragedy in Haa that cut short the lives of eleven of our young soldiers and injured ten others. Young Bhutanese men in uniform with their entire lives ahead of them, some with wives and children, laid down their lives while in the service of our nation. I join all Bhutanese in offering my heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims of the Anakha tradegy. I hope that you can draw some measure of comfort knowing that you are not alone in your grief – that…

Prayers for our fighters

April 8, 2012Posted inSecurity19 Comments
Whenever we hear of forest fires, no matter where and no matter when, we hear of our armed forces fighting those fires. We've become used to seeing them arrive first on the scene, and leave last, only after containing the wild fires. Indeed, many of our forests have been saved thanks mainly to the bravery of our men in uniform. And so it was this afternoon, when a fire broke out in the forests above YHS. Our armed forces mobilized themselves in no time, and rushed to contain the fire that, fanned by the early afternoon winds, was spreading…

Saluting the army

April 24, 2009Posted inSecurity
Today, on the 24th of April, we observe Armed Forces Raising Day. On this important day, we commemorate the establishment of our armed forces comprising of the Royal Bhutan Army, the Royal Bhutan Guards, and the Royal Bhutan Police. And, more importantly, we remember and celebrate their valuable services to the tsa-wa-sum.I respectfully offer my gratitude and tashi delek to the Supreme Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the Militia, and to all officers and troops of the RBP, RBA and RBG.

A shocking reminder

December 31, 2008Posted inSecurity
I offer my condolences to the families and friends of the six people who were ambushed in Phibsoo, Sarpang yesterday. Four of them were brutally murdered and two are said to be in critical condition. My prayers and support are with them during this difficult period. This outrageous act was committed by terrorists, and is a direct attack on our nation. We must, as His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo has repeatedly commanded, “act and think as one” to defend the security and sovereignty of our nation. I will support, without reservation, the government’s efforts to catch the perpetrators…

Not if, but when?

November 27, 2008Posted inSecurity
I’ve just returned from a UN dinner to say farewell to the outgoing UNDP Resident Representative.In attendance were the prime minister, cabinet ministers, Speaker, Chairman of NC, secretaries to the government, constitutional post holders, heads of international agencies, and diplomats. As far as I could tell, this very distinguished group had assembled in a small room in the Hotel Riverview without any noticeable extra security arrangements.The terror attacks in Mumbai reminded me that this is not a good idea. Bunching our most important people together is risky. If we must, take the necessary precautions. Otherwise, sooner of later, we’ll…