Bhutan shows the way

STANDING on the threshold of 2004, it is time for introspection and to take resolutions. As every dawn brings new hope, every New Year enthuse us to do better than the previous one. Though the world is passing through a difficult phase, it fails to weaken our resolve to make this planet a far better place for living. The immediate task on our hand is to make this beautiful earth free from terror. We can ill-afford to experience September 11 or December 13 once again. The memories of destruction and unnecessary bloodshed are still fresh in our minds. It is imperative to punish the enemies of mankind in the strictest manner possible. The job though began at the right earnest is not yet over. Any complacency on our part will allow terrorism to raise its ugly head once again. Therefore we will have to be more vigilant. Interesting it may sound but the fact remains that the tiny Himalayan Kingdom Bhutan has showed us the way to combat terrorism. Part of its territory was occupied by the terror-mongers for 12-long years. For the last six years, the country virtually pleaded with the terrorists to leave Bhutan. But without any positive response from the other side, the country was left with no other option but to dismantle the terrorist camps on its soil. The kingdom is tiny in size and its resources are limited. Yet, it did not hesitate to confront the ultras head on when the situation demanded.

It’s a pity that unlike Bhutan, some countries are reluctant to combat terrorism. Those countries though bigger in size and powerful than Bhutan, are still providing safe haven to terrorist groups. Repeated requests to act against those rebels had so far fallen onto deaf ears. It is high time for these countries to realise that their ostrich-like attitude towards terrorism is virtually providing a fresh lease of life to it. While battling terror, we should not lose our focus from development. Development is another potent weapon to fight terror. Without proper development we cannot prevent the youth from being misguided. As a matter of fact, unemployed youths are easy prey for the terror groups. We cannot allow our youths to be lured away by the forces of destruction. Insurgency impedes development, but lack of development gives birth to insurgency.

Let peace and development be our motto in 2004 instead of senseless violence and mindless killings. There are conflicts and there will be conflicts in future as well. But let us take a pledge that we should resolve all these present and future conflicts through peaceful means and not violence as only peace and development can make this world a better place for living. Cover Story ‘All Clear’ in Bhutan Bhutan continues to pound anti-Indian insurgents demolishing 19 of their 30 camps amidst reports of octogenarian .

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