Reservation on the Establishment of Mega City Project at Gaylephug, Bhutan
The landowners and citizens of Gaylephu, write this memorandum with deep concern and reservation regarding the proposed establishment of a Mega City Project on the lands of the Bhutanese citizens who were evicted and live in exile eagerly waiting for a moment to return home.
The lands selected for this ambitious development initiative hold significant historical and emotional value to us as they are intimately tied to the painful events of the 1990s. The eviction of Bhutanese citizens during that period, under distressing circumstances and with assurances to the soldiers and militia involved in the eviction for a share of the confiscated land, remains a stark stain on our nation’s history.
The narrative of the eviction was characterized by aggressive actions by officials, soldiers, and militia, using various pretexts such as alleged involvement in anti-government and anti-national activities, terrorism, illegal immigration, and resistance to nationalist policies. Despite these justifications, the land that was forcibly taken from evicted families was then distributed among soldiers, officers, and officials. Subsequently, the land’s designated usage was changed from agricultural purposes to housing, representing a marked departure from the original intent.
Presently, the Royal Government of Bhutan has halted the registration of land transactions in Sarbang District, where Gaylephu is situated. The land’s rightful owners, who were forcibly displaced and ended up seeking refuge in Nepal and India, remain in limbo waiting for an opportunity to reclaim their lost land and heritage.
The proposed establishment of a Mega City on these lands raises significant ethical and legal concerns. It not only disrupts the rights of the evicted people but also complicates and obstructs their potential repatriation. Moreover, this initiative appears contradictory to the principles espoused in the transition of Bhutan’s governance from an absolute monarchy to a democratic monarchy.
We, as the rightful owners of the lands in Gaylephu, vehemently assert that the Mega City development may proceed in alternate uncontroversial areas but must not encroach upon our lands. We emphasize our intention to convey this stand to the international community, potential investors, donors, and the populace of Gaylephu, ensuring that the truth behind the land’s ownership and the sentiments of the landowners are heard.
Our intention is not to perpetuate victimhood but to protect our rights, honor the historical significance of these lands, and seek a just and equitable resolution to this longstanding issue.
The undersigned, representing the ex-residents of Gelephu, express reservations and deep concern regarding the proposed Mega City Project on lands that hold historical significance for Bhutanese citizens who were evicted during the 1990s and currently live in exile, awaiting the opportunity to return.
The chosen lands have a profound historical and emotional connection to the events of the 1990s, marked by the distressing eviction of Bhutanese citizens. The circumstances surrounding this eviction, coupled with assurances made to soldiers and militia involved, remain a regrettable chapter in our nation’s history. While building a modern city with all the latest features is not a bad idea, we believe that the project is intended to distract the international community from the issue of human rights violations of the ethnic minority in South Bhutan.
The eviction narrative involved aggressive actions under various pretexts, such as alleged involvement in anti-government activities, terrorism, illegal immigration, and resistance to nationalist policies. Despite these justifications, the confiscated land meant for agricultural use was later distributed among soldiers, officers, and officials, deviating significantly from the original intent.
Currently, the Royal Government of Bhutan has halted land transactions in Sarbang District, including Gaylephu. The rightful owners, forced into exile and seeking refuge in Nepal and India, await an opportunity to reclaim their lost land and heritage.
The proposed Mega City development on these lands raises ethical and legal concerns, disrupting the rights of the evicted people and hindering their potential repatriation. This initiative appears contradictory to the principles guiding Bhutan’s transition from an absolute monarchy to a democratic monarchy.
We, as rightful owners, assert that the Mega City development can proceed in alternate uncontroversial areas but should not encroach upon our lands. We intend to communicate this stance to the international community, potential investors, donors, and the residents of Gelephu, ensuring that the truth behind land ownership and the sentiments of the landowners are heard.
Our intention is not to perpetuate victimhood but to protect our rights, honor the historical significance of these lands, and seek a just and equitable resolution to this longstanding issue.
Respectfully
(Prepared by Late Dr Govinda Rizal)
