The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The case of water and electricity being cut to a building in Damphu for Sunday religious gathering in the Karaoke Hall has attracted much interest.
The Dzongda seems to have been driven by a fear of the particular religion allegedly spreading rapidly in Tsirang Dzongkhag, and from the comments online he seems to have the support of the majority of people.
However, no matter what the fear or sentiment, Bhutan is a country founded on laws with the Constitution being the supreme law.
The Constitution gives freedom of religion and people should be free to practice as long as they do not proselytize using inducements and coercion as this is not allowed under the Constitution.
If the Dzongkhag had done its homework and uncovered evidence of proselytization using inducements and coercion, then it would have the Constitution on its side, but simply going after an indoor gathering is not the way.
The illiberal attitude of the Dzongda is not only for the particular case, but also in its legal representative asking the court to remove our coverage of the issue and to stop coverage at all. The court sensibly stood by the Constitutional rights of free speech and free press.
The ham handed and public actions of the Dzongda has impacted our image outside, and has caused unnecessary excitement in the country.
If there is worry about conversions then perhaps we Buddhists and Hindus need to look within and see what can be improved and what is driving people out.
If there is worry about alleged money coming in from foreign sources for conversion or coercion being used, then we have enough enforcement agencies to investigate and deal with the matter in a professional and low-key manner.
Bhutanese should not be judged by their faith, but by their loyalty to the Tsa-Wa-Sum and their service to the country and fellow citizens. This is all that matters.
“A Bhutanese citizen shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.” – Constitution of Kingdom of Bhutan