1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

close and friendly relations. The continued presence of these militants was
posing a very serious threat to the security and sovereignty of the country and
they would have to be removed through military action. To this end, if all able
bodied men are inducted and given military training they would provide a
militia force which will greatly strengthen the regular army.
The Brigader representating the Royal Bhutan Army expressed deep
appreciation to the hon’ble members for the repeated commitment expressed by
them to send militia volunteers from their Dzongkhags to support and
strengthen the armed forces in safeguarding the security of the country. The
Royal Bhutan Army is prepared to implement whatever decision is taken by the
National Assembly and the Royal Government regarding military training for
young men, including those who have completed their education, he said. At the
same time, the RBA would face some problems in starting a militia training
programme. A large number of officers and NCOs were already employed in
training the regular army recruits and the existing training areas in the Military
Training Centre at Tencholing and the Royal Body Guards campus in
Dechencholing were under full utilization.
He also pointed out that, apart from the substantial expenditure that will be
incurred for the training period, the same pay and allowances, including His
Majesty the King’s Kidu Soilra, would have to be given to all the militia
volunteers who serve with the regular soldiers in the security affected areas after
completing their training.
In view of the present security situation in the country, militia volunteers sent
by the Dzongkhags should not only be physically fit but, far more important,
they must be genuinely concerned for the security of the country. They must
also be fully prepared to risk their lives and serve with the regular soldiers in the
security affected areas after completing their training. The names of such
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