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

The Foreign Minister informed the house that although the Government of India
has the desire and willingness to provide security to the Bhutanese vehicles and
passengers travelling along the Assam highway, their capacity to provide
adequate security indefinitely is limited in view of the distance between
Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar, and the need for daily security. On the
other hand, they themselves are faced with security problems in the area. As a
result, even though private vehicles carrying goods have been allowed to ply at
their own risk, the Royal Government has stopped all government vehicles and
public transport from plying on the Assam highway.
While informing the Assembly about the difficulties faced by the Indian
government in effectively stopping the supply of rations across the border to the
militant camps in Bhutan, the Foreign Minister said that although it is possible
to check the food supplies transported by heavy vehicles, it is not possible to
check the supplies carried by bicycles, bullock carts and porters who use
different forest roads and tracks to transport such supplies. Even when
intercepted, these transporters state that the supply is for their own consumption
which is essential for their survival. Therefore, it is not possible to stop
transportation of supplies through such means.
As reported by the Home Minister, the loss of so many innocent lives brought
unbearable grief to the Government and people of Bhutan. Nevertheless, the
Foreign Minister expressed the view that the loss of these lives did not go in
vain as this tragic incident has helped the Bhutanese people to realize certain
truths. This incident has reinforced the need to be self reliant in all aspects in
order for our country to survive as a sovereign, independent nation.
The Foreign Minister noted that due to the excellent relations between Bhutan
and India, it had always been possible to travel through Indian territory to do
business and carry out commercial activities through India. However, we need
to think not only for the present but also ahead for the future. The Royal
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