CPB-MLM to launch peoples war

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People's war prior to polls in Bhutan
Tuesday, August 21,2007

KATHMANDU: Latest yet unconfirmed reports have it that the Nepal based Communist Party of Bhutan (Marxist-Leninist-Maoist) has decided to wage an armed struggle in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Report citing a high ranking Bhutanese Maoist Leader (name withheld) was quoted as saying that the CPB-MLM was preparing for a “people’s War” in Bhutan.

The CPB-MLM was formed in the year 2001 right inside the Bhutanese refugee camps in the Districts of Jhapa and Morang in Nepal.

“In the midst of growing unhappiness among the refugees over the issue of relocating the refugees to the US, the CPB was preparing to stage a peoples’ revolt in Bhutan”, he added.

“The revolt will be commenced prior to the general elections in Bhutan”: and added further that “the CPB garners comfortable support for the revolution in 16 districts of total 21 districts in Bhutan”.

Analysts say that the Radical Bhutanese Communists will now be seduced by the Indian establishment and after a few years will be allowed to capture the government structure in Bhutan-much similar to what the Indians did with the Nepali Maoists.

http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=417668&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN

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Red Army in the Dragon Kingdom

By Deepak Adhikari

Another Maoist insurgency is going to rock yet another country in South Asia, if the statements made by the leaders of the Communist Party of Bhutan Marxist-Leninist-Maoist (CPM MLM) are anything to go by.

"Preliminary preparations for an insurgency are over. We are going to launch it soon," says Vikalpa, nom-de-plume of CPB MLM General Secretary.
http://www.kantipuronline.com/features/fea...-30/1.jpg Bhutan is holding its parliamentary elections in March and April 2008. But, prior to the election date, CPB MLM plans to launch its 'People's War' in the Himalayan kingdom.

The goal: Abolition of monarchy and establishment of a republic.

Following the footsteps of Nepali Maoists who had submitted a 40-point demand to the then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba before launching a 'People's War', CPB MLM faxed a 13-point demand to the Royal Government of Bhutan on March 22, 2007.

The letter stressed the need to "introduce people's democracy in the place of absolute monarchy." The party has asked for multi-party democracy, repatriation of the refugees to their original homes with honor and dignity, release of all political prisoners and to introduce the land reform act etc.

Vikalpa (literally, alternative) says that fulfillment of the demands would have paved the way for a peaceful resolution. "But, the government, rather than taking it seriously, has unleashed terror by arresting commoners, and this has prompted us to wage an armed struggle," says CPB supremo Vikalpa.

The Druk regime is yet to respond to these demands.
The unfolding events suggest that South Asia's only active monarchy that is ruling the so-called 'Last Shangri-La' is likely to take the country into Maoist violence. The eruption of militancy in northeastern South Asia will not only push Bhutan into turmoil but the two biggest Asian power i.e. India and China will have to deal with yet another insurgency in their backyards.

Expanding Network

At a time when Nepal was mired in the Maoist conflict, CPB MLM was announced on April 22, 2003. Pamphlets were widely distributed and posters were pasted in and around the seven refugee camps of Jhapa and Morang districts of Nepal. On the same day, sixteen out of a total twenty districts in Bhutan saw similar activities. That was the occasion of Lenin Day and the official announcement of the first communist party in Bhutan formed two years back.

Following its formal announcement, Bhutanese Maoist leaders zeroed in on two areas: expanding the organizational network and intensifying political and military training. The Maoist cadres overwhelmingly participated in the 'long march' along the Mechi Bridge on the border between Nepal and India last May. The forceful attempt made by the refugees to return to their home country did not succeed. It ended with clashes between refugees and Indian security forces.http://www.kantipuronline.com/features/feature2007-8-30/2.jpg

The unrest triggered by the Maoists in Beldangi camp of Jhapa on 27 and 28 May led to the death of Narapati Dhungel and Purna Bahadur Tamang. The CPB MLM organized a condolence meet for the 'martyrs' in Beldangi and Sanischare camps on June 10. Student leaders Toya Khatiwada, Pasang Rai, Mesh Pathak, Champa Singh Rai delivered speeches during the programme.

An emergency meeting of CPB MLM Central Committee held in the first week of June, following the Beldangi and Mechi Bridge incidents, concluded that the grounds for an armed struggle were ripening. The meeting also decided to launch a 'People's War' at the earliest. Following this, CPB has intensified its activities in all the seven refugee camps. The party has been organizing cultural programmes and closed-door meetings to indoctrinate more refugees for the upcoming 'People's War.'

In this backdrop, the Maoists have maintained a low profile while expanding the party network on a war footing. They have succeeded in drawing huge numbers of disgruntled refugees to their block. These new breed of leaders, unlike hitherto known leaders, are little known but they are spirited youths mostly from a teaching background. While the number of full time party members is still a matter of conjecture, what is obvious is that the party leadership has been rapidly expanding its network.

Since the party is underground, most of its activities are undertaken through its sister organizations. All Bhutan Revolutionary Student Association, its student wing, was formed shortly after the announcement of CPB MLM. Similarly, All Bhutan Women Association was announced just two weeks after the formation of its student wing. All Bhutan Republic Youth Association, all Bhutan Teachers' Association, All Bhutan Peasants' Association, All Bhutan People's Cultural Forum are other sister organizations of the party.
CPB has also adopted the strategy to form independent or literary groups to spread its ideology. The now defunct Communist Study Center led by a refugee from Goldhap camp (who was adept at oratory skills) active in 2003 was one such group.

CPB MLM has also been involved in collecting funds. News sources say, the party has collected donations from Bhutanese teachers working in private schools and plus-two colleges in Kathmandu. Similarly, the party has urged Bhutanese working in INGOs and donor agencies to contribute 5 per cent of their salary. Sources claim the party has been able to collect approximately 14 lakh rupees, some of which was spent on purchasing arms.
http://www.kantipuronline.com/features/feature2007-8-30/3.jpgOrganizing cultural programmes is another way to collect money for the party. All Bhutan People's Cultural Forum organized a cultural programme and a drama titled 'Paristhiti Le Janmaeko Lakshya' (Goal Created by Circumstances) at the Nepal Academy in Kathmandu on May 10, 2007. More than thirty thousand rupees was collected from the tickets of the show and from the sales of the album 'Bidroha Ka Jhilkaharu' (Sparks of Rebellion).

Preparing for 'People's War'

The first national conference of CPB MLM (from January 31 to February 3, 2006) devised an ideological and technical outline for a 'People's War.' According to a party press release, the conference approved the manifesto and the programme and policies of the party. The conference, according to the release, "broke all the large and bulky party committees into a sophisticated one to make a unified force."

The conference also elected Vikalpa General Secretary until the second national conference. "The most important decision was to make party military oriented and military party oriented," argues Vikalpa.

Bhutanese Maoists have followed the strategies adopted by Nepali Maoists. The protracted People's War is divided into three strategic phases: defense, balance and counter attack. Defense is again divided into three sub-phases: preparation, commencement and continuation. Among these, the party is still in its first phase. The preparation phase is again divided into four phases: ideological, organizational, technical and related to struggle. Among these, they have started the propaganda machine through cultural programmes, production of people oriented musical albums and pamphlets and posters. Party mouthpieces such as Vidhyarthi Pratirodh and Naulo Awaj also serve their purpose.

CPB MLM has also applied Chinese leader Mao's doctrine: 'encircling city from village.' It has stressed the formation of an armed force to implement the doctrine. Vikram, one of CPB leaders, says they plan to create a guerilla force that will be technically able to carry out defensive attacks, which, in his words, "will crush the enemy's forces while defending our forces."

What is the military strength? Vikalpa says, "We have a few old and homemade guns. However, our fighters are not trained for hi-tech war. We believe in getting trained in the course of war." He adds, "There cannot be a better training field than the working area."

Made in Bhutan

CPB MLM's working area is none other than Bhutanese soil. Apart from refugee camps, Bhutanese leaders are active in Damak and Birtamode of Jhapa and Siliguri (West Bengal), Sikkim, Darjeeling and Assam in India. They also frequent Kathmandu in order to propagate and collect funds. But they are trying to focus their activities mainly inside Bhutan. CPB leaders claim that theirs is the only party established inside Bhutan. The Central Committee of CPB MLM has five commands (four commands operate in Bhutan and one in the refugee camp). More than one lakh refugees are languishing in the camps while one lakh and eighty thousand Lhotsampas (Nepali speaking Southern Bhutanese) are in Bhutan.

Penetration by its cadres inside Bhutan and their mobilization has been a top Maoist priority. The result: three districts namely Tashigang, Samdrup Jonkhar and Samchi are now Maoist hotbeds. Bhutan's geographical situation (65 percent forest and 80 percent mountainous and hill region), says CPB, is suitable for guerrilla warfare.

Sources say, the party plans to start a 'People's War' from the northern districts of Yangtse, Tashigang and Mongar where the state has a minimum presence. These districts share a porous border with Arunachal state of India, which China claims as its own. The Sarchops (ethnic Bhutanese of the East) are the majority in that region. Sarchops account for 33 percent of the total population and they are coming under the influence of CPB MLM. Sarchop Mukti Morcha, a sister organization of CPB was formed a few months ago. Another organization called Gorkha Rastriya Mukti Morcha led by Amar Chhetri (which demands six southern districts be declared Gorkha Pradesh) has close ties with the Maoists.

However, an analyst warns that the idea to launch the war from the southern stronghold of Lhotsamaps might be counterproductive. The Druk regime has been terrorizing south Bhutan for years. As a result, that part has become an epicentre of rebellion since the early 90s when one lakh Nepali speaking Bhutanse were forced to leave their homeland.

Bhutan State Congress (est. 1952), led by DB Gurung, pioneered the rebellion in 1954 from Sarbhang district of South Bhutan. Interestingly, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had also taken part in the democratic movement in Bhutan in the early 1950s. He disclosed the fact in his memoir published in Nepal Weekly Magazine (Aug 20-26, 2007). CPB MLM invokes Mahashur Chhetri, killed in 1954 uprising, as an inspiration for their cause.

Nepal Connection

As mentioned above, Bhutanese Maoists have largely drawn the strategy and tactics from Nepali Maoists. Bhutanese comrades have maintained a rapport with the Nepali Maoists since its inception. Nepali Maoists, sources say, provided ideological and material assistance to them. Senior leaders of CPN (M) imparted training on firearms and ideological and cultural issues. With both parties being members of the Coordination Committee of Maoist Parties and Organizations of South Asia (CCOMPASA), it's easier for them to cooperate, sources privy to the Maoists say. CPB MLM actively participated in an international seminar organized by CPN M between December 26 and 30, 2006.

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If CPN Maoist enters mainstream politics shunning violence, they might only share ideological grounds. Nevertheless, if the Constituent Assembly polls did not take place and they adopted a policy of rebellion, relations between these parties might extend to the level of material cooperation. CPB also maintains close ties with the Communist Party of India Maoist.

Violence out of Compulsion?

The Bhutanese refugee stalemate is the main base where CPB aims to launch a 'People's War.' Scholars had predicted that if the refugee impasse remained for a long time, the youths would be drawn to violence. Aruni John, a Sri Lankan scholar, in her research published by Colombo-based think-tank Regional Centre for Strategic Studies as early as August 2000 wrote, "It is likely that the unemployed Bhutanese refugee youths in Nepal will shortly become potential recruits for militant forces that currently destabilized northeast India, southern Bhutan and eastern Nepal."

She concluded, "Frustration with a legal process between the governments of Bhutan and Nepal that appears to be going nowhere, a splintered refugee leadership, a seemingly uncompromising Bhutanese monarchy, and the lack of future options may push these refugee youth to turn to militancy." Many Bhutanese leaders opine that the Bhutan government should take the responsibility for the plight of the refugees. Teknath Rizal, Chairman of Bhutanese Movement Steering Committee, says, "Every person has a limit of tolerance. If that limit is crossed, one is compelled to resort to arms."

The main reasons behind the formation of CPB are the frustration and anger due to the protracted refugee crisis. But will politics of violence be successful? A Bhutanese human rights leader has a few caveats. He says it is problematic for an underground party to wage a war in Bhutan due to the small size and the sparse population of the country. He recollects the arrest of 39 Bhutanese following a cultural programme organized by Maoists in May.

Bhutan with a population of seven lakh and fifty thousand has nearly 22 thousand security forces including the Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police. Approximately 20 thousand Indian Army personnel are currently stationed in Bhutan. The soldiers are said to be kept in Bhutan for military training, road construction and other development works. This heavy military presence makes it difficult for CPB MLM to launch a 'People's War.' Probably taking its cue from this scenario, CPB has asked other political parties to launch a joint struggle against monarchy. A recent press release undersigned by Vikalpa reads, "We request all the political parties to form a unified front to fight against Bhutan's monarchy, the common enemy of all democratic forces."

Thinley Penjor, chairman of Druk National Congress (DNC), while admitting that the DNC and CPB cadres in Bhutan are working jointly at local levels, hinted at the possibility of unity at the central level. Nepali Maoist leaders had advised Bhutanese Maoists to work with other stakeholders. Ram Karki, chief of Bhutan desk in the International Bureau of CPN M, says, "The Bhutanese movement will succeed only if it joins hands with DNC and BPP (Bhutan People's Party)."

India's Role

Maoist leader Gaurav says, "It's easy to start an armed struggle in Bhutan because the government is very weak. But, it may have to face the military strength of India." Bhutan, surrounded by Indian states fighting an insurgency for decades, is a strategically important region. "That's why," he says, "India will try to prevent a 'People's War.'" Like Nepal, it is sandwiched between China and India. CPB has a nexus with ULFA and Bodo, separatist outfits operating in northeast India.

When Nepal's Maoist conflict reached its apogee, India termed it a common security threat for both countries. If such a Maoist conflict spawns in Bhutan, it will definitely be a trilateral (Bhutan, Nepal and India) issue. "Bhutanese Maoists have to directly confront Indian security forces," says Ram Karki, central member of CPN M.

Indian interest in Bhutan is manifold. However, bilateral treaties bind Bhutan with its southern neighbour. According to the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949, India has the prerogative over the issues of foreign affairs and security of Bhutan. The treaty was amended in February this year. Firstly, Article 2 has been rephrased and the term 'guided by the advice by GOI' has been replaced by 'friendly cooperation' in the context of Bhutan's foreign relations. Secondly, Article 6 has been revised to the extent that Bhutan can act independently in importing non-lethal equipment, but will still have to go by India's assistance and approval for import of arms, ammunition, machines and warlike materials and stores for Bhutan's welfare and protection. Though, there seems to be some changes in theory, India still plays in practice a significant role in the security and foreign relations of the Druk regime.

India's special relation with Bhutan has irked Bhutanese refugee leaders. Bhutanese leader Teknath Rizal says, "Aren't the issues raised in Terai and ours the same? Why does India keep mum over our issue?" India's diplomatic reticence is obvious given its involvement in hydropower projects and military training in Bhutan. India has established a Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Ha district of Bhutan. The Indian army is also active in Bhutan under the name of the General Road Task Force.

In early 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army with assistance from the Indian army flushed out the insurgents operating in northeastern India from their base in southern Bhutan. The separatist outfits, United Liberation Front of Assam, National Democratic Front of Bodoland and Kamatapur Liberation Organization, once welcomed by the royal government, were later perceived as threats to the state. But three years after getting rid of the Indian insurgents, the government is likely to confront homegrown militants.

This confrontation can largely be traced to the refugee problem created by Bhutan itself almost two decades ago. In this scenario enters the United States with a proposal to resettle sixty thousand refugees. This proposal, sources say, surfaced after the US detected growing extremism in the refugee camps. Australia and Canada have also shown willingness to take in a few thousand refugees.

But, the advocates of third country settlement have been targeted by the Maoists. Two camp secretaries of Beldangi camp, Hari Adhikari Bangaley and Manorath Khanal, have been frequently assaulted over the last three months. Sources say Maoist cadres were involved in the incidents. The CPB MLM took part in the 'Long March' movement to return home in May this year. A press release of the party dated June 7, 2007 reads, "The organizations privy to our party had to lead the movement in Mechi Bridge due to the failure of the National Front for Democracy."

In the same release, the party has vowed to start an armed struggle. It remains to be seen whether CPB MLM will be confined to mere press releases or carry out yet another 'People's War' in the subcontinent.

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Here is Bhutan.

http://kaladarshan.arts.ohio-state.edu/jpgs/maps/Bhutan.jpeg

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"No power can stop people's war" - Vikalp

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Communists Party of Bhutan, Marxists-Leninists-Maoists (CPB-MLM), established in the mid 2001 and come into public in 2003, has time and again stated that it would lead 'peoples' war' in Bhutan to uproot the absolute regime and thereafter establish 'peoples' government' in this himalayan kingdom. CPB-MLM is extensively accused of being responsible towards creating havoc inside camps in Jhapa where the exiled Bhutanese have been living. In response to mailed questionnaire of T P Mishra of Bhutan News Service (BNS), the party's General Secretary 'Vikalpa' said his party's mission would continue in under any circumstances to what he said was to establish people's rights. Excerpts:

BNS: Why you felt the need to establish Communist Party in Bhutan?

Vikalp: Where there is suppression, there is revolt. Where there is revolt, it explodes the empire of suppression into pieces and creates the exploitation free society. But to initiate the revolt, a revolutionary party is necessary. Again, to establish a revolutionary party, a revolutionary ideology is necessary. Marxism-Leninism-Maoism is only that ideology in this 21st century. For this very reason, we thought of establishing Communist Party in Bhutan. Not only that, the old parties and organizations have reduced themselves into "Manpower Companies" and were engaged in sending their cadres to the foreign lands. They were involved in such works for their selfish dream. This also polarized the cadres into two groups, viz. pro-Bhutan and pro-US. We didn't see the authenticity of revolution without establishing communist party, which is a common institution of freedom loving people in Bhutan and revolutionary exiled Bhutanese, representing the 95 percent down trodden people. Hence, we decided it correct, to establish the Communist Party in Bhutan Marxists-Leninists-Maoists.

BNS: What your party is doing at this period?

Vikalp: At present, the country is in the hand of 5 percent Royal feudalists whereas, our party represents 95 percent of the down trodden people. Hence, our party wants to snatch the state-power from the 5 percent Royal feudalists and handover it to the 95 percent peasants and working class. It is only possible through the 'world shaking gigantic revolution' based on political conscience. Thus, CPB (MLM) is seriously engaged to uplift the political conscience and to fulfill the basic necessity of revolution into the people at this period.

BNS: Why is the CPB (MLM) creating havoc inside camps where exiled Bhutanese live?

Vikalp: Our party is not creating havoc inside the camps. The way the Bhutanese regime created 'silent state terrorism' and tried to accuse the justice loving people as terrorist, in the same way, the agents of domestic feudalism and world imperialism from within the camps, by launching anti-national movement against the national movement of the people, and creating havoc among the nationalists (people who love to return Bhutan), they are trying to accuse the nationalist sentiments (pure Bhutanese people) as the terrorists. They are the enemy of the people and it is the symbol of their low graded conspiracy. These renegades have, somehow, created confusion in some media as well. Bhutanese people will never forgive them.

BNS: What is your party's stand on the US offer of third country resettlement?

Vikalp: At present, the incidents in camps are dramatic. Before the establishment of the CPB (MLM), no party was much concerned with the problem faced by the exiled Bhutanese. But, after its establishment in 2001 and formal declaration in 2003, not only trembled the monarchical system in Bhutan but also brought dramatic changes in the version of India and the US too, regarding the Bhutanese issue. The version of the US diplomat for South Asia, Julia Taft, in the past years and of the Indian security high officer Mr. Brajesh Mishra, on Bhutanese problem, could be traced as the good examples. As a result, the domestic feudalism and the world imperialism, have collectively, been hatching conspiracies to encircle and smash the Bhutanese movement by creating their agents from within exiled Bhutanese community.

The domestic feudalism and the world imperialism, particularly the US, are not only worried but greatly feared to see the people oriented programs and progress of CPB (MLM). They consider the camps as the cadre building centre of CPB (MLM). But they are isolated from the party's activity inside Bhutan due to their metaphysical thought. That is why they want to dismantle the camps by tempting for dollars and jobs abroad. Since it is not possible to carry out such activities by the royal elites and the US personnel, they are making use of compradors those who could be bought in terms of money. This has been proved by the pro-US activities of the so-called some of the leaders of the past who were providing leadership in the democratic struggle.

Consequently, sometimes the innocent people in the camps are prompted to fill-up the forms secretly to go abroad for jobs and handsome salary and sometimes they create havoc and instigate incidents through their compradors and try to blame our party. Sometimes they even misinterpret the media and push them towards the 'yellow journalism'. They are prompting CPB (MLM) cadres to commit some mistakes on which they can create terror among the people and separate us from the masses giving all its blame to the CPB (MLM). In other words, they are trying to pull the party in a deciding war and smash it in a budding stage. This has polarized the people in the camps into a handful of pro-US elements and pro-democratic Bhutanese groups. Although it has a little negative impact now, it has served a great in the Bhutanese revolution by making clear distinction between the foe and friends.

BNS: Is it possible to make your party cadres (who are in exile) to reach inside Bhutan?

Vikalp: "Where there is will, there is a way" is an old saying in our community. If the commitment is from the inner core of the heart, nothing can obstruct it. Moreover, CPB (MLM) is the first and only party which has been formed within Bhutan. Most of its cadres are already engaged within Bhutan. It is the main aspect of our revolution. Bhutanese living in camp in exile is only the supplementary aspect.

BNS: How does this party see the future of people inside Bhutan?

Vikalp: There is no future of the Bhutanese people unless the downfall of the absolute monarchy. Around 50 percent of the southern Bhutanese, including Sadhri speaking and Tshangla speaking people, have been scheduled F-4 and F-5 in the new census program which was conducted a few months ago depriving them from the Citizenship Rights and the enrolment of the names in official records. They have no rights to claim for any kind of state facilities. It has been unveiled that the conspiracy has been hatched to evict them from the country.

BNS: When will your party declare to what you call 'Civil War'?

Vikalp: It is not the Civil War but the 'Protracted People's War' that our great and glorious party CPB (MLM) is preparing for. But the policy of fusing of the nation's freedom movement and the class struggle has been made public, for its effective advancement. If there is foreign interference, it may take the form of National War, in which a national front can be formed against the foreign element even with the state power (monarchy), including all other parties and organizations. But if state power (monarchy) deceives, at last, there will remain no option other than the Civil War for safeguarding sovereignty of Bhutan and Bhutanese people.

BNS: Does this party have any connections with radical forces in Nepal and India?

Vikalp: CPB (MLM) is not a parasite and it does not believe in foreign aided movement. It is a self supported party and sets forth the example in its own creativity. As far the relation with the so-called radical forces in Nepal and India, we don't have any connection with them. But from among the communist forces, there is moral support, since we have the common ideological ground.

BNS: How much area is under your party's influence inside Bhutan?

Vikalp: Our party successfully carried out the programs of wall painting, pestering, pamphletting, hosting of flags and cross-road and closed room meetings in 16 districts out of 20 in Bhutan and in all the seven camps in exile at a time, when it was declared in April 22, 2003. This reflects the influence and capability of this proletariat party. After that, in the course of nearly four years, our party, both quantitatively and qualitatively, has made its strong hold in the masses. But it is not the right time to disclose in how many districts we owe the strongholds. We will disclose it, too, when time ripens.

BNS: What are your party's strategies to overcome Indian intervention, which is certain?

Vikalp: Though the people of India are on our favor, the feudalist monarchical system of Bhutan is backed by the Indian expansionists and world imperialists because of which our party has been providing orientation to party cadres to remain prepared mentally from now onwards to face those two powers later while combating the absolute monarchy. It is already mentioned above that the war may take the form of National War, Civil War if the situation demands. We are well equipped with the scientific war-art of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism of the 21st century because of which the interfering element has to, by any means, downfall if the Civil War breaks out. These sorts of elements have to learn lesson from the past history of Vietnam, China, Cuba and many more. Those elements shall be outraged by the sovereign people of Bhutan.

BNS: Even other political parties formed in exile are opposing the CPB - MLM. Why couldn't your party accommodate under the BMSC?

Vikalp: We have been approaching these parties time and again for a democratic alliance but in vain. We can also produce the copy of our proposal which we have proposed for. But the political parties and organizations in exile don't want, in reality, to sweat for the masses. They just want to beat around the bush. Neither they take us into their front nor do they want us to enter into.

They ought to end such tendency which is inherent within them. As far as BMSC is concerned, the first thing is that it is not clear in its ideological ground. The other thing, it does not contend the peoples' sentiments. In addition, we were not bothered and kept isolated while it was established. Moreover, we have seen the BMSC like an organization of the evicted Bhutanese confined only in the paper works in exile. There is no meaning of making alliance with those elements that confine themselves within the paper works and isolate themselves from the People's War fearing state suppression.

We strongly proclaim that no other political party, except CPB (MLM), has any hold in Bhutan and we are not in favor of alliance with those elements who confine their struggle only in exile. If the BMSC is set for the cause of people inside Bhutan, then it has to reduce its distance with CPB (MLM) and make ready for both legal and illegal struggle. It is because the objective and subjective condition of Bhutan is in such a state that no progress can be achieved without the application of force. There will be a real meaning in the alliance between the CPB (MLM) and the BMSC, only if the latter comes forward for such alternative.

BNS: How do you see the proposed 2008 election in Bhutan?

Vikalp: There seems no legitimacy in conducting election by compelling the anti-people constitution by means of application of force. In past, when there was no constitution, there was illegal autocracy but from 2008 onwards, there will be legal autocracy (over the people) under the veil of constitutional monarchy. This election has no other meaning than to eye-wash the international community.

BNS: Why has movement for democracy in Bhutan always failed? How much optimistic is your party towards establishing democracy in Bhutan?

Vikalp: There are many reasons behind the failure of movement for democracy in Bhutan but 'poverty of ideology' is the main thing among them. Chairman Mao-Tse-Tung has said that all things are determined by the righteousness and wrongness of the ideology. If the ideology is correct, all requisites will be fulfilled one by one but if it is incorrect, the thing in possession will also be lost in the course of time. The same thing is reflected in Bhutanese revolution.

Old political parties and organizations have been lambed due to the lack of correct ideology and tactics. Neither they enjoy the people's support nor do they possess any military might. They have been lost in the maze failing to recognize the basic components of the Bhutanese revolution. The feudalist monarchical system has been humiliating over Bhutanese democratic struggle because of these sorts of shortcomings. But CPB (MLM), based on the scientific ground of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, has been formed to stop such activities and to provide correct direction in the Bhutanese revolution. It has truly recognized the basic components of Bhutanese revolution and provided correct direction towards building a new and beautiful Bhutan.

It will be crystal clear if 'five synthesis and the three directives on Bhutanese revolution' produced on and recommended by the historic 9th CC meet, is seen. It is the correct handling of the correct situation. Since our party is based on the correct ideological ground and enjoys the mass support from the people, we are in full hope that our party should play the leading role in establishing the peoples' government and making them the real owner of the country.

BNS: How can you claim, you can be victorious?

Vikalp: Revolution in Bhutan is not a vested responsibility of a single party. All the political parties, organizations and individuals, those who are in favor of the freedom loving people and oppose to absolute monarchy, are suppose to be united in a single platform at this juncture. If the organizational and individual shortcomings (political) of the past could be realized and dare to come under a strong unity, the puppet and the tiny dictator of Bhutan can be made melted like wax. Foreign provocation can also be strongly checked in this kind of struggle.

Since no revolutionary spirit is found in other political parties and organizations, the CPB (MLM) has been playing a leading role in building such democratic front. Though some of the political parties have not responded yet, on such subject proposed by our party, I heartily call upon them, on behalf of CPB (MLM), to come in time for such a glorious start, without any vested interest and doubt, for the absolute change in the soil of Bhutan. CPB (MLM) has also faxed a very flexible demand letter to the king of Bhutan, recently. I, once more, warm heartedly suggest him to consider the matter seriously and release the government version in time. If it is considered as our weakness, then the 'state-power' has to be ready to face any circumstances meted. No power can stop the people's struggle for justice and change. Any reactionary forces would be swept away by the cyclone of the people's struggle.