DNC-D remembers Rongthong on founding day

Druk National Congress (Democratic) remembers Rongthonk Kunley Dorji on its founding day – 16 June – saying, ‘due to unavoidable domestic circumstances, the integration of DNC could not continue’.

DNC formed on this day in 1994 split into two following a sudden withdrawal of the political demonstrations in eastern Bhutan, which resulted into arrest and imprisonment of many who supported the party.

“Every bloodshed moment of 1997 is still clearly wedged in our mind-screens, even though it happened 20 years ago,” a statement issued by the party reads.

The party sent a letter to Amnesty International in UK seeking support for its members inside Bhutan who have been denied ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) by the government.

Despite election pledges, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) did not issue NOC to those alleged to have involved in 1990 and 1997 demonstrations rather passed on the responsibility to the palace.

“I earnestly appeal Amnesty International, other concern Organizations, Land bordering neighboring Countries, South Asian Countries, and International Community to extent helps to press the government of Bhutan to bring a pure democratic systems and human rights in the country,” the letter signed by party president Rinzin Dorji says.