The Losar celebration this year weren’t without problems. Police in the capital are looking for a suspect, involved in yet another stabbing case. A student of Motithang Higher Secondary School was stabbed above the weekend vegetable market yesterday. According to the hospital, the student suffered multiple wounds on his head and back. Doctors described it as minor injury.
In another incident a 27-year-old man was operated in the early hours of today. The man suffered stab wounds on his abdomen with bowel injuries. He was referred from Wangduephodrang.
Doctor said the man is in critical condition and is under observation.
Youth crimes in the year of the rabbit
In the past year, over 300 youth were either detained or arrested by police for cases related to crime. It’s an increase of over a hundred compared to 2010. The cases were all related to fights, substance abuse, robbery, assault and battery. What could be cause?
According to Captain Gyeltshen of the Royal Bhutan Police most of the youth come in conflict with law when they are under the influence of alcohol, substance abuse. “The other reason is unemployment. All the jobs available are in Thimphu so there are many unemployed youth here in Thimphu. According to our study we found out that unemployment causes problems.”
Some seven stabbing cases involving youth were recorded. One lost his life, while another one lost his sight. In an earlier BBS discussion the role of parents and relatives was also pointed out as a probable cause. Some doesn’t seem to monitor what the children are up to.
The Department of Youth and Sports meanwhile, is pursuing rigorous programs for school-going children to inculcate values such as sportsmanship, healthy competition, and pride in personal achievement. “We have so called youth forum where youth get the opportunity to study, read, art, learning music and practicing yoga. We organised many for youths to spend their holidays meaningfully. The Department of youth and sports will continue to do so,” said the Director, Chencho Dorji.
The Director also said when we refer youth one should it in the wrong way. The general public now relate youth to all sorts of problems.
“When we deal with youth related issues we should never consider it bad. Some youth do it intentionally while some do not know anything. They just do it for fun and end up coming in conflict with law. The government, non-government organisations, private sector, teachers and law enforcement agencies should work together to solve the youth related issues,”said Karma Tshering Namgyal, Director, Bureau of Law and Order.
The rules and laws are in place. Unfortunately, it seems ineffective. Contraband substances are still easily accessible. Youth are exposed to drinking and smoking, either through older sibling, cousins, or friends at a young age. Many say it’s time to inculcate sound morals and the will and the commitment of the community to change.
