Repeated thefts are becoming a growing concern for the residents along the border in Chhukha’s Samphelling Gewog. While some suspect possible cross-border involvement, there is no official confirmation. Local leaders say measures are being planned to address the issue.
The Regional Seed Centre in Sampheling Gewog, relocated from Sarpang just months ago, is still setting up its basic infrastructure.
But even before operations could fully begin, metal materials worth hundreds of thousands of ngultrum were stolen.
For officials, the incident was both sudden and concerning. But for the people living along the border, such losses are not new.
“We have kept our materials on the ground as we don’t have a proper storage yet. Although we have fenced the area, we are still in the process of building infrastructure. In between, some of our materials were stolen. I was told that others in the area have faced similar problems. People suspect it could be individuals coming from across the border,” said Tshering Wangchuk, Regional Manager, Regional Seed Centre.
In villages like Sonamthang, Pangnatoed, Pangna Maed, and Pangnabar, residents say theft of property and crops has been happening for years.
According to the local leaders, thefts have been reported frequently, including the loss of crops such as areca nut.
In one incident last year, a suspected theft case involving an individual from across the border was resolved, and the stolen items were returned to the owner with local coordination.
Residents say they have reported incidents to the police and local authorities. Police say handling such cases can be sensitive, especially when it involves cross-border elements.
Local leaders say the open and difficult terrain along the border, along with a lack of proper barriers, makes monitoring and prevention challenging.
“Various items have been stolen, including fencing materials. This has happened repeatedly. Measures such as electric and wire fencing have not been effective. We are now planning to construct concrete boundary walls of adequate height, with additional wires on top,” said Karma Jurmi, Phuentshogling Dungpa, Chhukha.
The Dungkhag administration has prepared cost estimates and submitted them to the government.
Until measures are put in place, residents will have to continue to be on alert.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sonam Pem
