By Ganga Lamitare, Columbus, Ohio

There isn’t just one reason why Bhutan has been placed on the red list—there are multiple factors at play. Given this, it is not surprising that Bhutan has been categorized alongside countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and North Korea. However, for a small, beautiful, peaceful, and supposedly happiest country in the world like Bhutan, suddenly landing on the red list and facing travel restrictions to the U.S. may seem shocking.
But in reality, Bhutan is neither peaceful, happy, liberal, nor democratic. It is far more autocratic and dictatorial than North Korea.

The image of peace and happiness is merely a façade projected to the outside world, while the reality is starkly different. Unlike Bhutan, even North Korea has not expelled its own citizens using military force. Instead, North Korea, despite its authoritarian rule, stands up against the world’s most powerful nations alongside its own people.
North Korea’s strength did not come by chance—it may have exploited its people, but it has not discriminated against them. It has not plundered everything from its citizens and exiled them. Its military has not set villages on fire, raped its own women, or indiscriminately killed innocent farmers. Despite global sanctions and a lack of international aid, North Korea has built itself into a formidable power, emerging as a serious challenge to those who consider themselves strong.

Bhutan could learn many lessons from North Korea’s dictatorship. A nation’s true strength lies in its people. Only when the people are united can a country become strong and powerful—this is something Bhutan must learn from North Korea. 


Bhutan: The Reality Behind the Beauty
On the outside, Bhutan appears beautiful and peaceful, but inside, the reality is quite different. The true strength of a nation lies in its people—the freedom and confidence with which they can express their language, dress, and cultural practices.
A country is like a garden. A place where only one type of flower grows can never be called a true garden. A real garden is one where a variety of flowers bloom, where colorful blossoms flourish together, enhancing its beauty. But in Bhutan, only the Ngalong community is allowed to thrive, while other ethnic groups such as Brokpas, Doya, Lhotshampa, and Sarchoppa are neither allowed to fully bloom nor even smile freely.

In Bhutan’s so-called democracy, even basic freedoms are restricted. To laugh or cry, one must belong to the ruling class. Citizens are not free to wear what they want or eat as they wish. They must speak the language of the king, eat the way the king eats, walk the way the king walks, and wear the attire the king dictates. If the king laughs, they must laugh; if the king cries, they must cry. This strict system of imitating the monarchy in every aspect of life is no different from the rule of North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-un.

Bhutan’s Most Dangerous and Discriminatory Policy: “One Nation, One People”

The most dangerous and discriminatory policy in Bhutan is the “One Nation, One People” doctrine. Under this policy, extreme discrimination has been carried out, leading to betrayal of the nation itself. It has shattered the unity and emotions of its citizens, disrupting the lives of people who had lived together like flesh and nail for generations, cherishing their own language, culture, and beliefs.
Despite making up only 15% of the total population, the Ngalong community’s culture has been forcefully imposed on other ethnic groups. Bhutan’s reckless attempt to suppress and erase the language, culture, and civilization of other communities is one of the key reasons it has been placed on the red list. This discriminatory mindset is pushing the country toward serious downfall—a reality that even the United States has now recognized and acted upon.
Instead of protecting and preserving the languages and cultures of all communities, Bhutan’s government, under the Wangchuck dynasty, has taken aggressive measures to erase the cultural identity of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese. This includes renaming villages, rivers, forests, roads, mountains, towns, and heritage sites in southern Bhutan, where Nepali-speaking people had been living for centuries—long before the Wangchuck monarchy even came into power.

The state-sponsored discrimination did not stop there. Ngalong elites spread hatred and propaganda against the Nepali-speaking population by inciting citizens from northern and eastern Bhutan against them. A striking example of this was in 1990, when the government mobilized citizens from the north and east to act against the southern Bhutanese population. Official government newspapers from that time even published King Jigme’s promise to reward land and property to those who helped in expelling Nepali-speaking Bhutanese.


The Illusion of Happiness in a Dependent Nation
A country that cannot even produce a needle to sew clothes or a matchstick to light a fire is now advocating itself as the world’s most peaceful and happiest nation. It does not produce enough food to feed its people or even the fabric to cover their bodies—everything is imported from abroad. How can a tiny, dependent state that relies on external support for its very survival be considered happy and peaceful? This is, in itself, a matter of shame.
The truth behind how a dependent nation, surviving on India’s generosity and aid, has supposedly become a global leader in happiness and prosperity is now beginning to unravel.
Every day, Bhutan’s educated and skilled individuals wander the streets of foreign lands in search of jobs and better opportunities. Many of its youth are rotting in American and Canadian prisons. The country’s brightest minds, who leave for higher education, have no desire to return. The number of people leaving Bhutan far exceeds the number of those returning. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing national issues, the government is busy deceiving the world with illusions of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and the so-called Mindfulness City project.


Bhutan’s Decline and the Deception of Democracy
Experts on Bhutan believe that the country’s decline is largely due to the forced implementation of the “Chhawasum” policy. According to them, Chhawasum stands for the King, the Nation, and the Government—the country’s three supreme entities. This policy serves as the law, the constitution, and the ultimate authority of Bhutan, strictly prohibiting any criticism or questioning of the monarchy, the nation’s leadership, or governmental actions. Speaking or writing against these three pillars is considered a crime—an act of treason. In 1990, thousands of people collectively protested against this oppressive policy. In response, the government arrested and imprisoned thousands of protesters under the pretext of treason. Many of them remain behind bars to this day. Since the prisons were not large enough to accommodate all the detainees, the government branded many others as traitors, confiscated their properties, and expelled them from the country at gunpoint.

The 1990 mass suppression of Bhutanese citizens in the south, the extreme persecution, and the forced expulsion of over 100,000 people led to widespread domestic and international condemnation of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, branding him as a ruthless dictator. As his reputation crumbled globally, he staged a democratic transition in 2008. He abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and declared his retirement from politics.
However, King Jigme Singye—a master of political manipulation—used this so-called constitutional democracy to kill two birds with one stone:
1. Convincing the world that he was not anti-democratic
2. Creating an illusion that he had “gifted” democracy to his people.

Although he succeeded in creating this perception to some extent, the truth remains far from what was portrayed.


The Illusion of Democracy and Bhutan’s Hidden Autocracy
Even though King Jigme Singye Wangchuck no longer sits on the throne, he still controls Bhutan from behind the scenes. The so-called gift of democracy was merely a staged act to deceive the world. In reality, he remains actively involved in governance, ruling the nation from the shadows.
Before 1990, he was known as an unconstitutional dictator, but after 2008, he reinvented himself as a constitutional autocrat. No ruler willingly gives up power so easily. The global outcry over human rights violations had placed him under immense pressure, forcing him to relinquish the throne—not as a gesture of goodwill, but as a strategic move to protect his regime.
Despite the people’s lack of choice in this transition, Bhutan orchestrated a narrative—both nationally and internationally—that the king had selflessly transferred power to his people. The world celebrated him as a monarch who handed over his throne without bloodshed. However, this version of events is far from the truth.

The real reason behind his abdication was the 1990 massacre and mass expulsion of over 100,000 Nepali-speaking Bhutanese. The horrific atrocities—including rape, murder, extreme oppression, and forced displacement—sparked international condemnation. Facing intense pressure, he was left with no choice but to step down. There is no doubt about it.
To divert attention from the oppression of the Lhotshampa people, the Bhutanese government staged a series of distractions—pretending to implement reforms, promoting the so-called Gross National Happiness, and even launching the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. These were nothing more than attempts to bury the past and evade accountability.

Ironically, Bhutan’s government, which once labeled Southern Bhutanese as “terrorists” and “traitors,” is now itself being exposed globally as an authoritarian regime.

As Lord Buddha once said:
• Speak the truth, do no harm, and commit no injustice.
• Do not deceive others, for those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves.
This prophecy has now come true. The very trap Bhutan set for its Southern citizens has now ensnared the nation itself. The principle that truth cannot be hidden, and lies cannot stand has proven itself. Bhutan, once throwing stones from a glass palace, is now feeling the consequences of its own actions. The government’s foolish belief that it could block the sunlight with its bare hands has led to its exposure on the world stage.


Bhutan’s Silent Dictatorship and Systemic Discrimination
The Bhutanese government claims that no community faces discrimination and that all ethnic groups are treated equally. Recently, pro-government voices have flooded social media, insisting that there is no inequality in Bhutan. However, these statements are devoid of truth or reality.If Bhutan truly does not discriminate, then where are the Nepali-speaking district officers? Bhutan has 20 districts, yet not a single Nepali-speaking Bhutanese holds the position of Chief District Officer. There is not a single Nepali-speaking secretary in any government secretariat. Similarly, where are the Nepali-speaking citizens in the military and police forces?
For years, Nepali language was taught in schools, and traditional Nepali attire was widely accepted—but what happened to them? Why were they erased? Is this equality? Is this fair treatment?
In 1990, when over 100,000 Southern Bhutanese were expelled, their remaining family members inside Bhutan had their citizenship revoked. Many lost their jobs, homes, and land, which the government seized and nationalized. They were banned from traveling between villages and denied access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

There is no independent civil society to speak on their behalf. No independent media exists to report their plight. Whatever media remains is fully controlled by the government. If North Korea is an open dictatorship, Bhutan is a silent dictatorship.
The only difference between Bhutan and North Korea is that North Korea boldly challenges global powers, whereas Bhutan has landed itself on the red list due to its suppression of its own citizens.
In Bhutan’s so-called democratic system, citizens have no right to disagree with the government. Eight years ago, a young man was sentenced to eight years in prison simply for expressing dissatisfaction with Bhutan’s electoral system. His only crime was stating that the election process was unfair—yet this alone was enough to shake the regime, leading to his imprisonment. Now, ask yourself: How fragile and oppressive must Bhutan’s democracy be if even mild criticism is punished with years in prison?


Bhutan’s Inclusion of Nepali-speaking Ministers: A Forced Gesture
Whether out of sympathy or a mere attempt to deceive the international community, Bhutan has recently appointed three Nepali-speaking individuals as ministers. Given that Nepali-speaking Bhutanese make up 23% of the population, appointing three ministers is not inherently bad. However, the appointment of Dinanath Dhungel as Foreign Minister—a prestigious position—was not out of goodwill, but necessity.
While the government may boast about including three Nepali-speaking ministers, the reality is that they hold no real power. They have fewer rights than even an ordinary schoolteacher. They cannot make independent decisions—they can neither speak nor act beyond the King’s directives.
Though they may wear the red scarf and traditional attire, they hold no authority, nor do they wield any influence. Their appointment was merely to mislead the world into believing that Bhutan is inclusive. In reality, they are mere puppets, used for show, as many Bhutanese citizens believe.

Why is Bhutan on the Red List and Facing U.S. Travel Restrictions?
The reasons behind Bhutan’s placement on the red listand the U.S. travel ban are clear. However, solutions are not too complex or impossible to implement.
Steps Bhutan Must Take to Reform and Avoid Further Crisis
1. Establish Diplomatic Relations with the United States
Bhutan must officially open diplomatic ties with the U.S. to improve international relations.
2. Resolve the Bhutanese Refugee Crisis in Nepal
Thousands of Bhutanese refugees have sacrificed golden opportunities abroad while waiting to return home. Their status must be addressed and managed responsibly.
3. Immediate Release of Political Prisoners
Bhutan must free all political prisoners languishing in its jails and ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
4. Allow Former Bhutanese Refugees to Reconnect with Their Families
Those resettled in third countries must be given the opportunity to reunite with their families in Bhutan. Bhutan should facilitate free visits for them.
5. Conduct an International Investigation into the 1990 Massacre
Bhutan must form an independent international committee to investigate the 1990 atrocities. Based on its findings, perpetrators should face strict legal consequences, while victims must be compensated.
6. Recognize Non-Resident Bhutanese (NRB) Status
Bhutanese who left due to resettlement programs or in search of better opportunities should be granted Non-Resident Bhutanese (NRB) status.

A Critical Opportunity for Bhutan to Reform

By implementing these reforms, Bhutan has a chance to redeem itself and move toward justice and reconciliation. However, if Bhutan refuses to change, it must prepare to face even greater crises in the near future.

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