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added more background by adding more details about the situation surrounding the lhotshampa people and the bhutanese goverement
[td]The history of Gelephu dates back to the 1960s when the original settlement was moved from the banks of Mo Chhu to the present area, which used to be known as Hati Sahar (elephant place).[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Gelephu was inhabited by the Lhotshampha people.[/td]
[td]Gelephu was inhabited by the [[Lhotshampa]] people.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]The Lhotshampa or Lhotsampa (Nepali: เคฒเฅเคนเฅเคคเฅเคธเคพเคฎเฅเคชเคพ; Tibetan: เฝฃเพทเฝผเผเฝเฝเฝเฝฆเผเฝเผ, Wylie: lho-mtshams-pa) population is a heterogeneous Bhutanese people of Nepalese descent. The Lhotshampa people are native to southern Bhutan and are therefore commonly referred to as 'Southerners'. Mostly Hindu people of Nepalese origin began to settle in uninhabited areas in southern Bhutan in the 19th century. Ethnic Nepalese communities had been living in southern Bhutan since at least the 19th century, having migrated as laborers. By the late 20th century, they made up a significant portion of Bhutan's population. Bhutan's population was 35% Lhotshampas. There have been mentions of settlers of Nepali origin as early as the 8th century. The Bhutanese monarchy and ruling elite viewed their growing numbers and cultural distinctiveness as a potential threat to national unity. In the 1980s, Bhutan introduced strict citizenship laws, including the 1985 Citizenship Act, which required documentation proving residence before 1958โsomething many Lhotshampa lacked.[/td]
[td]The [[Lhotshampa]] or Lhotsampa (Nepali: เคฒเฅเคนเฅเคคเฅเคธเคพเคฎเฅเคชเคพ; Tibetan: เฝฃเพทเฝผเผเฝเฝเฝเฝฆเผเฝเผ, Wylie: lho-mtshams-pa) population is a heterogeneous Bhutanese people of Nepalese descent. The Lhotshampa people are native to southern Bhutan and are therefore commonly referred to as 'Southerners'. Mostly Hindu people of Nepalese origin began to settle in uninhabited areas in southern Bhutan in the 19th century. Ethnic Nepalese communities had been living in southern Bhutan since at least the 19th century, having migrated as laborers. By the late 20th century, they made up a significant portion of Bhutan's population. Bhutan's population was 35% Lhotshampas. There have been mentions of settlers of Nepali origin as early as the 8th century. The Bhutanese monarchy and ruling elite viewed their growing numbers and cultural distinctiveness as a potential threat to national unity. In the 1980s, Bhutan introduced strict citizenship laws, including the 1985 Citizenship Act, which required documentation proving residence before 1958โsomething many Lhotshampa lacked.[/td] [td][/td] [td]Starting in the 1980s, the [[Lhotshampa]] people fell victim to perceived political persecution by the Bhutanese government as part of what the Nepali-speaking population viewed as Bhutanisation (termed One Nation, One People) policy which was aimed to nationalise the country. In 1977 followed by in 1985, Bhutan's government enacted legislations which impacted the Lhotshampa ethnic minority. The review of the national citizenship criteria and provisions for denationalisation of illegally present population in the country ensued. The government enforced uniformity in dress, culture, tradition, language and literature to create a national identity which was aligned with the majority [[Ngalop people|Drukpa]] culture of the country.[/td] [td][/td] [td]The Lhotshampas started demonstrations in protest of such discriminatory laws, voicing for a change to be brought to the existing political system toward a preferred multi-party democracy and to gain political autonomy for the Nepali Ethnic minority, most probably incited by the similar political uprising against the established monarchy in the neighbouring country of Nepal.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Between 1988 and 1993, a significant number of Lhotshampa left Bhutan amid growing ethnic tensions and political unrest. In 1990, protests advocating for greater democratic rights and minority recognition emerged in southern Bhutan. In response, the Bhutanese government emphasized the presence of existing representative institutions such as the National Assembly and the National Advisory Council. Local governance structures were also established to increase citizen participation in development planning. These included, the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue (DYT), established in 1981 to empower grassroots decision-making by enabling district residents to formulate, approve, and implement local development plans. Similarly, the Gewog Yargay Tshogchung (GYT), established in 1991, aimed to enhance local development by enabling communities to participate in decision-making, implement need-based projects, and contribute to sustainable local governance.[/td]
[td]Between 1988 and 1993, a significant number of Lhotshampa left Bhutan amid growing ethnic tensions and political unrest. In 1990, protests advocating for greater democratic rights and minority recognition emerged in southern Bhutan. In response, the Bhutanese government emphasized the presence of existing representative institutions such as the National Assembly and the National Advisory Council. Local governance structures were also established to increase citizen participation in development planning. These included, the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue (DYT), established in 1981 to empower grassroots decision-making by enabling district residents to formulate, approve, and implement local development plans. Similarly, the Gewog Yargay Tshogchung (GYT), established in 1991, aimed to enhance local development by enabling communities to participate in decision-making, implement need-based projects, and contribute to sustainable local governance.[/td] [td][/td] [td]These demonstrations turned into violence when some ethnic Nepalese representatives were attacked by the government officials (armed forces) when schools in the southern districts were burned by the demonstrators. Consequently, Bhutanese armed forces were mobilised; the members of Bhutanese police and army forces allegedly imprisoned some Nepali descendant ethnic minority who were suspected to be politically active in these demonstrations, under a command of then king [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] and home minister Dago Tshering to keep peace and open a line of communication. Bhutan Armed forces were alleged to have targeted the Nepali ethnic southerners by burning down the houses, livestocks, and forced hundreds and thousands to be expelled from the country with their property being confiscated where no compensation were reported to be granted to anyone, however, claims to these were neither proved nor documented.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Amid the unrest, the [[Bhutan Peoples' Party]], whose members were predominantly Lhotshampa, initiated anti-government activities. During this period, there were reports of damage to public property, with investigations estimating losses exceeding $80,000 at schools, health units, and other facilities. The governmentโs security response during this time drew international attention and concern. Allegations emerged of human rights violations, including the detention of political activists, educators, and other civilians. These developments prompted thousands of Lhotshampa to leave the country, many of whom sought refuge in Nepal and India.[/td]
[td]Amid the unrest, the [[Bhutan Peoples' Party]], whose members were predominantly Lhotshampa, initiated anti-government activities. During this period, there were reports of damage to public property, with investigations estimating losses exceeding $80,000 at schools, health units, and other facilities. The governmentโs security response during this time drew international attention and concern. Allegations emerged of human rights violations, including the detention of political activists, educators, and other civilians. These developments prompted thousands of Lhotshampa to leave the country, many of whom sought refuge in Nepal and India.[/td] [td][/td] [td]This escalated up until the early 1990s, and was followed by the forceful expulsion of [[Nepali people|Nepali]] ethnic minority citizens from the southern part of Bhutan. The main purpose of this was the fear that revolt mirrored images of the [[Gorkhaland movement]] stirring up in the neighbouring state of West Bengal, and fueled fears of a fate similar to the [[Kingdom of Sikkim]] where the immigrant Nepalis population had overwhelmed the small native population of the kingdom, leading to its demise as an independent nation. The Bhutanese security forces were accused of human rights violations including torture and rape of political demonstrators, and some Lhotshampas were accused of staging a violent revolt against the state. According to the [[UNHCR]], an estimate of 107,000 [[Bhutanese refugees]] living in seven camps in eastern Nepal have been documented as of 2008. After many years in refugee camps, many inhabitants moved to other host nations such as Canada, Norway, the UK, Australia, and the US as refugees. The US admitted 60,773 refugees from fiscal years 2008 to 2012.[/td] [td][/td] [td]The [[Government of Nepal|Nepalese government]] refused to assimilate the Bhutanese refugees (Lhotshampas) and did not allow a legal path to citizenship, so they were left [[Statelessness|stateless]]. Careful scrutiny has been used to review the status of the refugee's relatives in the country, and citizenship identity cards and voting rights for these reviewed people are restricted. Bhutan does not recognise political parties associated with these refugees and see them as a threat to the well-being of the country. [[Human rights group|Human rights groups']] rhetoric that the government interfered with individual rights by requiring all citizens, including ethnic minority members, to wear the traditional dress of the ethnic majority in public places was used as a political tool for the demonstrations. The Bhutanese government since then enforced the law of national attire to be worn in Buddhist religious buildings, government offices, schools, official functions, and public ceremonies aimed toward preserving and promoting the national identity of Bhutan.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal faced difficult conditions, including overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and public health challenges. A joint verification initiative launched by Bhutan and Nepal in the early 2000s aimed to classify refugees for repatriation or naturalization. However, the process collapsed in December 2003 following a violent incident in Jhapa involving the Joint Verification Team.[/td]
[td]Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal faced difficult conditions, including overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and public health challenges. A joint verification initiative launched by Bhutan and Nepal in the early 2000s aimed to classify refugees for repatriation or naturalization. However, the process collapsed in December 2003 following a violent incident in Jhapa involving the Joint Verification Team.[/td]
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[td]The history of Gelephu dates back to the 1960s when the original settlement was moved from the banks of Mo Chhu to the present area, which used to be known as Hati Sahar (elephant place).[/td]Revision as of 17:34, 3 September 2025
[/td][td]The history of Gelephu dates back to the 1960s when the original settlement was moved from the banks of Mo Chhu to the present area, which used to be known as Hati Sahar (elephant place).[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Gelephu was inhabited by the Lhotshampha people.[/td]
[td]Gelephu was inhabited by the [[Lhotshampa]] people.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]The Lhotshampa or Lhotsampa (Nepali: เคฒเฅเคนเฅเคคเฅเคธเคพเคฎเฅเคชเคพ; Tibetan: เฝฃเพทเฝผเผเฝเฝเฝเฝฆเผเฝเผ, Wylie: lho-mtshams-pa) population is a heterogeneous Bhutanese people of Nepalese descent. The Lhotshampa people are native to southern Bhutan and are therefore commonly referred to as 'Southerners'. Mostly Hindu people of Nepalese origin began to settle in uninhabited areas in southern Bhutan in the 19th century. Ethnic Nepalese communities had been living in southern Bhutan since at least the 19th century, having migrated as laborers. By the late 20th century, they made up a significant portion of Bhutan's population. Bhutan's population was 35% Lhotshampas. There have been mentions of settlers of Nepali origin as early as the 8th century. The Bhutanese monarchy and ruling elite viewed their growing numbers and cultural distinctiveness as a potential threat to national unity. In the 1980s, Bhutan introduced strict citizenship laws, including the 1985 Citizenship Act, which required documentation proving residence before 1958โsomething many Lhotshampa lacked.[/td]
[td]The [[Lhotshampa]] or Lhotsampa (Nepali: เคฒเฅเคนเฅเคคเฅเคธเคพเคฎเฅเคชเคพ; Tibetan: เฝฃเพทเฝผเผเฝเฝเฝเฝฆเผเฝเผ, Wylie: lho-mtshams-pa) population is a heterogeneous Bhutanese people of Nepalese descent. The Lhotshampa people are native to southern Bhutan and are therefore commonly referred to as 'Southerners'. Mostly Hindu people of Nepalese origin began to settle in uninhabited areas in southern Bhutan in the 19th century. Ethnic Nepalese communities had been living in southern Bhutan since at least the 19th century, having migrated as laborers. By the late 20th century, they made up a significant portion of Bhutan's population. Bhutan's population was 35% Lhotshampas. There have been mentions of settlers of Nepali origin as early as the 8th century. The Bhutanese monarchy and ruling elite viewed their growing numbers and cultural distinctiveness as a potential threat to national unity. In the 1980s, Bhutan introduced strict citizenship laws, including the 1985 Citizenship Act, which required documentation proving residence before 1958โsomething many Lhotshampa lacked.[/td] [td][/td] [td]Starting in the 1980s, the [[Lhotshampa]] people fell victim to perceived political persecution by the Bhutanese government as part of what the Nepali-speaking population viewed as Bhutanisation (termed One Nation, One People) policy which was aimed to nationalise the country. In 1977 followed by in 1985, Bhutan's government enacted legislations which impacted the Lhotshampa ethnic minority. The review of the national citizenship criteria and provisions for denationalisation of illegally present population in the country ensued. The government enforced uniformity in dress, culture, tradition, language and literature to create a national identity which was aligned with the majority [[Ngalop people|Drukpa]] culture of the country.[/td] [td][/td] [td]The Lhotshampas started demonstrations in protest of such discriminatory laws, voicing for a change to be brought to the existing political system toward a preferred multi-party democracy and to gain political autonomy for the Nepali Ethnic minority, most probably incited by the similar political uprising against the established monarchy in the neighbouring country of Nepal.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Between 1988 and 1993, a significant number of Lhotshampa left Bhutan amid growing ethnic tensions and political unrest. In 1990, protests advocating for greater democratic rights and minority recognition emerged in southern Bhutan. In response, the Bhutanese government emphasized the presence of existing representative institutions such as the National Assembly and the National Advisory Council. Local governance structures were also established to increase citizen participation in development planning. These included, the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue (DYT), established in 1981 to empower grassroots decision-making by enabling district residents to formulate, approve, and implement local development plans. Similarly, the Gewog Yargay Tshogchung (GYT), established in 1991, aimed to enhance local development by enabling communities to participate in decision-making, implement need-based projects, and contribute to sustainable local governance.[/td]
[td]Between 1988 and 1993, a significant number of Lhotshampa left Bhutan amid growing ethnic tensions and political unrest. In 1990, protests advocating for greater democratic rights and minority recognition emerged in southern Bhutan. In response, the Bhutanese government emphasized the presence of existing representative institutions such as the National Assembly and the National Advisory Council. Local governance structures were also established to increase citizen participation in development planning. These included, the Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogdue (DYT), established in 1981 to empower grassroots decision-making by enabling district residents to formulate, approve, and implement local development plans. Similarly, the Gewog Yargay Tshogchung (GYT), established in 1991, aimed to enhance local development by enabling communities to participate in decision-making, implement need-based projects, and contribute to sustainable local governance.[/td] [td][/td] [td]These demonstrations turned into violence when some ethnic Nepalese representatives were attacked by the government officials (armed forces) when schools in the southern districts were burned by the demonstrators. Consequently, Bhutanese armed forces were mobilised; the members of Bhutanese police and army forces allegedly imprisoned some Nepali descendant ethnic minority who were suspected to be politically active in these demonstrations, under a command of then king [[Jigme Singye Wangchuck]] and home minister Dago Tshering to keep peace and open a line of communication. Bhutan Armed forces were alleged to have targeted the Nepali ethnic southerners by burning down the houses, livestocks, and forced hundreds and thousands to be expelled from the country with their property being confiscated where no compensation were reported to be granted to anyone, however, claims to these were neither proved nor documented.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Amid the unrest, the [[Bhutan Peoples' Party]], whose members were predominantly Lhotshampa, initiated anti-government activities. During this period, there were reports of damage to public property, with investigations estimating losses exceeding $80,000 at schools, health units, and other facilities. The governmentโs security response during this time drew international attention and concern. Allegations emerged of human rights violations, including the detention of political activists, educators, and other civilians. These developments prompted thousands of Lhotshampa to leave the country, many of whom sought refuge in Nepal and India.[/td]
[td]Amid the unrest, the [[Bhutan Peoples' Party]], whose members were predominantly Lhotshampa, initiated anti-government activities. During this period, there were reports of damage to public property, with investigations estimating losses exceeding $80,000 at schools, health units, and other facilities. The governmentโs security response during this time drew international attention and concern. Allegations emerged of human rights violations, including the detention of political activists, educators, and other civilians. These developments prompted thousands of Lhotshampa to leave the country, many of whom sought refuge in Nepal and India.[/td] [td][/td] [td]This escalated up until the early 1990s, and was followed by the forceful expulsion of [[Nepali people|Nepali]] ethnic minority citizens from the southern part of Bhutan. The main purpose of this was the fear that revolt mirrored images of the [[Gorkhaland movement]] stirring up in the neighbouring state of West Bengal, and fueled fears of a fate similar to the [[Kingdom of Sikkim]] where the immigrant Nepalis population had overwhelmed the small native population of the kingdom, leading to its demise as an independent nation. The Bhutanese security forces were accused of human rights violations including torture and rape of political demonstrators, and some Lhotshampas were accused of staging a violent revolt against the state. According to the [[UNHCR]], an estimate of 107,000 [[Bhutanese refugees]] living in seven camps in eastern Nepal have been documented as of 2008. After many years in refugee camps, many inhabitants moved to other host nations such as Canada, Norway, the UK, Australia, and the US as refugees. The US admitted 60,773 refugees from fiscal years 2008 to 2012.[/td] [td][/td] [td]The [[Government of Nepal|Nepalese government]] refused to assimilate the Bhutanese refugees (Lhotshampas) and did not allow a legal path to citizenship, so they were left [[Statelessness|stateless]]. Careful scrutiny has been used to review the status of the refugee's relatives in the country, and citizenship identity cards and voting rights for these reviewed people are restricted. Bhutan does not recognise political parties associated with these refugees and see them as a threat to the well-being of the country. [[Human rights group|Human rights groups']] rhetoric that the government interfered with individual rights by requiring all citizens, including ethnic minority members, to wear the traditional dress of the ethnic majority in public places was used as a political tool for the demonstrations. The Bhutanese government since then enforced the law of national attire to be worn in Buddhist religious buildings, government offices, schools, official functions, and public ceremonies aimed toward preserving and promoting the national identity of Bhutan.[/td] [td][/td]
[td][/td] [td]Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal faced difficult conditions, including overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and public health challenges. A joint verification initiative launched by Bhutan and Nepal in the early 2000s aimed to classify refugees for repatriation or naturalization. However, the process collapsed in December 2003 following a violent incident in Jhapa involving the Joint Verification Team.[/td]
[td]Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal faced difficult conditions, including overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and public health challenges. A joint verification initiative launched by Bhutan and Nepal in the early 2000s aimed to classify refugees for repatriation or naturalization. However, the process collapsed in December 2003 following a violent incident in Jhapa involving the Joint Verification Team.[/td]
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