N < ; E < J ; 8 P A L E < - # ) ' ( ) E l ,

KUENSEL
K?8KK?<G<FGC<J?8CC9<@E=FID<;
COVER
STORY
COVER
STORY
WHATS INSIDE PG. 9: Occasion marked by awards, campaign and launches
Bid to employ
doctors nipped
ENVIRONMENT
Mixed response
on Day 1
Pedestrians Day
Vacancy : PHPA
?`jDXa\jkpk_\B`e^i`[\jXcfe^Efiq`eCXd`eK_`dg_lp\jk\i[Xp
=ifdfe\Yi`[^\kfXefk_\i1CpfeZ__\enXcbjkfnfib]ifdCle^k\eqXdgXkf
CXe^afg_Xb_Xp\jk\i[Xp`e)/d`elk\j%
PEDESTRIAN Tuesday
SONAM PELDEN
Soon after the Punatsangchu
hydroelectric project author-
ity announced vacancies for
two doctors, a senior medical
officer and a dental surgeon,
about three weeks ago, the
health ministry wrote to the
project, asking them not to
recruit its doctors.
Stating the shortage of
doctors, as well as other
medical professionals, in the
country, the health ministry
had raised concerns about
the project recruiting doc-
tors from within the country,
project officials said.
The projects joint manag-
ing director, Phuntso Norbu,
said the project helped up-
grade the Bajo BHU grade I
to a 20-bed hospital, as well
as equipped it to cater to the
project.
We do need some doc-
tors, specialists like ortho-
paedic and dental surgeons,
he said. So, when we adver-
tised inviting applications,
concerns were raised by the
health ministry, both verbally
and in writing.
Phuntso Norbu said
that they were too project-
focused, and later realised
that, what the health minis-
try raised, was indeed an
issue.
G^%)
SONAM PELDEN
Bhutans first Pedestrians day
yesterday had many Thimphu
residents talking, reminisc-
ing, thinking, appreciating,
planning, com-
plaining and
suggesting ways
to make the idea of freezing
traffic in the city on Tuesdays
work better.
If only the government
had consulted the people be-
fore imposing such a rule.
The day started early for
many office goers and parents
who had to drop their children
to school on time. Some drove
to work as
earl y as
7:30m; some
used taxis and buses while
many, including the Cabi-
net ministers walked to their
workplaces. G^%)
*
2 HOME
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
DECHEN TSHERING, MONGAR
Mongar police detained a 57-
year old man for the attempted
rape of his 15-year old disabled
daughter on June 4 at Chang-
shingpeg, about a kilometre
from Mongar town.
The incident occurred at
around 11:45am.
The victims disabled
brother was also in their make-
shift hut, watching television
in the next room.
One of the elder daughters
studying at Mongar higher
secondary school saw what
the father did to the victim, a
paralytic patient, who cannot
talk, and informed her step-
mother about it.
She had even made a
movie clip of what the father
did to her sister through the
gaps in the door.
The victim has to be fed
and carried to the toilet.
A source said it was the
mans wife, who reported the
case to the police, following
the information her school-
going daughter fed her with.
The victim was taken to
hospital for a medical check-
up.
Medical examination
concluded that there was no
sexual intercourse or signs of
sexual violence.
People, who knew the fa-
ther from Trashigang Phong-
mey, said he was an alcoholic.
The family settled in
Changshingpeg, after the fa-
ther resigned from service.
Mongar police is investi-
gating the case.
CRIME
Molestation of Minor
Man accused of
attempted rape
From Pg. 1
We realised thats a prob-
lem, because were taking
doctors from a referral hospi-
tal, where the requirement is
much more to a smaller hos-
pital, he said. Also, we have
flexibility to get doctors from
India, and add to the pool of
doctors in the country, so we
fully agreed and said okay.
The project has already
recruited two senior doctors,
who had resigned from the
ministry, and today have five
doctors. If we continue to
recruit without any sensitiv-
ity, then wed be able to empty
so many agencies, Phuntso
Norbu said.
According to project offi-
cials, they are in need of about
30 civil engineers today, and
would require some execu-
tive engineers, as the project
progresses. The two projects,
Punatsangchu I and II togeth-
er have about 1,600 Bhutanese
employees.
However, by the time the
health ministry raised its con-
cerns, the project had already
received about three applica-
tions. We then called the ap-
plicants and informed them
that we wouldnt proceed with
the recruitment process, the
projects senior personnel of-
ficer said.
Health secretary Nima
Wangdi said the ministry is
supposed to provide health
care services to all, if they had
enough medical professionals.
But because we dont
have enough, weve asked the
projects to recruit doctors from
outside, he said. There are no
separate hospitals for projects,
which is why we asked them to
recruit additional doctors for
additional services.
This decision by the health
ministry has, however, not
gone down well among the
doctors, some of whom were
planning to join the project.
Its everywhere that so
long youve fulfilled the obliga-
tions, you should be allowed to
leave, but then the restriction
came after some doctors put in
their resignations, one of the
senior specialists said.
The doctor said he has
about eight years to retire, and
has reached a time, when doc-
tors like him are supposed to
do more of a supervisory job.
But here you have to strug-
gle harder as you grow old, he
said.
Another doctor said what
the health ministry did was
technically incorrect, be-
cause changing work places
is allowed to others. Were
being strangulated further and
further, and thats the plight of
the doctors, he said. Our re-
tirement age has gone up to 60
and, even after that, we arent
allowed to practise.
Doctors feel that the health
ministry reacted that way, be-
cause the project announced
some vacancies, with pay scale
three times higher. But they
arent allowing us to leave,
even if we cant or dont want
to work, another doctor said.
While project officials said
its not true, there are also talks
among health officials about
how the health ministrys con-
cerns were actually put to the
cabinet, and pushed through
the economic affairs ministry.
Health officials said that
the project did not listen to the
health ministrys appeal but,
when the department of en-
ergy and hydropower wrote to
the project, quoting the cabi-
nets decision, the project had
to agree. But we all know that
the shortage of doctors will
persist for the next 10 years,
one of them said.
they arent
allowing us to
leave, even if we
cant or dont
want to work
A doctor

Bid to employ doctors nipped

From Pg. 1
But there was one group
of people, the taxi drivers who
were all smiles as they zoomed
on the roads that had only pe-
destrians to compete with. Its
a good rule and I have been on
the road since 7.30am, said
a taxi driver. Otherwise, we
are waiting for hours at the taxi
parking for passengers.
The taxi parking had only
those with odd numbers yes-
terday biding their turn next
Tuesday. Some said that taxis
with even numbers from Paro
had come to Thimphu to ferry
customers.
Parents who drive their chil-
dren to schools, however, were
unhappy with the Pedestrians
day. Its very inconvenient and
I dont understand why such a
rule is made, a frustrated par-
ent, who had to hurry her child
to school on time from the truck
parking, said.
Its a good idea and its
an opportunity for us to meet
people who we usually pass by
when we are in cars, a private
employee Tshewang Rinzin,
who walked to his office in
town from the Yangchenphug
parking, said. I met people
whom I havent met for the
last five years.
The 57-year-old who was
walking home carrying his
backpack said it was a good
exercise for people of his age
who move around less. See,
I am meeting him after two
years, he said as one of his
friends stopped by him.
Several Thimphu resi-
dents who were walking home
yesterday evening with their
laptop bags slung over one
shoulder, their kabneys over
the other and lunch baskets
in their hands were seen stop-
ping by, shaking hands and
conversing on the roads.
But what was, however,
unfair was that people like
him were never consulted.
The government could have
at least heard us out because
we might have suggested bet-
ter options, he said.
A civil servant said the
government should disallow
movement of all vehicles in-
cluding taxis. The whole pur-
pose is defeated otherwise, he
said. Even taxis should not
be allowed unless the govern-
ment wants votes from them.
Some suggested that there
should be a standard rate for
taxis on Tuesdays while many
suggested that the day be ob-
served once a month and not
every week. Its good for now
but we dont know if it can be
done every Tuesday especially
when it starts to get warmer.
There were also confu-
sions about allowing tourist
cars and buses in the city,
which has many tourist hotels
and sightseeing places. Had
it been planned, tourists love
to walk, said another. But
the opportunity was never
presented.
Mixed response on Day 1
*
DZONGKHAG 3
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
ANNOUNCEMENT
BHUTAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND
YDF is pleased to announce the availability of four Scholarships to
NIIT in the following IT courses.
zDiploma in Net Technologies (DDNT4)
zDiploma in Java Technologies (DJVT4)
Interested Class 12 students with a minimum of 60% may apply
to YDF before 15th June, 2012. For more information, please call
327483 (ext. 108).
Executive Director
VACANCY RE-ANNOUNCEMENT
ROYAL EDUCATION COUNCIL
Upper Motithang, Thimphu
HRD:01(7)/2011-2012/1021
Royal Education Council re-extended the deadline
for the position of an Estate Manager at
Yongphula till 11th June, 2012.
Candidates with Diploma in Civil Engineering or
Bachelors Degree with relevant experience may
apply with necessary documents to HRO on or
before 11th June, 2012.
HRO
YANGCHEN C RINZIN, P/LING
There were just as many vehi-
cles on the Phuentsholing town
roads, like any normal day, and
just as less people walking.
It was not so much a Pe-
destrians Day, after all, in
Phuentsholing, with the same
traffic congestion that regular
vehicles, including a few gov-
ernment ones, and trucks, ply-
ENVIRONMENT
Pedestrians Day
It was business as usual
in the border town
Phuentsholing appears to have given the first nationwide No-Wheels Tuesday a miss
KINGA DEMA
The Penden cement authority
limited has reinstated Gangk-
hap transport to ferry cement
from its factory in Gomtu to
the depot in Phuentsholing,
almost a month after it termi-
nated the contract, following
allegations of deflection to
India.
A directive from Pendens
board says the basis to termi-
nate Gangkhap transports
work order, and forfeit the se-
curity deposit, was not strong
enough, Penden officials said.
Weve also been asked to
come out with explicitly de-
fined provisions, with regard
to transshipment of cement,
which should be incorporated
in the work order, Pendens
deputy managing director
(Dr) Jigme Singye said.
Gangkhap Transports
work order was terminated,
after a few cement agents
in Phuentsholing lodged a
complaint that it was deflect-
ing cement at a time when the
western region was facing a
severe shortage.
Board chairman Sherab
Gyaltshen, in a letter to Pen-
dens managing director, stat-
ed, I, on behalf of the board
of directors, and keeping in
consideration the report of
the sub-committee, advise
both the parties to strike out
a recourse that is mutually ac-
ceptable to each other.
The chairman also men-
tioned that the board sub-
committee completed a
three-day investigation into
the contract termination last
month, as directed by the
emergency board meeting
held on May 12.
The chairman suggested
interim actions, such as
reviewing and revising the
terms and conditions of the
transport contract, and to fur-
ther explain the agreed terms
and conditions to solicit strict
compliance hereafter.
Penden has also been
asked to monitor its goods
in transit more diligently, to
ensure its arrival at the des-
tination, as prescribed in the
conditions of transport con-
tract. These interim meas-
ures have been suggested,
keeping in view the interests
of all the parties concerned,
the letter reads. And its
hoped that the expectations
of the affected parties are
satisfactorily met.
Gangkhap Transports
proprietor, Phub Tshering
said the boards prompt deci-
sion saved him from further
loss from his transportation
business. Im glad that the
issue has been resolved, he
said.
There are 10 transport
companies, ferrying cement
from the factory depot in
Gomtu to the Phuentsholing
depot.
ROLLBACK
Penden Cement Authority Limited
Gangkhap Transport reinstated
Deflection charge unsubstantiated
The usual rush of traffic in Phuentsholing
ing inside the core city, caused.
The decision was purport-
edly to freeze vehicular move-
ments in the core city area.
But it was jammed with
trucks and small vehicles al-
most throughout the day.
Many residents said they
expected the city to be, for
once, different, as in an empty
town, with more people on the
streets walking to offices.
Some residents said they
spotted a few senior civil serv-
ants driving to offices and
lunch.
I saw a few of my friends,
who work in government offic-
es, driving to office, a resident
said. Even a senior thromde
official, who was supposed to
set an example, was driving to
office.
While a few residents felt
the day required proper plan-
ning, so as to be observed
next Tuesday, some said the
day should not be observed in
Phuentsholing at all, because of
the many trade activities taking
place.
There are too many vehi-
cles in Phuentsholing, that it
would be unmanageable for
three traffic policemen at the
traffic to manage, Lekey Gyelt-
shen, 39, said. There were a
few I know, who walked to the
office from lower market, but,
after lunch, they were back with
their cars.
Many residents were una-
ware about the day, and said
they thought it was implement-
ed only in Thimphu.
Many vehicles were mov-
ing, then how do we know it
was Pedestrians Day, 45-year-
old housewife Tshering Dukar
said. I knew it wouldnt work
in Phuentsholing anyway, so I
drove to drop my children to
school.
A meeting, however, will be
held today to plan for the next
Tuesday.
MANAGING DIRECTOR - Chencho Tshering, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR - Thinley Dorji, EDITOR - Phuntsho Wangdi, NEWS EDITOR - Samten Wangchuk, DESIGN EDITOR - Chencho Tshering,
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER - Karma Dupchu, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, CIRCULATION MANAGER - Ugyen Norbu, REGIONAL HEAD (KANGLUNG) - Pema Tenzin
4 PERSPECTIVES
*
MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN
B
hutans first pedestrian Tuesday
yesterday, where the countrys bur-
geoning motorists were compelled
to morph into pedestrians, when
entering the core town area, had its
fair share of complaints.
In Thimphu, parents dropping off toddlers
to school got into arguments with traffic police.
Buses laden with tourists were stranded for a while
before being allowed to enter.
Office-going mothers, with babies to breast-
feed, termed the initiative a stupid rule, just to
make the government look good at the cost of in-
convenience to urban residents.
Others, taking the sick and the infirm to hos-
pital, did not know which route to take, and how
to get there, with the inner city roads closed to
vehicular traffic.
Getting to the cremation ground to help a
friend or relative with the preparations had its own
set of hassles. Media houses were not quite sure
how to go about their daily business of flitting in
and out of offices, gathering information, meet-
ing deadlines, marketing for ads and chasing up
unpaid bills. Business in the core city area also
slowed to a crawl, as fewer people came out to eat
or buy things from shops.
Cabbies were perhaps the only ones not com-
plaining, as they were allowed to crisscross the
city, ferrying pedestrians from one end of the city
to the other. With fares, starting at Nu 80, it was in
many ways Taxi Day. It was also a day off for pool
drivers of government and corporate agencies, and
a fairly light day for those operating fuel stations.
But the first pedestrian day also brought up
some unexpected aspects, in compelling Bhuta-
nese motorists to play their part in reducing their
carbon footprint.
Many started their forced walk to work stations
with probably a scowl on their face but, after a
while, they felt the summer breeze, they heard the
silence of a much quieter town, they met friends
along the way they had not seen for years. People
and places did not zip past like through a car win-
dow.
Many were reminded of a past life, when they
walked around the town as kids and youngsters.
Many were walking to town for the first time in a
decade or two, and wondered when the car had
become so essential.
Many, getting on the heavier side, liked the idea
of burning up calories, doing the 15- or 30-minute
walk to their offices. Many got up early, to be able
to drive there before eight in the morning.
As long are there are no meetings, deadlines,
emergencies, toddlers to drop and pick up from
school, and family members to attend to in hos-
pital, the Tuesday pedestrian day is a wonderful
initiative.
And many have a number of suggestions on
how to make this work better, if decision makers
are willing to listen.
Mixed feelings
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
Pedestrian Tuesday
MY SAY
Against
I tried walking from YHS
ground to office today. The
pedestrian roads are in awful
condition and if you are not
careful you may break your
ankle sliding into a hole cre-
ated by broken coverings of
drains.
At some places the pe-
destrian roads ends abruptly
and has no continuation. The
pedestrian roads are uneven,
becomes broader or narrower
and at some places your nose
is assaulted by very foul smell
from the drains or leaking sew-
erage. The road crossings are
unmarked (no zebra crossings)
at some places where you need
to shift from one side of road to
the other.
At some places the pe-
destrian road is blocked by
stacked construction materials
and on a windy day you may
be battered by sand storm.
There are no enough toilets
along the ways and God forbid
you have an attack of diarrhea
on Tuesday. There are no
periodical rain shelters if you
have no umbrella and if it rains
heavily and suddenly.
But I join many in the
forum condemning the dra-
conian diktat. Besides being a
global gimmick and a symbolic
gesture, I see no serious tangi-
ble result from this executive
order towards INR crises or
the environment. This has
just added not only physical
discomfort but also mental dis-
comfort that Bhutan is being
forced into a submissive soci-
ety by its elected leaders. The
meat ban, the plastic ban, the
tobacco ban, vehicle ban, etc.
The vehicle ban on Tues-
days will create a societal
divide soon as there will be
exceptions created in future.
The RPB, RBG, RBA are already
exempted and the list will keep
adding in a few months. When
the government steps into
personal space of its citizens
on flimsy grounds, it creates
animosity and distrust.
For
I think the idea is good and
we should try to follow it. If we
dont like we should appeal to
government.
Every time, government
makes some tough decisions,
many people brand it as un-
democratic. What does that
mean? Should every decision
be made after public consulta-
tions? Should every decision
be made after majority vote? It
will take ages.
We and the constitution
have empowered the govern-
ment to have executive power
to decide for the country as
long as it doesnt go against
or contradicts the parliament
decision. We may like the deci-
sion and we may not like the
decision.
While making this deci-
sion, the government didnt
go against the parliament that
we elected, government didnt
go against constitution that we
endorsed through our repre-
sentatives, it didnt go against
GNH we shouts so loud. So it is
unfair on our part to demonize
government as undemocratic
and dictatorial every time they
decide something we dont like
as per our vested interests.
If every executive decision
is to be made with public con-
sultation, it will take 10 years
to make five big decisions.
Since, we empowered them,
government has to make some
tough decision even though it
may affect their political bank
of votes.
Kuenselonline
Jagi
Tshachu,
Paro:
Nothing to
be alarmed
about, just a
pedicure post
a dip in the
spa Photo:
Nima Wangdi,
Kuensel
*
DZONGKHAG 5
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
There are plans afoot to revitalise these and wean farmers back to proper (not just dairy) farming
NOTICE SEEKING PROPOSAL FOR DISTRIBUTORSHIP
BHUTAN TELECOM LTD.
Registered Offce in Thimphu
BT/Mkt-02/2012/1073
Bhutan Telecom would like to invite proposals from interested individuals/frms to
become exclusive distributor for the companys sales items like SIM, Vouchers,
eLOAD, Data Cards, Modems etc. In addition to the existing distributors, we
would like to add/replace distributors for the following places as below:
1. Bajo town, Wangduephodrang (one)
2. Nanglam town, Samdrupjongkhar (one) 3. Trashigang town (one)
4. Sarpang town (one) 5. Dagana town (one)
6. Bumthang town (one) 7. Thimphu & vicinity (two)
We would like the interested individuals and frms to consider the following broad
points in your proposal:
1. All applicants should be willing to set up their shop counter in the above
mentioned places. Proper location of the establishment should be mentioned.
2. Counter size and design for showroom with drawing, if feasible.
3. How you would like to run the business, staff strength, likely network of
dealers etc.
4. Any previous or current experience in wholesale distributor business or similar
line of business.
5. Any marketing activity that you could do on behalf of the company without
any fnancial implications to the company.
6. How would your entry or expansion impact this business in the market.
7. Any other good idea other than the above is encouraged.
Please collect the detailed terms of reference from the Acting Manager, Sales &
Distribution Section. The complete proposal must be submitted on or before 15th
June, 2012 to the Acting Manager, Sales & Distribution, Marketing Division,
Thimphu or the Marketing Offcers of Gelephu, Samdrupjongkhar and Thimphu
Regional Offce.
For any information on the above, please contact Sales & Distribution Section at 02-
335927/322678 or fax at 02-337988.
Management
Irrigation Facilities
Defunct channels mean fallow fields
NIRMALA POKHREL,
SAMDRUPJONGKHAR
While most farmers in the
east are busy ploughing their
fields, and readying them for
paddy transplantation, it is
not the same story for those
in Samdrupjongkhar.
Without a proper irriga-
tion channel or with some of
their water sources dried up,
villagers have left their fields
uncultivated. In fact, some
have left their field barren for
more than a decade.
Jangchub Dorji, a 45-year-
old farmer from Orong gewog,
said he had to depend on his
jersey cow for some income,
despite having two acres of
land to his name.
The old irrigation chan-
nels that were without con-
crete walls got washed away
over time, he said, adding
there were too many leak-
ages along the way, sufficient
water did not reach their
fields.
And just when we decid-
ed to repair those channels,
the water source itself dried
up, he said.
With more than a 100
households affected by this,
their wetlands today have ei-
ther become a grazing land or
are covered with bushes.
In Phuntshothang gewog,
farmers said they havent cul-
tivated for about eight years,
since their concrete irrigation
channel got washed away by
a flash flood.
Ive grown millet in place
of paddy, because there isnt
enough water for paddy plan-
tation, Nar Maya Regni, 57,
said.
Another farmer said they
didnt have sufficient drink-
ing water as well, and have
been struggling to find new
water sources.
A similar problem prevails
in Gomdar gewog, one of the
driest in Samdrupjongkhar.
Most farmers have re-
sorted to rearing cows, form-
ing groups and running diary
farms as a major source of
income.
We have to work hard to
earn money that will fetch
us vegetables and rice from
nearby towns, one farmer
said.
Meanwhile, the gewog,
dungkhag and dzongkhag of-
ficials are aware of the prob-
lem, and on the lookout for
alternative sources.
Officials said, in the 11th
plan, they will be exploring
more water sources, and also
maintain the defunct irriga-
tion channels.
Of the total 42 irrigation
channels in Samdrupjong-
khar, about nine are defunct
and four others private.
Most of the irrigation
channels are un-cemented,
meaning they have leakages
and cant carry enough water
to the fields, dzongkhag ag-
riculture officer Karma Tsh-
ewang said. They are rain-
fed, prone to slides and can
be damaged easily.
However, he said, a pro-
posal has been drawn up
recently and submitted to
the department, that sug-
gests pulling water from the
nearby river to cultivate fields
that have been left barren for
years.
A JICA team is also ex-
pected to arrive soon to con-
duct a feasibility study.
Agriculture officials said
the farmers refused to un-
derstand that wetland could
be used to cultivate maize,
millet, potato and other veg-
etables that require feeding
less water.
Records show Samdrup-
jongkhar has 2,192 acres of
wetland, of the total 15,858
acre of arable land. Without
any survey conducted, there
was no data on how much of
the arable land was left un-
cultivated.
AGRICULTURE
Left barren: Once paddy
fields in Bhangtar
*
6 REGION
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
CLASSIFIEDS
Sale: Esteem car, full option
(silver). Contact 77604568.
Sale: Santro GL+ 12.
Contact 17617801.
Sale: Honda Civic (four
thousand km). Contact
17162480.
Wanted to buy: Second
hand Backhoe Loader.
Contact 17117716.
Sale: Maruti van taxi 09.
Contact 17691214.
Sale: Toyota RAV 4 (2005
model) Price Nu. 1,000,000
& Pajero (2002 model). Price
Nu. 750,000. Contact at
17934952.
Sale: WagonR taxi 08. (must
pay cash). Contact 17548255.
Sale: Well furnished &
equipped salon in Thimphu.
Contact 17656506.
Rent: 4 fats for offce space
available from 1st June,
12, located opposite Druk
Shopping complex. Contact
330025/17628994.
Rent: Shop space 1, offce
space 1 at Yarkay Plaza
opposite taxi parking. Offce
space at Yarkay Central, above
Pelwang Photo Lab. Contact
17652951.
Sale: Restaurant, good
location, main town, fully
furnished. # 17723839.
Sale: Shop space and offce
space near PNB building.
Contact 17140655.
Rent: Flat for offce space
opposite to Tashi Bank.
Contact 17600317.
Immediate rent: Flat with
3 bedroom at Changjiji @
10,500/month. Contact
17608867.
Rent: Commercial/offce
space at Changangkha near
school. Contact 17734949.
Sale: Restaurant at Bondey,
Paro. Contact 17718369.
Rent: 3 bedroom with parking
space @ 7000/month @
Depsiphakha, Babesa. Contact
17937716/17594276.
Rent: 4 bedroom with
attached bathroom, one
sitting room and one kitchen
with dinning hall is available
from 1st July, 12. Contact
17114980.
Sale: 15 decimal at Yusipang.
Contact 17259270.
Sale: Prime land measuring 19
decimal at Taba and 16 decimal
at Babesa below Dr. Tobgyel
School at reasonable price.
Call 17607337.
Sale: Land near Damphu
high school (price negotiable).
Contact 17437625/17340385.
Sale: 2 acres dryland in
Tsirang upper Salami. Serious
buyers call 17600756.
Sale: 0.29 acre, 1.46 acre &
0.24 acre at Luckytar, Gelephu
LAP -2. Price 1.50 lakhs per
decimal. 0.25 acre along side
Tali Dratshang road, LAP-1 @
1.60 lakh per decimal. Contact
17578958.
Wanted: One assistant sales
manager with experience
in IT sales. Good salary &
allowances. One light vehicle
driver with 2 wheeler licence
having 1 to 2 years of experience
& upto class VI read. Call
323386 @ Peljorkhang Pvt. Ltd.,
Thimphu.
Wanted: One civil
engineer with diploma in
Civil Engineering, fresh or
experienced for Druk Atlas
Builders, (an undertaking of
Peljorkhang Pvt. Ltd.). Good
salary & allowances. Call
323386 @ Peljorkhang Pvt.
Ltd., Thimphu.
Wanted: A Tipper driver.
Contact 17119088.
Vacancy: Sales executive,
class XII pass with Commerce
and tally having two wheelers
licence for Book World,
Thimphu. Call 323386.
Required immediately:
One Bhutanese cook, 1
continental cook, 5 waitress,
fuent in English and
Dzongkha, one dishwasher
for Khamsa Oriental. Contact
335655/17115090 during offce
hours.
Vacancy: Hardworking,
sincere and dedicated couple
needed to manage poultry
farm in Gelephu, free housing
provided and good salary.
Interested please contact
17727717.
Vacancy: Pharmacy
technician registered with
DRA for Karma Medical &
Equipment. Salary based on
experience. Please contact
17115090 during offce hours.
Vacancy: Royal Thimphu
Golf Club announces the
vacancy for caddies, anyone
interested to register may
contact 17652407/77286069.
Wanted: 4 operators,
willing to work night shift,
experience 5 years. Contact
17172041/17115656.
Announcement: BHUTAN
PLY, PHUENTSHOLING,
we manufacture plywood
and fush door and FILM
FACE SHUTTERING
PLYWOOD at competitive
price. Free delivery on bulk
orders. Contact 77394597,
phone # 05-252213.
Training: Computer &
Management Institute,
Phuentsholing, a Grade B
Training Institute registered
under DOS, MoLHR offers
one year full time course.
(4 hours per day). Job
guaranteed after completion.
Admission open. Limited
seats. Contact 17110661.
Sale: l banez guitar, guitar
processor. # 77378245.
Announcement: For travel
tickets U.Dee Ticketing Agent
authorized Druk Air/ticket
agent, offce Lyonpo Leki
Dorjis building 17/1st foor,
Phuentsholing.
udeeticketing@gmail.com,
tel. # 05-251818/77115811.
India yoga guru Baba
Ramdev to launch protest
Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev
has said he will launch a protest
in August unless the government
brings back illegal money in for-
eign banks.
He made the announcement
during a hunger strike with cam-
paigner Anna Hazare to protest
against corruption.
Reports say $500bn of illegal
money was deposited in overseas
tax havens.
The government has proposed
setting up fast-track courts to deal
with the two contentious issues
of illegal money and tax evaders.
Baba Ramdev joined leading
campaigner Anna Hazare on Sun-
day to undertake a day-long fast in
protest against corruption, illegal
money and strong anti-corruption
laws.
Mr Hazare, who has been
campaigning for a strong anti-
corruption bill, has already an-
nounced a protest in August if the
government did not investigate
allegations of corruption against
14 ministers.
The Lokpal bill has passed in
the lower house of parliament but
the upper house adjourned amid
chaos in December without pass-
ing the controversial legislation.
Baba Ramdev urged Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh to pass
a strong anti-corruption bill.
Your personal honesty is not
enough. You have to be politically
honest too. You have to keep your
cabinet honest, he said.
Last June Baba Ramdev held a
nine-day anti-corruption hunger
strike before the police cracked
down and evicted him from the
capital Delhi.
The yoga guru has millions of
supporters and his daily TV pro-
gramme is watched by millions
across India.
A recent survey said corrup-
tion in India had cost billions of
dollars and threatened to derail
growth.
BBC
Baba Ramdev is a popular yoga guru
A
N
S
W
E
R
:
L
a
k
e

O
n
t
a
r
i
o
DIVERSION 7
*
dafynition
ecotip
riddlemeree
todayinhistory
quotefortheday
happybirthday
homegrown
anagram
superstition
beaupeep
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
DIRECTIONS
- Take a 2- to 7-letter word from
the letters ln each row.
- To total polnts of your words, use scor-
lng dlrectlons to rlght of each row.
- 7-letter words get 50-polnt bonus.
- "8lanks" used as any letter have no polnt value.
scrabblegram
Gra|N CPowN
tyCOOn haNGEr
He became a travel agent because he
wanted to work for a ---
A: GOING CONCERN
LAST WEEKS ANSWER
benlgn
what you be after you be elght
sheep
Peaceful sheep, lylng ln
the eld, are sald to herald ne weather.
the cattleman rlddle
q: what do you call two cows
playlng tug-a-war!
a: 8eef erky!
"Nobody cares how much you know,
untll they know how much you care."
Anonymous
HIMALAYAN
8ulbul
(Pycnonotus
leucogenys)
Ln-route to and
at Trashlgang
Go Green
Produce
less waste
|t would be better
ls we ate healthler
food and reduced our
dependence on canned
food and drlnks.
Unscramble anagram for the name of a sport/game
IS KING (6) |Downhlll racer]
81OPN 8org
l956-
Tennls champ
(wlmbledon l976-79)
A N S W E R : S K I I N G
rebus stop
l882
Cyclone ln Arablan Sea
(8ombay, |ndla) drowns l00,000.
KUENSEL
TO ADVERTISE
call 326191 or
fax 326638;
email: advertisement@
kuensel.com.bt
TO SUBSCRIBE
call 327463
FOR NEWS call
324684/322483
NU PER UNITS OF
FOREIGN CURRENCY
as of yesterday
NOTES
Buy Sell
US $ 55.10 56.95
POUND 84.40 86.75
EURO 67.95 68.85
YEN(100) 70.50 72.55
HK $ 7.10 7.30
AUS $ 53.20 54.70
SING $ 42.60 43.80
Courtesy BNB
8 ADS
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
*
DRUK PNB BANK LTD
..your partner in growth!
Audited BaIance Sheet and Prot and Loss Account for the year ended
2010 & 2011.
Particulars 31/12/2011 31/12/2010
Capital and Liabilities Nu. In Million
Share Capital 300.00 300.00
Subordinated Term debts 144.00 00.00
Reserves and Surplus 33.51 00.00
Deposits 4,143.43 3,459.83
Other Liabilities and Provision 193.47 629.45
Total Liabilities 4,814.41 4,389.28
Assets
Cash and Bank Balances 1,893.65 2,575.83
Loans and Advances 2,817.52 1,722.70
Fixed Assets 63.12 60.75
Other Assets 36.81 8.29
Debit Balance in Proft and Loss Account 00.00 11.79
Preliminary Expenses (To the extent not written off) 3.31 9.92
Total Assets 4,814.41 4,389.28
Proft and Loss Account
Interest Income 251.92 88.01
Other Income 57.87 14.92
Gross Income 309.79 102.93
Less Interest Expenses 129.48 46.35
Less Operating Expenses 83.64 58.93
Net Operating Income 96.67 (2.35)
Less Provision and Contingencies 30.39 9.44
Less Preliminary Expenses 6.62 0.00
Net Proft/Loss 59.66 (11.79)
Loss for 2010 brought forward (11.79) 0.00
Proft Before Tax 47.87 (11.79)
Provision for Tax 14.36 0.00
Proft After Tax 33.51 0.00
The above is issued under the authority of the Board of Directors.
Management
QUOTATION CALL
DZONGKHAG ADMINISTRATION,
SARPANG
Procurement Section
SD/Pro-02/2012/8210
1. Package 1: Offce stationery, printing items/
forms & misc. items.
2. Package 2: Toner & cartridges.
3. Package 3: Computer & peripheral/offce equipment
4. Package 4: School stationery, games and sports
items
5. Package 5: School furniture
6. Package 6: Materials transportation
7. Package 7: Vehicle spare parts/tyres and tubes
8. Package 8: Hardware and electrical items
9. Package 9: Canteen and catering
The period of supply shall be valid for one fscal year
(2012-13).
#
1 Sale of tender 6/6/2012 to 6/7/2012
2 Last date of submission 6/7/2012 at 10 am
3 Place of submission Procurement offce
4 Date of opening 6/7/2012 at 10 am
5 Place of opening DYT hall
6 EMD money Nu.30,000/- (Nu. thirty
thousand only)
7 Cost of document Nu. 200/- (Nu. hundred
only) Non- refundable
Please note that the bids will be rejected at the time
of opening if:
1. EMD in the form of Demand draft/Bank Guarantee of
Nu.30,000/- (Nu. thirty thousand) not enclosed
2. BIF and BSS not flled
3. No seal and sign of the bidder in the SBD
4. No identical copy of the original SBD
5. Valid trade licence and tax clearance certifcate.
Detailed specifcation with terms and conditions may
be brought from the Dzongkhag Revenue Section. For
further clarifcation, please contact Asst. Procurement
Offcer at Ph# 06-365289/mobile no. 17886838 during
offce hours.
Dzongrab
NOTICE INVITING FOR BIDS
DZONGKHAG ADMINISTRATION, ZHEMGANG
ZD/Store-3/2011-2012/6163
Dzongkhag Administration, Zhemgang is pleased to invite sealed bids from eligible
bidders for the supply of following items for the fnancial year 2012-13:
1. Package 1 offce stationery & cartridges
2. Package 2 offce & school furniture
3. Package 3 computer & equipment
4. Package 4 hardware & electrical items
5. Package 5 vehicle tyre & maintenance
6. Package 6 catering
7. Package 7 Vehicle hiring & transportation
A complete set of bidding documents may be purchased by interested eligible bidders
from Dzongkhag Revenue Section, Zhemgang on production of valid trade licence
and on payment of non-refundable fee of Nu 500/- (fve hundred only) each for
(1-5) and Nu 300/- (Three hundred only) for (6-7) each as cost of document. The
bidding documents are available for purchase from 11/06/2012 to 10/07/2012 during
working hours.
Sealed bids completed in all respects must be submitted to Dzongkhag Store Section,
Zhemgang on or before 12:00 noon 10/7/12 and shall be opened on the same date
at 2:30 pm in the Dzongkhag DYT Hall. For further information please contact
Dzongkhag Store Section at phone 03-741102.
Dzongrab
NOTICE INVITING QUOTATION
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL
OAG/Adm-pro/1484
The Offce of the Attorney General hereby invites
sealed limited tender from interested eligible suppliers
for the supply of the following:
1. Supply of annual quotation
2. Vehicle spare parts and maintenance
3. Annual Catering
Tender document along with the terms and conditions will
be available in the offce website www.oag.gov.bt and
for sale @ Nu.200/- (non-refundable) from AFD w.e.f
5th June, 2012-28th June, 2012. Sealed quotation
should reach on or before 28th June, 2012 at 11:00am
and will be opened on the same day at 2:00pm.
AFD
HOME 9
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
*
Accountant alleged for
siphoning off money
TASHI DEMA
An accountant of the RBA
Wing VII camp in Shaba,
Paro, who has been missing
since May 7, is alleged to have
embezzled about Nu 700,000
from the army Imprest fund.
It is alleged that he forged
signatures, and withdrew the
money from armys account
maintained with the Bank of
Bhutan, and then absconded,
when he took a days leave.
The 34-year old man from
Kurtoe is also alleged to have
also taken different loans,
amounting to more than Nu
700,000 from financial insti-
tutions in Paro.
None of the allegations
could be confirmed, as army
officials of Shaba said they
are not in a position to com-
ment on the issue.
Sources said the father
of two took his second wife
to Phuentsholing before he
went missing. She told peo-
ple that he sent her back, but
he refused to come, despite
her repeated requests, a
source said.
No missing case was filed
with Paro police, and other
army wing camps were also
not notified of the disappear-
ance.
RBA Wing VII Camp, Shaba, Paro
World Environment Day
Occasion marked by awards,
campaign and launches
The Help Shoe Bhutan drive helped to recycle footwear and other stuff for a good cause
THINLEY ZANGMO
Two conservationists were
recognised for their efforts
towards ensuring the security
and sustainability of countrys
environment during world
environment day at the capital
yesterday.
Royal society for protection
of nature ecologist Rebecca
Pradhan, and nature recreation
and ecotourism division spe-
cialist Raling Ngawang Drukdra
were awarded the second Jigme
Singye Wangchuck outstanding
environmental stewardship.
Bhutan ecological societys
(BEST) royal patron, Her Royal
Highness Princess Chimi Yang-
zom Wangchuck awarded the
certificates.
Side by side, youth volun-
teers took to collecting, what
some Thimphu residents
considered trash but could be
mended and converted into
anothers treasure.
By around 6pm, the volun-
teers collected around 3,000
pairs of shoes and around six
sacks without pairs.
Shoe Vivals Dawa Dakpa,
who is coordinating the event,
said, apart from shoes, this time
they are also collecting blankets,
clothes, toys, boilers, umbrel-
las and childrens bikes, among
others.
We hired around five taxis
and went to every house in the
capital, he said. What we col-
lected today will be distributed
mostly to eastern dzongkhags.
A total of 176 registered
youth volunteers with the shoe
collection drive were engaged
throughout the day visiting
homes, collecting items, match-
ing every pair and packing them
in sacks.
Among volunteers match-
ing some old shoes was Lam
Shenphen Zangpo, a Buddhist
monk and youth counsellor.
Such activities brings all
youth together, which helps to
open their hearts to do good
things, he said. Its also a good
place to recycle and not waste
things.
Sumphey, 66, from Trongsa,
was sitting on the cemented
floor and under the midday
heat, trying on every shoe she
could lay her hands on.
I have eight children and
around seven grandchildren
back in the village, and Im tak-
ing shoes for them, she said.
But Im still searching for a size
that fits me.
Last year, the Help-Shoe
Bhutan collected around 2,300
pairs of shoes, which were dis-
tributed to Bumthang Chukha,
Lhuentse, Mongar, Samtse,
Thimphu, Trashigang and
Trashiyangtse.
Her Royal Highness, Ashi
Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck
also awarded certificates to the
supporters of Help-Shoe Bhu-
tan.
She also launched the na-
tional strategy and action plan
for low carbon development
and brochure by NEC, Asia
Pacific human development
report by UNDP and Butterflies
of Bhutan field guide series by
Ugyen Wangchuck institute of
conservation and environment.
National environment
commission, in collaboration
with UN development pro-
gram, BEST and international
centre for integrated mountain
development organised the
event.
AWARDS
CRIME
Sumphey chooses from an array of used shoes Thimphu residents
donated yesterday
Hundreds of people filled the telecom office to give
used vouchers to get Khuenphen voucher in return to
mark the World Environment Day in Phuentsholing
Picture Story
*
10 ADS
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
NOTICE INVITING TENDER
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu, Sarpang Dzongkhag
CRRH/ADM/05/2011/2869
Central Regional Referral Hospital, Gelephu invites sealed quotations for the following:
Sl # Name of tenders Sale date Submission date Opening date Cost of tender (Nu.)
1 Supply of offce stationery 6th June, 2012 5th July, 2012 5th July, 2012 200 (non-refundable)
2 Supply of breads -do- -do- -do- -do-
3 Supply of linen & staff uniform -do- -do- -do- -do-
4 Supply of new tyres and tubes -do- -do- -do- -do-
5 Maintenance of vehicles & spare parts -do- -do- -do- -do-
6 Supply of electrical items & civil
maintenance materials
-do- -do- -do- -do-
7 Printing of forms -do- -do- -do- -do-
8 Catering services -do- -do- -do- -do-
9 Commodities -do- -do- -do- -do-
10 Supply of vegetables -do- -do- -do- -do-
The last date of submission of the bid is on or before Thursday, 5th July, 2012 at 2:00pm (BST) and will open on same day. For further details,
kindly contact Administrative Offcer during offce hours 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Medical Superintendent
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
THIMPHU THROMDE
Post Box No-215, Thimphu-11001
TCC/HRS/11/2011-2012/1766
Sl # Position title Position
level
No. of
Vacancy
Qualifcation Pay scale Remarks
1
Back Hoe Loader
Operator
04-A 1
Minimum
Class VIII
passed
Nu.6805-135-
8830
Preference will be given to candidates
with work experience in relevant feld
2 Caretaker ESP 1 -
Nu.5,000/-
lumpsum
Preference will be given to candidates
with work experience in relevant feld
Interested Bhutanese national fulflling the above criteria and within the eligible age limit for recruitment into Civil Service (18-40 years)
may apply to the Human Resource Section, Thimphu Thromde, latest by 22nd June, 2012 with the following documents along with
application.
1. RCSC employment application form
2. Resume
3. Attested copies of valid driving licence (for the Back hoe loader operator)
4. Attested copies of Class VIII passed certifcate (for the Back hoe loader operator)
5. Attested copies of relevant training transcripts, if any
6. Attested copy of Bhutanese citizen identity card
7. Attested copy of security clearance certifcate
8. Attested copy of medical ftness certifcate
9. No objection certifcate, if already employed
Attested copy of the above documents should be submitted while registering with the Human Resource Section. They should produce
original documents during the interview. For further clarifcation, please contact Human Resource Offcer in person or over the tele #
322265 ext. 183. List of shortlisted candidates will be displayed in the Thimphu Thromdes website www.tcc.gov.bt along with
information on interview date.
Chief Administrative Offcer
KEEP THIMPHU CLEAN & GREEN
K
E
E
P

T
H
I
M
P
H
U

C
L
E
A
N

&

G
R
E
E
N
K
E
E
P

T
H
I
M
P
H
U

C
L
E
A
N

&

G
R
E
E
N
KEEP THIMPHU CLEAN & GREEN
KUENSEL TO ADVERTISE call 326191 or fax 326638;
email: advertisement@kuensel.com.bt; TO SUBSCRIBE call 327463; FOR NEWS call 324684/322483
WORLD 11
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
*
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTS
Department of Forests and Park Services
Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment
ANNOUNCEMENT
UWICE/ADM/09/2011-2012/1115
Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment, Lamai Goempa will be conducting training
on Low Impact Forest Logging from 20th June to 5th August, 2012. Interested applicants are
invited from eligible candidates along with the following documents:
1. Class X and above (please attach certifcate) 2. Medical ftness certifcate
3. Copy of citizenship identity card 4. Permanent address
5. Present address 6. Contact details (mobile no./E-mail)
For details, please contact Training Unit at training@uwice.gov.bt or 17388725/77357251 during offce
hours and submit all your documents to the above webmail latest by 3:30pm on 14th June, 2012.
UWICE Training Unit
Hotline:211 Hotline:211
H
o
t
l
i
n
e
:
2
1
1
H
o
t
l
i
n
e
:
2
1
1
Hotline:211 Hotline:211
INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)
NATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING
PHUENTSHOLING MUNICIPALITY
PT/Envt-Div/W/s-2/2011-2012/3325
1. Phuentsholing Thromde invites bids for the work Supply and Installation
of Pumps for new water supply at CST
2. Bidding documents (and additional copies) may be purchased from the offce
of Phuentsholing Thromde from 7th June, 2012 to 6th July, 2012 for a non-
refundable fee of Nu.500/- (Five hundred) in the form of cash or demand
draft on any scheduled bank payable at Phuentsholing Thromde in favour of
Dasho Thrompon. Interested bidders may obtain further information at the
same address.
3. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security of 2 % of quoted amount drawn
in favour of Dasho Thrompon. Bid security will have to be in any one of the
forms as specifed in the bidding documents and shall have to be valid for 30
days beyond the validity of the bid.
4. Bids must be delivered to Phuentsholing Thromde on or before 12:30pm on
6th July, 2012 and will be opened on the same day at 14:30 hours in the
presence of the bidders who wish to attend.
Executive Secretary
Luka Rocco Magnotta, the Ca-
nadian porn actor accused of
killing and dismembering a
man and mailing body parts to
politicians, was to appear be-
fore a German judge Tuesday
after spending the night jailed
in solitary confinement.
The appearance before a
judge in Berlin is meant to es-
tablish Magnottas identity and
announce the charges against
him, according to prosecutors.
Canadian authorities still must
request his extradition.
Magnotta faces first-degree
murder and other charges in
the killing last month of Jun
Lin, 33, a Concordia University
student from China.
Authorities accuse him of
dismembering the student,
mailing parts of his body to Ca-
nadian politicians and taunting
authorities by posting a video
of the grisly act on the Internet.
Berlin police arrested Mag-
notta on Monday at an Internet
cafe where he was browsing ar-
ticles about himself. The arrest
ended an international manhunt
that began when the body parts
were sent to Canadian politicians
in the mail last month.
If Magnotta does not fight
the request, he will be back
in Montreal quickly to face
the charges, a legal expert
said. Otherwise, it could take
months.
If he wanted to delay the
proceedings, it could take as
much as a year or more, Daniel
Brown, a Toronto defense at-
torney, told CNN affiliate CBC.
But he said that costs
money: You have to have the
resources to be able to sustain
those types of appeals and
things of that nature. Im not
sure Mr. Magnotta does.
The manhunt began last
week when a package contain-
ing a severed foot addressed
to Canadian Prime Minister
Stephen Harper arrived at his
majority Conservative Party
headquarters. A hand was later
found at a post office addressed
to the minority Liberal Party,
authorities said.
Authorities quickly traced
the address on the packages
to Magnottas Montreal apart-
ment, where they searched a
trash bin and discovered Lins
torso in a suitcase.
Lins death and dismem-
berment were allegedly cap-
tured on a graphic video posted
to the Internet, according to
Montreal police. It features a
man -- whom authorities be-
lieve is Magnotta -- killing an-
other man, dismembering the
corpse and performing sexual
acts. Many of Lins body parts
are still missing, according to
authorities.
Authorities say they believe
Magnotta killed Lin on May 24
or May 25, posted the video,
then took a flight to France on
May 26.
He boarded a bus to Berlin
on June 1, while police were
searching for him in Paris, the
Berlin state prosecutors office
said Tuesday.
In the end, it was the keen
eye of an employee at the In-
ternet cafe in Berlin that helped
police nab Magnotta.
The employee, Kadir An-
layisli, said he recognized the
slight man who walked into the
nondescript Helin Spatkauf In-
ternet Cafe on Monday, but he
couldnt quite figure out why
he did.
But as Magnotta surfed
the Web, poring over news ac-
counts of the case in which he
himself was the suspect, the re-
alization dawned on Anlayisli.
I looked in the papers and
said, Thats him who theyre
looking for, the porno killer,
Anlayisli told reporters.
He flagged down a carload
of German police trainees.
Magnotta initially denied
his identity, police said. Then
he gave up without a fight, stat-
ing simply, OK, you got me.
CNN
Dismemberment suspect faces
judge after night in solitary
Porn actor accused of murder caught
Printed and published by Kuensel Corporation Limited, PO Box 204, Tel: 975-2-322483/324688, Fax: 975-2-322975, www.kuenselonline.com ISSN 0259 1499
12 SPORTS
*
Wednesday
June 6, 2012
KUENSEL
Weather forecast for today:
Dzongkhag Max Min Outlook
Thimphu 26 17
Bumthang/Chamkhar 21 13
Kanglung/Trashigang 27 15
Bhur/Sarpang 30 22
For Thimphu:
Sunrise : 5:07AM Sunset : 6:51PM
Source: Meteorology HMSD/DOE/MOEA
6 June , 2012
Hold it back and shoot: Tom Claytor teaches the students to shoot
Bringing lacrosse to Bhutan
Pelkhil School
NIMA WANGDI
Hold the lacrosse stick in your
right hand, place your foot in
front of the ball, pick it up, run
around the post and shoot, so
taught Tom Claytor, the sports
instructor, with a white lacrosse
stick gripped in his right hand.
That was at the training ses-
sion on lacrosse at Pelkhil school
in Thimphu yesterday.
Lacrosse, the Native Ameri-
can contact sport that requires
padding, is played, using a solid
rubber ball and a long-handled
stick, strung with loose mesh,
designed to hold the ball, is
commonly played in the US and
Canada.
To start with the session,
the participants were given a la-
crosse stick and a ball each, and
taught how to scoop the ball with
the mesh-tipped stick from the
ground and then swing it.
The balls sometimes fell
behind them, when trying to
swing it forward, and sometimes
it landed in different directions
that sent many participants gig-
gling.
The participants played a
practice match, after receiving
basic training and instructions
on how to play the game. Most
participants failed to catch the
ball hurled at them. When one
player carried the ball in his
stick, others tried to shake it off
the stick using theirs.
Sonam Tandin, 15 said he
was comfortable scooping the
ball from the ground, throwing
and receiving it.
I cant hold the ball in the
scoop, because the ball tends to
bounce back, he said.
Some of the participating
students, who got hit by the ball
on their hands and body, said
the white ball, the size of a lawn
tennis one, hurts.
Pelkhil school principal
Umesh Kumar said they were
planning to take up the game as
a new club, since Tom Claytor
agreed to leave about 40 lacrosse
sticks of USD 100 each and 40
balls with the school.
Once students are comfort-
able with the game, well try to
get more equipment, with some
safety gear, like gloves, helmets
and chest guards, he said.
The school board director
Karma L Dorji said the school
already had about 15 clubs, in-
cluding basketball, volleyball,
table tennis and futsal.
If successful, lacrosse will
also be introduced as a new
club, he said.
A bush pilot, Tom Clay-
tor, who makes films for the
National Geographic channel,
said lacrosse was an elite game
in America, and played in top
private universities and colleges.
The game, he said, was first in-
vented by American Indians 600
years ago.
The game is older than my
own country, he said, adding he
played the sport for the varsity
team for four years at Colby col-
lege in Maine, USA.
During my visit to Bhutan
in the past, I saw people of dif-
ferent villages playing archery
tournaments and, as lacrosse
was also played between villages
in USA during ancient times, I
thought Bhutan may like this
game as well.
Asked for the reason for
bringing the sports to Bhutan,
the bush pilot said most Ameri-
cans dont understand Bhutan,
and the game is expected to
serve as a bridge between two
cultures.
He said the game has spread
in countries like Thailand, Sin-
gapore, Hongkong, China and
Australia.
Tom Claytor said lacrosse
was played between two vil-
lages, sometimes in a field of
10km, with about 100 players in
each team.
As it was actually a training
for war, some played to death
those days, he said. However,
its a fun game today, that both
men and women enjoy playing.
LACROSSE