Bhutan Communist Party (Marxist–Leninist–Maoist)
Communist Party of Bhutan (Marxist–Leninist–Maoist) |
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Founded | April 22, 2003 |
Ideology | Communism Marxism–Leninism Maoism Republicanism |
Political position | Far-left |
Party flag | |
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Politics of Bhutan Political parties Elections |
The Bhutan Communist Party (Marxist–Leninist–Maoist) is a banned communist party in Bhutan. The CPB (MLM) calls for a New Democratic Revolution and the overthrow of the Bhutanese monarchy and the House of Wangchuck. Its armed wing is the Bhutan Tiger Force. It is currently estimated to have 600 to 1000 cadres.[1]
Contents
Background
In the 1990s, Nepali-speaking Bhutanese peoples protested against the Bhutan government for democratization and language reforms. The government forcibly evicted the protesters, where they were put into refugee camps in eastern Nepal. Those who stayed have faced widespread discrimination. Inside the refugee camps, insurgent groups have sprung up, including the Communist Party of Bhutan (Marxist–Leninist–Maoist).[2]
Ideology
The CPB (MLM) was formed on April 22, 2003. It was announced on the website of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). Its first act was a Ten-Point Program which it demanded from the government.[3] Its ideology derives from Mao Zedong. They call for the start of a People’s war and a New Democratic Revolution.
The group seeks repatriation for the Nepali refugees and the declaration of Bhutan as a ‘sovereign democracy’.[4] The CPB also wants to turn Bhutan into a republic.[5]
Timeline
2003
CPB (MLM) was announced on April 22, 2003 on the website of the CPN (M).
2007
The Royal Bhutan Army defused a bomb planted by the CPB (MLM) in Phuentsholing village, close to the Indian border.[6]
2008
During the transition to constitutional monarchy in 2008, the Maoists rocked Bhutan with five explosions across the country, including one in the capital Thimphu. They also declared the beginning of a 'People's War'.[7]
In March 2008, the Bhutanese police killed five alleged Maoists and arrested seventeen more in various operations in the south.[7] On December 30, 2008 the Maoists ambushed and killed four forest rangers and took their weapons in Singye village, 155 miles away from the capital.[8]
2009
A Bhutanese reporter was arrested on charges of being a Maoist.[9]
2010
During the 16th South Asian Association of Regional Co-operation, security was tightened after threats by the Maoists.[10]
International connections
The Bhutanese Maoists have connections with the Nepalese Maoists, whom they consider to be their inspiration.[5]
The CPB have also formed links with Naxalite Indian North-East rebels such as the ULFA and NDFB and receive training from those groups, including bomb-making.[11]
See also
- List of political parties in Bhutan
- Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist)
- Communist Party of India (Maoist)
- Nepalese Civil War
- Insurgency in Northeast India
- Naxalite–Maoist insurgency
References
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- ↑ http://www.saag.org/notes2/note183.html
- ↑ http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/bhutan/index.html
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