As Bhutan king visits India, he should be urged to free political prisoners in his country

Bhutan’s king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, is in India this week. He went to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Tuesday and will also attend the Bengal Global Business Summit, part of his government’s effort to deepen the country’s regional economic ties. Bhutan, which is famous for its official doctrine of pursuing Gross National Happiness, is facing steep challenges including an exodus of young people, who are attracted by the relative freedom and opportunities in other countries.

While Jigme Khesar is in India, meeting with politicians and business leaders, spare a thought for at least 32 political prisoners – mostly Nepali-speaking Bhutanese – who are still languishing in his nation’s jails. The Indian government should encourage him to release them.

Bhutan has big plans, including for a vast new “mindfulness city”, enhanced transport links with India and bitcoin mining. The enduring presence of these prisoners is a stain on that futuristic vision.

These tragic cases originated before 2008, when the present king came to the throne, and Bhutan introduced a new democratic constitution. The country changed from an absolute monarchy into a multi-party democracy with a constitutional monarchy. But even as Bhutan modernised, its political prisoners remained locked up in dire conditions.

Most of Bhutan’s political prisoners may never be released. Twenty-four of them are serving life sentences with no...

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