Thinley Namgay   

Home Minister Tshering said that crimes against women and girls were because of immoral physical and mental behaviour of the culprits. He emphasised that simply amending existing laws would not guarantee the safety of women and girls in society.

So, what must we do to protect women and girls?

The minister at the National Assembly yesterday said that extensive community-based approaches would be implemented to address such crimes.

MP for Thrimshing-Kangpar, Damcho Tenzin,  asked whether there would be any adjustments to the Penal Code to enhance sentencing for heinous crimes and ensure the safety and security of communities, particularly in urban centres to deter crimes against women and girls.

Damcho Tenzin expressed concern about recent crime reports, stating that the incidents have adversely affected the peace and harmony of the country.

He cited recent crimes, including the murder of a 25-year-old woman in Changangkha on March 31, the brutal killing of 13-year-old Sumitra Chhetri in Pamtsho on May 24, and the rape of a 13-year-old in the same area on May 18.

“These incidents raise concerns about the safety of women and girls in Bhutan. While laws exist, preventive measures are equally crucial to deter such crimes,” MP Damcho Tenzin said.

He questioned the minister about the situational, social, and community-based crime prevention strategies and policies the home ministry is considering to reduce crime. “Given the government’s responsibility for public safety, what specific changes can we expect to see in crime prevention efforts?”

Article 9, Section 3 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan states that the State shall endeavour to create a civil society free of oppression, discrimination, and violence, based on the rule of law, protection of human rights and dignity, and to ensure the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people.

Lyonpo mentioned that the government would continue to support the police in their crime reduction activities with Nu 95 million budget.

Lyonpo praised the efforts of the police for installing 114 CCTV cameras in town areas and establishing community-based police offices in gewogs.