Booklets with emergency contact numbers and police stations were distributed 

Traffic: To make travelling along the Indian highways safe and better for Bhutanese, the Alipurduar district police organised an awareness program at the border gate yesterday.

Booklets with information on Indian traffic rules were distributed to Bhutanese travellers.

Alipurduar’s superintendent of police (SP), Avvaru Ravindranath said that such an event was initiated keeping in mind the instances of Bhutanese travellers being attacked in recent times along the highways.

“The booklet contains numbers of police stations,” the SP said. “We hope it will be of great help.”

Avvaru Ravindranath also announced that the informatory booklets would be available to travellers from Lhamoizingkha (Kalikhola) and Gomtu.

“Bhutanese travellers need not necessarily reach Bhutan to inform of any mishaps or incidences,” the SP said. “They can complain to us directly.”

Meanwhile, the informatory booklet has police station numbers of Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Alipurduar, and Silliguri. The Indian police officials said these are the places where Bhutanese frequently travel.

The booklet also has numbers of emergency medical care hospitals and information on offences.

Chukha dzongdag, accompanied by officials from the dungkhag, thromde, Road Safety and Transport Authority, and police personnel attended the program.

Dzongdag Pema Wangchuk said such initiative would make driving through the Indian roads easier.

“We respect traffic rules and regulations in India,” he said, pointing out that the Indian police have been giving the best of services in making travel safe for Bhutanese.

Rajesh Rai, Phuentsholing