A brief look at the history of the Lhotshampa community in Bhutan reveals a complex and often challenging narrative, primarily revolving around their migration from Nepal and India, their significant contributions to Bhutanese development, and the tragic events of the late 20th century that led to the expulsion of many from the country. Their story is deeply intertwined with Bhutan’s nation-building efforts and its unique approach to cultural preservation and national identity.
Early Migrations and Settlement
The presence of people of Nepali origin in Bhutan, broadly referred to as Lhotshampa (meaning ‘southerners’ in Dzongkha), dates back several centuries, though their significant numbers and organised settlements are a more recent phenomenon. These early migrations were largely driven by economic opportunities and the availability of arable land in the less populated southern regions of Bhutan.
Initial Influx from Nepal
From the late 19th century through to the mid-20th century, Bhutan actively encouraged immigration from Nepal and parts of India, particularly from the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions. The primary motivation for the Bhutanese government was to develop the fertile but largely uncultivated southern plains. These areas, characterised by their sub-tropical climate, were well-suited for agriculture, but the native Bhutanese, predominantly residing in the northern highlands, were not accustomed to or keen on farming in these warmer climes.
The Nepali-speaking migrants brought with them advanced agricultural techniques, particularly terraced farming, which was highly effective in the hilly and mountainous terrains. They were industrious and quickly transformed large swathes of jungle into productive farmland. This led to a significant increase in agricultural output, providing essential food resources for the growing nation.
Contributions to Infrastructure
Beyond agriculture, the Lhotshampa community played a crucial role in the development of Bhutan’s early infrastructure. Many were employed in construction projects, building roads, bridges, and other essential facilities that were vital for connecting the nascent kingdom. Their labour was instrumental in facilitating trade and communication within Bhutan and with its neighbours.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
As these communities settled, they brought with them their distinct cultural practices, languages, and religions, primarily Hinduism. This introduction of diverse cultural elements enriched Bhutan’s social fabric, but also set the stage for later anxieties about national identity and cultural preservation. While the northern and central parts of Bhutan were predominantly Drukpa (Tibetan Buddhist), the south became a mosaic of Hindu traditions and various Nepali dialects.
Integration and Growing Tensions
For several decades, the integration of the Lhotshampa community into Bhutanese society proceeded relatively smoothly, at least on the surface. They contributed significantly to the economy, paid taxes, and participated in local governance. However, underlying tensions began to emerge as Bhutan sought to consolidate its national identity in the mid-20th century.
Citizenship and Nationality Laws
The question of citizenship became a pivotal issue. Early laws were somewhat flexible, and many Lhotshampa families were granted citizenship, particularly those who had settled prior to specific cut-off dates. However, as the population grew and concerns about cultural erosion began to surface, the Bhutanese government started to tighten its immigration and citizenship policies.
The first significant citizenship act was introduced in 1958. This act granted Bhutanese citizenship to all people of Nepali origin who could prove their continuous residence in Bhutan for at least 10 years, and who owned land. While seemingly inclusive, its implementation was sometimes inconsistent, and it laid the groundwork for future disputes.
“One Nation, One People” Policy
In the late 1980s, Bhutan introduced the “Driglam Namzha” (Code of Conduct) and the “One Nation, One People” policy. While the official aim was to foster national unity and preserve Bhutanese culture, for many Lhotshampa, this policy was perceived as an attempt to assimilate them into the dominant Drukpa culture, marginalising their own traditions.
This policy mandated the wearing of traditional Bhutanese dress (gho for men and kira for women) in public and official settings, and promoted the use of Dzongkha, the national language, over other languages. While the government argued these measures were for national cohesion, many Lhotshampa felt their cultural expressions were being suppressed.
Population Concerns
A major factor contributing to the growing tensions was the perceived rapid increase in the Lhotshampa population. The Bhutanese government expressed concerns that uncontrolled immigration, particularly from Nepal and India, was threatening the demographic balance and the distinct cultural identity of the small Himalayan kingdom. There were worries that if the trend continued, the Lhotshampa population could eventually outnumber the indigenous Drukpa people.
These concerns were exacerbated by allegations of illegal immigration, with many individuals said to have entered Bhutan without proper documentation. This led to a complex and often controversial census exercise aimed at identifying legitimate citizens.
The Crisis of the Late 1980s and Early 1990s
The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a tragic turning point in the history of the Lhotshampa community, leading to widespread displacement and human rights concerns.
The 1985 Citizenship Act
In 1985, a new Citizenship Act was promulgated, which was far more stringent than its predecessors. This act retroactively changed the criteria for citizenship, stating that only those who could prove residency prior to 1958 were considered automatic citizens. For many Lhotshampa families who had settled between 1958 and 1985, this effectively rendered them non-citizens or undocumented.
The implementation of this act involved a comprehensive and often intrusive census operation. Government officials went door-to-door, scrutinising documents and questioning families about their lineage and date of arrival. Many Lhotshampa found it difficult to produce the necessary paperwork, either because it never existed, was lost, or was not officially recognised.
Protests and Government Response
The implementation of the 1985 Citizenship Act and the “Driglam Namzha” policy sparked widespread discontent and protests in the southern districts of Bhutan. These protests, initially peaceful, escalated into confrontations with authorities. Political organisations, advocating for the rights of the Lhotshampa, began to emerge, often operating from outside Bhutan.
The Bhutanese government viewed these protests and organisations as a threat to national security and sovereignty, accusing them of being supported by external elements and aiming to destabilise the kingdom. The government’s response was firm, leading to arrests, detentions, and in some cases, allegations of human rights abuses.
Forced Migration and Expulsion
As tensions mounted, many Lhotshampa, particularly those deemed “non-nationals” by the government or those who had participated in the protests, were pressured to leave the country. Some were directly expelled, while others left voluntarily, fearing persecution, loss of livelihood, or simply due to a feeling of being unwelcome in the land they had called home for generations.
These events led to a mass exodus, with tens of thousands of Lhotshampa crossing the border into Nepal and India. The majority ended up in refugee camps in eastern Nepal, established by the UNHCR. The conditions in these camps were often harsh, and the future of the refugees became a major international humanitarian concern.
Life in Exile and Resettlement
For over two decades, the Lhotshampa refugees lived in limbo in the Nepalese camps, hoping for a return to Bhutan that never materialised. The international community, particularly the United States, played a crucial role in finding a durable solution.
Refugee Camps in Nepal
The camps, such as Beldangi, Goldhap, and Khudunabari, became home to over 100,000 Lhotshampa. Life in the camps was characterised by dependency on international aid, limited opportunities, and the emotional toll of displacement. Generations grew up without ever knowing Bhutan, yet holding onto the dream of returning.
Numerous rounds of bilateral talks between Bhutan and Nepal were held over the years to resolve the refugee issue. However, these talks repeatedly stalled, with little progress made on repatriation. Bhutan maintained that many in the camps were not legitimate citizens and that the total numbers were inflated.
Third-Country Resettlement Programme
Faced with a protracted and seemingly intractable situation, the international community, led by the United States, proposed a third-country resettlement programme in 2007. This initiative offered the Lhotshampa refugees an opportunity to start new lives in other nations, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries.
The resettlement programme was a monumental undertaking, involving the relocation of over 100,000 individuals. While it offered a path to a more stable future, it also presented new challenges for the refugees – adapting to vastly different cultures, languages, and climates, and often leaving behind their elderly family members or those unwilling to resettle.
New Lives Abroad
Today, the Lhotshampa diaspora is spread across the globe. They have established communities in their new homes, contributing to the economies and cultures of their adopted nations. While many have integrated successfully, the memories of their past in Bhutan and the trauma of displacement continue to resonate.
The resettlement programme has largely emptied the refugee camps in Nepal, closing a painful chapter for many. However, a small number of Lhotshampa still remain in Nepal, either unwilling to resettle or ineligible for various reasons, continuing to advocate for their right of return to Bhutan.
The Lhotshampa Who Remained
| Year/Period | Event/Metric | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 19th Century | Initial Settlement | Lhotshampa people, of Nepali origin, began settling in southern Bhutan. |
| 1950s-1960s | Population Growth | Significant increase in Lhotshampa population due to migration and natural growth. |
| 1985 | Bhutan Citizenship Act | New laws tightened citizenship criteria, affecting many Lhotshampa residents. |
| Late 1980s | National Dress Code Enforcement | Government enforced Driglam Namzha, impacting Lhotshampa cultural practices. |
| 1990s | Exodus and Refugee Crisis | Thousands of Lhotshampa fled or were expelled, leading to refugee camps in Nepal. |
| 2000s | Resettlement Programmes | International efforts began resettling Lhotshampa refugees in third countries. |
| 2020 | Estimated Population in Bhutan | Approximately 100,000 Lhotshampa remain in Bhutan, primarily in southern regions. |
While much attention has been focused on the displaced Lhotshampa, it is important to remember that a significant number of Lhotshampa citizens remained in Bhutan. Their experience has been different, though not without its own set of challenges and complexities.
Integration and Identity in Bhutan
Those Lhotshampa who were able to prove their citizenship according to the 1985 act, or who were subsequently granted it, continue to live in Bhutan. They have largely integrated into Bhutanese society, contributing to various sectors, including government, business, and education. Their cultural practices, while perhaps more muted than before the crisis, continue to exist.
The government has made efforts to promote national unity and reconciliation, and there is a recognised Lhotshampa community within Bhutan. However, questions about identity, belonging, and the memory of the past often linger, particularly for the older generations.
Political Participation
Since Bhutan’s transition to a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in 2008, Lhotshampa citizens have actively participated in the political process. They vote in elections, and some have been elected to parliament, serving as representatives for their respective constituencies. This participation signifies a degree of integration and recognition within the modern Bhutanese political landscape.
Cultural Expression and Preservation
While the emphasis on “Driglam Namzha” and Dzongkha remains, there is also a gradual recognition of the need to preserve the cultural heritage of all Bhutanese citizens, including the Lhotshampa. Efforts are made to ensure that their languages and traditions are not entirely lost within the broader national identity.
However, the period of crisis undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the Lhotshampa community within Bhutan. Many continue to feel a sense of vulnerability and the need to tread carefully in expressing their distinct identity. The history of the Lhotshampa in Bhutan serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nation-building, cultural preservation, and human rights.
FAQs
What is the Lhotshampa community in Bhutan?
The Lhotshampas are a group of people of Nepali origin who have lived in southern Bhutan for generations. They have their own distinct culture, language, and traditions.
When did the Lhotshampa community first settle in Bhutan?
The Lhotshampas began migrating to Bhutan in the late 19th century, primarily for agricultural opportunities in the southern regions of the country.
What challenges has the Lhotshampa community faced in Bhutan?
Over the years, the Lhotshampas have faced discrimination and marginalization in Bhutan, particularly due to their ethnic and cultural differences. This has led to tensions and conflicts with the Bhutanese government.
How did the Bhutanese government’s policies impact the Lhotshampa community?
In the 1980s, the Bhutanese government implemented policies to promote the dominant Bhutanese culture, which included restrictions on the Lhotshampa community’s language, dress, and customs. This led to further marginalization and forced many Lhotshampas to leave Bhutan.
What is the current situation of the Lhotshampa community in Bhutan?
Many Lhotshampas who were forced to leave Bhutan in the 1990s due to government policies still live in refugee camps in Nepal. Some have been resettled in other countries, while others continue to advocate for their rights and recognition in Bhutan.
