Nation pays tribute to our Men in Blue

By Chimi Wangmo

As the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) celebrated their 56^th Raising Day on September 1 this week, the nation united as one and sent prayers to our men in Blue who are considered an important pool of people in the nation.

Celebrating the day, the RBP headquarters in Thimphu stated that the day is a reminder of the resolute commitment of unfailing service to the nation and our people attesting the firm foundations upon which Royal Bhutan Police was instituted and fortified by our successive Monarchs. 

“Over the past 55 years, our personnel have served with steadfastness and uncompromised dedication, often times in the most trying and difficult conditions. This enduring sense of duty and tenacity is recurrently demonstrated by our personnel who have been serving as frontliners in the wake of the unprecedented Covid -19 pandemic,” RBP sources stated.

Further, it said that on this special occasion of 56th Police Raising Day, the RBP HQ offers our sincere appreciation and heartfelt Tashi Delek to all our personnel for their dedicated service. “Happy 56th Police Raising Day to all the Officers and Other Ranks of the RBP.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, to mark the special day, penned down a heartfelt note to show his admiration and respect for the RBP.

Lyonchhen wrote: “I cannot think of a better way to start autumn today than by thanking our men and women in blue. Just as the season depicts harvest and harmony in our lives, the police force is the source of comfort and protection in our communities.”

The Prime Minister said that it is the RBP’s sacrifices and commitments for the last 56 years that the mere sight of the personnel in blue today exudes huge sense of security and reassurance. We revel in comfort daily, in chase of our routines, because you stand firm, watching over us and our safety he said.

“I have personally noticed that the public conduct and service of our police have consistently advanced over the decades. In having to deal with individuals of all temperaments and walks of life, irrespective of time and ambience, it is natural that there would be hitches along the way,” Lyonchhen wrote on his official Facebook page.

He said the way the Royal Bhutan Police shines in terms of professionalism in recent years equates some of the best in the world, if not more. He also showed his respect for the police Chief who he believes is a very able and competent man.

“That is only expected when the unit is headed by a Major General, the first of a kind, and as competent a person as Chief Chimi Dorji,” Lyonchhen said.

Lyonchhen further added that for the same reason, it is not a surprise that our police forces, those in-service and retired, are a part of the fence that shields our nation from the pandemic. “I believe that risking your lives along the borders, in deep forests and extreme heats that too while staying away from your families for long months, is the biggest form of divinity,” he said.

Finally, Lyonchhen prayed that these selfless acts transform into merits and blessings for the RBP fraternity and their loved ones this life and beyond.

“I sincerely offer my gratitude to the entire team of Royal Bhutan Police and your family members on the 56th Police Raising Day.,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the RBP in Thimphu stated that the Police Raising Day is a reminder of the resolute commitment of unfailing service to the nation and our people attesting the firm foundations upon which Royal Bhutan Police was instituted and fortified by our successive Monarchs.

It stated that over the past 55 years, our personnel have served with steadfastness and uncompromised dedication, often times in the most trying and difficult conditions. This enduring sense of duty and tenacity is recurrently demonstrated by our personnel who have been serving as frontliners in the wake of the unprecedented Covid -19 pandemic.

It further stated that almost two years into the pandemic, our personnel continue to effectively mount effective Covid 19 response, guard our borders, secure quarantine facilities, facilitate movement of our people besides focusing on primary law enforcement responsibilities. In retrospection, our personnel have displayed resilience, resolve and astuteness in service to the nation.

“On this special occasion of 56th Police Raising Day, the RBP HQ offers our sincere appreciation and heartfelt Tashi Delek to all our personnel for their dedicated service. The Raising day at Police HQs was celebrated in a low key manner observing strict Covid-19 safety protocols,” it stated.

In the same spirit, we must take forward the sacred responsibility of ensuring the security of our nation and people entrusted to the Armed Forces by His Majesty The King and fulfill the Royal aspirations of “intelligent, nimble, ever-changing and adaptive, evolving, responsive, and capable” Armed Forces to succeed in our endeavors.