The author dedicates this miniature to those uniformed men of Bhutan, who has served the mother country with so perseverance and strength when in need of our beloved land. The author also wishes to gratify them through this diminutive article for having shown their utmost belonging to the country and bringing peace and serenity once again to our tranquil land of Thunder Dragon.
He is left lame and left to hobble around solitary leg for the rest of his life. But he has no regrets. He has proved enough that he is always there when the country needed him most. He is comfortable with ‘lame’ life he leads. The cause of his lameness was the cause of every Bhutanese. He was prepared for the final death since he has done what he is supposed to do as true son of Pelden Drukpa. He survives on what the Royal Government and in particular His Majesty have conferred on him in recognition of his outstanding Tha-Damtse and ley-Judey. Ngultrum three lakhs and his monthly salary is more than sufficient to lead the life he wanted. But of all these, something that tickles him to laughter and joy is the realization that the kingdom is protected and safe, and people can once again enjoy peace.
Bhutan called on all its citizen in 2003 to come to her aid when extremist from India threatened it’s security and sovereignty after 138 years of peaceful existence. People were living in nightmares created by feelings of fear and insecurity. The extremists’ presence impeded trade and social developments. Unprovoked attacks by them resulted in loss of many lives of untargeted people.
The Government explored all possible solutions to make this extremist leave the country peacefully. When all humane means to resolve the problem were exhausted, the government launched the drive to flush them out of the country. Our highest legislative body set the deadline and our beloved and brave king led the operation.
Chuma Dangchuk was a soldier of will and determination in Deothang. He inspired all other fellow-soldiers to dedicate their lives for the security of the country. He was adamant but promising soldier in the place he was posted. His life, parents and other worldly materials mean nothing to him in contrast to his concern for the safety of his country. He believed that if his country existed, for no doubt then all these would be there. Infact, he is the right man any country could look for when in need.
15th December 2003, at 9:00 AM, two days before the kingdom celebrated its 97th National Day, Chuma Dangchuk pressed the trigger of his automatic weapon. With resounding blow, the gun went off and in front of him his foe fell down. It went on for next two days. With anger and frustration overpowering him, he went forwards and shot down many enemies. By the second day it was almost over. Some were gunned down while others ran away for lives.
Once while over-running the enemy camp, he came under heavy crossfire. He shot with less miss. Finally, he aimed at the leader and pulled his trigger. A sudden pain ran up his spine from his right leg. Then everything went blank. The enemy bullet pierced his right leg. But, he had satisfaction of seeing his enemy fall on the ground.
He could remember nothing. What he had done a yesterday seemed like decade back. When he opened his eyes, he could still see his enemy lifeless on the ground. But he also realized that he was lying on the hospital bed. His leg hurt beyond endurance. Medication would not numb his pain. The doctors had no choice but to amputate his leg leaving him to hobble around in life. Through a fog of pain and drugs, he realized that his country had won and peace has been revived.
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