When the speaker reached Merak, there were only two PDP members at the reception hosted by about 60 people. Next day, the speaker left for Jomo Kungkhar with about 50 people, but not a single person, who supported PDP before the election, was among the group. “We informed all the people to come to the reception,” said the gup.

The entourage on its way from Jomo Kungkhar met a woman with her children. A porter quickly identified them as PDP supporters. “They don’t mix with us,” he said.

When asked why they gave the Tshogpon’s visit a lukewarm response, a PDP party worker said that they felt that they’d be least favoured in front of DPT supporters. “It would be like keeping rice and kharang and asking him to choose from them,” he said.

But Speaker Jigmi Tshultrim, the DPT candidate from the Radhi-Sakteng constituency, is also on a mission - “to unite people.”

“I’m not happy with what had happened here,” said the speaker. “Political parties were formed not to create factions in society. It was never intended to divide the people and create disharmony,” he said.

Calling for a reconciliation meeting, the speaker informed a gathering of about 50 PDP and DPT party workers that his promises could be delivered only if the people are united and live in harmony as they did before the political transition. “I can deliver all that I promised to you only if you are unified and support me unanimously,” he said.

The Tshogpon hosted a dinner for party workers from both parties.

The Trashigang National Council representative, Sonam Kinga, who was in Merak last week also dissuaded people from identifying themselves with political parties. Speaking to a group of Merak villagers on September 18, Sonam Kinga said that the government and parliamentarians would not differentiate people along party lines.”

The speaker is not here for the DPT members or supporters, but for all people in Merak,” said the councillor. “He’s the Speaker of Bhutan not of any party.”

After four meetings and two elaborate meals, the yak herders understood and appreciated the speakers for enlightening them. “We were touched with the speaker’s friendly manners and his development plans for our gewog,” said a PDP member.

The local party leaders bought dozens of beer and cold drinks and celebrated the reconciliation, dancing late into the night. Next day a unified team of members from both parties came to see off a happy and contented Tshogpon.

Phurba Wandi, a former chimi, said that people would resolve their differences slowly in the larger interest.

The Brokpa community in Merak and Sakteng had lived in harmony as a close knit community for centuries until politics stormed and disrupted the normal herder’s life.

“Hopefully, everything will return to normal,” said a villager. Source: Kuenselonline