Enhancing Security Measures for Lhakhangs and Chortens:
On March 12, 2025, the Deputy Chief of Police, Crime and Operations Department (DCOP COD) delivered a presentation entitled “Lhakhang and Chorten Vandalism” to senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The session was honoured by the presence of the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs and was attended by the Secretary of the Dratshang Lhentshog, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Director General of the Department of Law and Order (DG DLO), the Director General of Local Governance (DG LG), as well as the Director of the Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD). Additionally, the Dratshang Tensung team and fifteen other senior officials, including seven officers from the Royal Bhutan Police, were present.
The presentation concentrated on enhancing security measures for lhakhangs and chortens to protect the nation’s Ku Sung Thukten. Significant emphasis was placed on establishing distinct roles and responsibilities among all pertinent stakeholders.
Following the presentation, it was decided to establish a dedicated committee responsible for undertaking a comprehensive study on this critical issue, as well as for formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Terms of Reference (TOR) aimed at enhancing the security systems for lhakhangs and chortens, thereby preventing acts of vandalism. Further deliberations will take place once the committee submits its findings.
