𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐎𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

…𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

From January to June 2025, a total of 106 cases involving children in conflict with the law (CICL) were reported across Bhutan, according to police records. The data indicates a notable rise in reported cases compared to previous periods, which officials attribute largely to improved awareness and reporting mechanisms rather than an actual increase in juvenile offences.

The records show that cases were reported from 22 police stations across the country, with significant variations in numbers. Sarpang Police Station recorded the highest number of CICL cases, with 15 reported in the six-month period. Lhuentse followed with 13 cases, while South Thimphu Police Station registered eight cases. Other stations with notable figures include Central Thimphu (five cases), North Thimphu (four cases), and Paro (five cases). Some dzongkhags such as Gasa, Samtse, Pemagatshel, and Mongar recorded no cases during the same period.

The monthly distribution shows a steady pattern, with January and February recording the highest figures at 21 and 19 cases respectively, while April had the lowest with 12 cases. Authorities highlighted that the apparent rise in CICL cases is not necessarily due to an increase in juvenile delinquency alone but also because of ongoing awareness programs and sensitization efforts that have encouraged more reporting of such incidents.

The increase in cases has raised concerns about the underlying social challenges facing young people today. Experts point to factors such as peer influence, family issues, lack of engagement in constructive activities, and exposure to negative influences as possible contributors. Police, schools, local leaders, and civil society organizations continue to work together to ensure that affected children are given opportunities to reform and rejoin society as responsible citizens.

Colonel Passang Dorji, Deputy Chief of the Crime and Operations Department, emphasized the shared responsibility of all citizens in ensuring that Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) remains a drug and crime free zone. He underlined the importance of protecting children and youth from becoming entangled in drug abuse and criminal activities. Colonel Dorji explained that the department expanded its division in 2023 to strengthen efforts in tackling rising challenges. “It does not mean that we are only focusing on GMC. We are equally concerned about other dzongkhags as well,” he stated, highlighting that the nationwide effort to combat drugs and crimes is being pursued with equal importance across all regions.

He noted that young people are often drawn into drugs due to lack of proper care, difficult family backgrounds, neglect by relatives, and strained personal relationships. Such issues, he said, create vulnerabilities that criminals and illegal networks exploit. “Parents and guardians must take extra care of their children and always keep track of their activities,” he stressed. Colonel Dorji also urged shopkeepers and medical outlets to remain vigilant and responsible while selling their products. He warned them not to sell substances containing drugs to children and youth, as negligence in this regard could worsen the problem.

With GMC envisioned as a hub of mindfulness and well-being, authorities believe that collective action from families, institutions, and communities is essential to safeguard the younger generation and ensure that the city grows into a safe and nurturing space for all.

Capital Pharmacy, located at Changzamtok in the capital city, has adopted a strict policy of not selling medicines to children, even when they arrive with prescriptions. The pharmacy has made it mandatory for children to be accompanied by their parents or guardians when purchasing any medical items. According to the management, this rule is in place to ensure that medicines are dispensed responsibly and that children do not misuse them. The decision comes amid growing concerns nationwide about the misuse of controlled drugs and the rising risk of addiction among young people. Pharmacy staff shared that they have encountered several instances where children attempted to buy medicines on their own. To prevent any potential misuse, they consistently advise young customers to return with a responsible adult. This measure, they explained, not only protects the children but also helps build awareness among parents about the medicines their children are using. Capital Pharmacy emphasized that while they remain committed to serving the public with care, the safety and wellbeing of children will always remain their top priority.

Colonel Passang highlighted that the GMC management is working closely as a unified team to ensure the smooth progress of the initiative. Alongside the management, community members have also stepped forward to contribute their time and energy. Their participation reflects a growing sense of ownership and responsibility toward the project. Residents believe that their involvement not only supports the vision of His Majesty The King but also helps foster a spirit of unity and cooperation within the community. The collective efforts of the GMC management and local people demonstrate how collaboration can strengthen progress.

He also emphasized the importance of continuing these awareness initiatives while also strengthening rehabilitation programs for young offenders. “Our focus must not only be on addressing the offences but also on guiding children back on the right path through counseling, education, and community support,” he stated. The report highlights the need for continued vigilance, stronger family support systems, and community-based programs to safeguard children and prevent them from coming into conflict with the law.