BHUTANESE UNHAPPY LOT, SAYS CHINA

Beijing, July 6: Questioning the ‘happiness index’, an article in Global Times said, “The refugees account for nearly one seventh of the Bhutanese population. They are probably the unhappiest people if measured by the happiness index.”

“Bhutan is no ShangriLa,” the article added.

Beijing, July 6: A recent article in the Global Times, citing a Human Development Report released by the UN, reported that Bhutan ranks low out of more than 190 countries. Pointing that India can be a reason for Bhutan’s “unhappiness”, the Chinese daily said that India exerts effective control over Bhutan’s diplomacy, security and economy. India has long used Bhutan as a frontline countering China and a cushion between the two Asian powers, especially after the SinoIndian Border Conflict in 1962, the daily said.

The tabloid daily of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC)

ANNEXATION of Sikkim is like a nightmare for Bhutan, and the small kingdom is forced to be submissive to India’s bullying, the daily said. also accused India of exerting “startling control and oppression over Bhutan”.

“As a result, Bhutan has not established diplomatic ties with China or any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. Through unequal treaties, India has severely jeopardised Bhutan’s diplomatic sovereignty and controls its national defence,” it said.