Samdrupjongkhar—Just south of the border, beyond the Samdrupjongkhar gate lies Assam, Bhutan’s closest eastern neighbour, where Bhutanese and Assamese interact daily. And the Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA) Chapter in Samdrupjongkhar plays a vital role in bridging these connections and fostering friendship along the border.
When there are risks of flash floods, the BIFA members quickly mobilise, sending urgent WhatsApp messages to alert their counterparts in Darranga villages, Assam. This informal communication bypasses the lengthy official channels, which often delay critical information.
Instead of waiting for a message to travel through the bureaucratic labyrinth—from dzongkhag officials to Thimphu, then on to New Delhi and finally to Guwahati—BIFA ensures timely warnings reach those who need them most, allowing communities to prepare and seek shelter.
Beyond flood alerts, the BIFA assists Bhutanese travellers facing challenges on the Assam highway. By maintaining strong local ties, the BIFA representatives swiftly resolve issues, offering real-time support and fostering a friendly atmosphere between the two nations.
As a private organisation operating directly under His Majesty’s Secretariat, the BIFA aims to enhance people-to-people friendships. His Majesty the King is the President of four BIFA Chapters in the country.
The vice president of Samdrupjongkhar BIFA Chapter, Goob Sonam Dukpa, said that its aim is to enhance people-to-people friendships, particularly with the larger population of India.
“Whenever our citizens travel along the routes in India and encounter issues—whether related to accidents, police matters, or public concerns—these are resolved amicably through people-to-people relationships,” he said. “Our approach fosters a friendly atmosphere between the two countries, ensuring that we understand one another and navigate any legal challenges together.”
The BIFA also actively engages in cultural exchanges, community projects, and educational programmes that inspire youth from both sides to strengthen leadership and foster friendship.
Since his appointment as the vice president of the BIFA Chapter in Samdrupjongkhar, Goob Sonam Dukpa has prioritised collaboration with local leaders.
“We resolve any issues on the spot with the help of our counterparts that could not be solved at the official level, as that often becomes complicated,” he said. “I am in touch with members of the Legislative Assembly and local leaders. from across the border.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BIFA’s efforts were particularly impactful.
The general secretary of BIFA Chapter Samdrupjongkhar, Taugay Choedup, said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, under the guidance of the vice president, BIFA helped clear the water channel at Samdrupjongkhar, enabling water to flow directly to the farmers in Assam.
“Indian farmers faced challenges as they could not access Bhutan due to Covid-19. We took the initiative to clean the channels, allowing water to flow into India and support their agricultural needs,” said Taugay Choedup.
The BIFA also distributed essential food items to more than 550 Indian families living across the border who were affected by the pandemic.
Recent accident cases along Indian roads have also highlighted BIFA’s effectiveness in mediation. Charges that once reached up to Nu 1,300,000 were reduced to Nu 200,000 thanks to BIFA’s intervention.
The BIFA plans to conduct more educational and cultural exchange programmes to bring the people of Bhutan and India closer together and ensure a strong and lasting friendship for generations to come.
Plans are in place for a major football match in Samdrupjongkhar and celebrations across the other three BIFA sub-chapters to foster unity.
The BIFA is also planning more collaborative initiatives, including youth visits to learn about educational systems on both sides of the border. It also plans to inform Indian communities about opportunities for business engagement in Bhutan, particularly in areas such as agriculture.
The vice president said that the BIFA will inform people of India on the Gelephu Mindfulness City, and the opportunities available for them to engage in business there.
“His Majesty the King is taking significant steps for Bhutan, which will also immediately benefit the people of Assam,” he said.
The BIFA Samdrupjongkhar Chapter is larger than the other three BIFA chapters and spans four locations: Nganglam, Samdrupcholing, Jomotshangkha, and Samdrupjongkhar.
Each sub-chapter plays a crucial role in connecting communities, covering extensive areas along the border.
The Nganglam sub-chapter covers approximately 100 km, running from Nalbari to Sorbhog in Assam along NH 31C and from Pathsala to Nganglam Road.
The Samdrupcholing and Jomotshangkha sub-chapter spans about 100 km, stretching from Nagarijuli in Tamulpur, Assam, to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh along the border roads.
The Samdrupjongkhar sub-chapter covers an area of over 200 km, extending from Nalbari to Nagarjuli and reaching Guwahati.
