Why Desuups during Covid-19 pandemic?

Desuups, the Guardians of Peace, are those personnel who have undergone the De-suung Integrated Training Programme, and are customarily dressed in highly visible orange fatigue. They constitute volunteers from all walks of lives, from civil servants to the unemployed, Members of Parliament to high school graduates, ex-monks, etc. of all ages.

They are different from the Police and Army. Of the many roles they shoulder, the main is to provide assistance during disaster operations, as has been proved by them time and again in Bhutan. Forest fires, floods, and other natural disasters have them coming out to help, leaving aside their normal work.

And these days, during the Coronavirus pandemic in Bhutan, they have been offering their assistance (voluntarily) in all areas of operations; from media, logistics, town-patrolling, border-duty, etc. Almost all areas of operations have been covered by Desuups.

Desuups setting up a temporary tent.

But before I indulge into my intended reason for writing this post, I want to explain some other personnel  mostly responsible for post-disaster operations in Bhutan.

The Police

The civil force of a state, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order, the Royal Bhutan Police is responsible for maintaining law and order and prevention of crime in Bhutan. The Chief of Police is Major General Chimi Dorji, and he reports to the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs.

They are the go-to personnel in times of natural disasters, especially when disruption to law and order are eminent within the country. But since they are also mandated to carry out other tasks, there are not enough police personnel to go around during this pandemic.

A Desuup sanitizing a quarantine center

The Army

An organized military force equipped for fighting on land, the Royal Bhutan Army is a branch of the armed forces of the Kingdom of Bhutan responsible for maintaining the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty against security threats. His Majesty King of Bhutan is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the RBA, while the Chief Operations Officer is Goonglon Gongma Batoo Tshering.

The Army personnel are the ones expected to provide their assistance during any search-and-rescue operations, since they have a dedicated-trained personnel for such. But since this a health pandemic and lockdown, their roles have been minimized in the streets.

Desuups on guard duty at makeshift-post

Why Desuups?

Desuups are everywhere, easily accessible, while the Police and Army can only be accessed through their chain-of-command. On occasions when timing is everything, Desuups can act at once without fail.

Desuups are not a military force, they are civilians. And the public know them as volunteers, so they hold the public's good sentiments. It is not wise to have the military out in large numbers, especially in the streets, which might send a wrong message to the public.

Desuups come from diverse backgrounds, so they have a multitude of skills and talents, which can be used accordingly. Those with managerial experiences can work in the operations-rooms while others can do the foot-work, other with specific skillsets can help accordingly. Case in point, there is a Desuup First-Aid team in Thimphu which can supplement the paramedics, when needed.

Desuups are volunteers. They do not expect payment, not demand TADA. They offer their time and energy willingly, in service for the greater good. And when someone volunteers, they put their heart and soul into it.

Desuups patrol the town with Police during the night curfew

A Caution

But I would hold a word of caution. Desuups should be cautious while undertaking their duties. 

The Covid-19 virus can jump ship anytime, so always wearing PPEs should be the norm. If you are sick, you won't be able to volunteer for duty later.

Also for those patrolling in the towns and borders, it is the role of police to detain anyone, if necessary. They are empowered to question and detain. In this scenario, a Desuup may provide assistance when asked for.

Lastly, you are dealing with the public during a pandemic. They are afraid. They may be ignorant. They may be scared. So Desuups should always hold a smile on their faces. 

After all, you are a Guardian of Peace.

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Photos Courtesy of Desuung Facebook Page