| The prince of a tiny Himalayan kingdom quit his Oxford University degree yesterday to fight a war back home. Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, 19, flew to Britain from Bhutan only four weeks ago to begin studying history and politics at St Peter’s College. But unknown to his father, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the prince signed up for the country’s militia and completed two months’ training before leaving for Oxford. Talks between Indian separatist rebels and the Bhutan government broke down this week, resulting in an outbreak of conflict and the prince’s decision to return. "Regardless of who I am, I’ve taken an oath of allegiance," he said. Bhutan is a Buddhist enclave, ruled by an absolute monarchy and surrounded by India, Tibet and Nepal. Rebels who want independence for the neighbouring Indian state of Assam have set up training camps in southern Bhutan’s forests, from where they launch attacks on India. Prince Jigyel’s brother, Jigme, left Oxford last week after completing his M Phil in politics at Magdalen College. |