NEW DELHI, Dec 15 ? Bhutan today launched military action against Indian insurgent groups operating from camps in that country, a move strongly supported by India, reports PTI. Announcing launching of the operation by Thimpu, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told Parliament ?we have been informed by the Royal Government of Bhutan that they have launched today military action against Indian insurgent groups operating from camps in that country?.
The Government of India ?strongly supports this action,? he said adding that Bhutanese King Jigme Singye Wangchuk had telephonically informed Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee of the impending action on December 14. India has repeatedly conveyed to Bhutan its serious concerns over the activities of insurgent groups like the banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and KLO which had established camps inside that country and were carrying out arms training of their cadres for anti-India operations.
Making suo motu statement in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Sinha said Vajpayee conveyed to Wangchuk that the Government and people of India ?stand firmly and solidly? behind the Bhutan Government at this critical juncture and ?would provide all necessary support as requested, till the task is completed?. He said the Indian Army was also taking ?necessary measures? to intercept movement of militants from Bhutan into India.
The Centre, Sinha said, has advised the Assam and West Bengal governments to ?remain alert to deal with the situation arising out of this action, including sealing the borders and maintaining peace?. Sinha said Bhutan has always assured New Delhi that it will not allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India?s interest. ?The launch of operations against Indian insurgent groups in Bhutan has struck a blow against terrorism and terrorist activities in our entire region,? he said.
Sinha said the action against Indian insurgent groups in Bhutan would prevent further loss of innocent lives by the mindless acts of violence perpetrated by these terrorists. ?It will promote peace, stability and security in the region and further cement the strong friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan,? he said. In the Rajya Sabha, Sinha said the military action of Bhutan was not restricted to any one particular group but was tagetted at all anti-India insurgent groups including ULFA and KLO.
?The action started this morning and it is too early to judge the outcome... We have alerted our security forces. Army will intercept movement of insurgents (from Bhutan) to India... Army is there in full strength,? he said. Centre is also in close contact with West Bengal and Assam governments. ?Together we are trying to keep the borders sealed.? ?Bhutan is a soverign entity and they have taken this action independently. We have promised all possible assistance,? he said. Earlier, elders cutting across party lines welcomed the action of Royal Government of Bhutan.