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India, Bhutan forces coordinating

By R Dutta Choudhury

GUWAHATI, Jan 6 � Security forces of India and Bhutan have started coordinated operations against the militants belonging to the Songbijit faction of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) as there have been reports of movement of ultras along the Assam-Bhutan border. Meanwhile, the Army has also stepped up operations along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

Talking to The Assam Tribune, Army sources revealed that the security forces of India and Bhutan are in regular touch and the militants would not be allowed a free run in the neighbouring country. There were reports that following the crackdown launched by the forces, the militants taking shelter in Chirang and Kokrajhar, started moving towards Bhutan. The Government of India immediately took up the matter with Bhutan and the neighbouring country started moving in troops to the border areas.

Sources said that according to information available, a few members of the NDFB(S) might have sneaked into Bhutan. But now it would not be possible for the ultras to have a free run in the neighbouring country. However, sources admitted that because of the terrain, it would not be easy to detect the ultras if they remain in the jungles in Bhutan. But they cannot stay in the jungles in this kind of weather for a long time and sooner or later they would have to come out. Moreover, the Bhutan Army personnel are also on the job and regular interactions and sharing of information between the security forces of both the countries are on. Under the circumstances, it would not be easy for the ultras to stay in Bhutan comfortably, sources added.

Army sources said that as per the provisions of the Disturbed Areas Act, which is in force in entire Assam, the Army can operate up to 20 kilometres inside Arunachal Pradesh bordering Assam. As there have been apprehensions that the NDFB(S) ultras involved in the killings in Sonitpur district have moved into the neighbouring state, the Army has started operations in those areas also. �We are also getting full support from the police force of Arunachal Pradesh,� sources added.

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