NEW DELHI, Sept 15 � With splinter groups of militants of North-east still active along the international border with the Himalayan Kingdom, India and Bhutan today decided to step up vigil and coordinate the entry and exit points between the two countries.
India and Bhutan reviewed all issues relating to threat perceptions, security and border management. Moreover, the two countries also decided to open a seasonal Land Customs Station at Jiti.
The decisions were taken at seventh India-Bhutan meeting on Border Management and Security, which was held here today. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs, AE Ahmad while the Bhutanese delegation was led by Secretary, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs (MHCA) Dasho Penden Wangchuk.
Official sources said the meeting reviewed the sharing of real time information, SSB escorts, training of security personnel, besides misuse of SIM cards and coordination of entry-exit points on the Indo-Bhutan border.
A number of militant outfits, including the anti-talk faction of NDFB and KLO, continue to sneak in and out of Bhutan, despite a strict vigil. The Bhutanese side have been expressing their apprehension about its nationals being targeted by the disgruntled militants in Assam and neighbouring areas.
The meeting was held in a cordial environment and both the countries expressed their satisfaction on the outcome. The talks are expected to further catalyse the cooperation and traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. It was also decided that the next India-Bhutan Meeting on Border Management and Security will be held in Bhutan in 2012.
