Bhutan assures 2003–like help

If the situation so demands, we are ready to provide similar assistance like we did in 2003 — Som Topgay, Director General of Bhutan’s Bureau of Law and Order

Our Correspondent

Bongaigaon, January 28: Bhutan has assured India of providing help like it did in 2003 to deal with militants inimical to both countries.

“We are ready to help like we did in 2003, if the situation so demands,” Director General of Bhutan’s Bureau of Law and Order (Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs) Som Topgay told reporters at Bongaigaon where a Border District Co–Ordition Meeting got under way on Wednesday.

The meeting is being held in the backdrop of reports that some top NDFB(S) militants, who had fled Assam in the wake of a massive operation launched by security forces after the December 23 carge, were taking shelter in the neighbouring country.

Security agencies have long been insisting that Bodo militants are using the Himalayan kingdom as a safe haven after carrying out attacks in Assam.

The Assam delegation at the bilateral meeting is being led by Home Commissioner L S Changsan. ADGP (border) A K Sinha Kashyap and top administrative officials from six bordering districts of Assam are also taking part in the meeting.

Topgay is leading a 26–member delegation from the Royal Government of Bhutan, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Home and Cultural affairs, Ministry of Intertiol Boundaries, Royal Bhutan Police, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Talking to the media, Changsan said that during the meeting today, both sides discussed several security related issues.

“During the two–day meeting, we shall also discuss matters relating to foreign affairs, communication etc. Today, we discussed issues related to security. The Bhutan Government has assured full cooperation to us in dealing with the issue of terrorism,” she said.

Topgay pointed out that in 2003, the Bhutan Government had helped India by launching Operation All Out against ULFA and NDFB militants sheltering in that country, bbing or elimiting several top leaders.

“We are ready to help India in any security related matter. The Bhutan Government has always rendered full co–operation to the Government of India, and also to the Assam government, in resolving issues of mutual security concern. If the situation so demands, we are ready to provide similar assistance like we did in 2003,” he said.

Topgay said that India and Bhutan share an ‘excellent’ friendship, goodwill and co–operation in various sectors. “We hope this meeting will help us address all issues related to security on both sides,” he said.