ULFA not establishing camps in Bhutan: Home Min

New Delhi, Mar 13: The Home Ministry today said there was nospecific report about the cadres of United Liberation Front of Asom(ULFA) establishing camps in Bhutan.

"However, the government is keeping a close watch on theactivities of militant outfits along the Indo-Bhutan border," Ministerof State for Home S Reghupathy told the Lok Sabha in a written answer.

He said as many as 30 ULFA cadres have been arrested and 19 killedin counter-insurgency operations during the current year (up toFebruary 28).

Mr Reghupathy denied reports that the government had launched an operation called "Rhino-2" against the ULFA.

In a written reply to another question, Mr Reghupathy said the ULFA had been targeting railway lines and oil pipelines in Asom.

"Adequate security measures are taken by the State Government tothwart the threats, posed by ULFA," he said, adding that additionalCentral Police Forces and Army units had been deployed for co-ordinatedaction against ULFA and other extremist groups.

Mr Reghupathy said the Centre was also helping the stategovernment in enhancing the capabilities of the state throughmodernisation of State Police Forces and reimbursement ofsecurity-related expenditure.

The security situation in Asom was also reviewed in the meetingsof the Unified Headquarters chaired by the Chief Minister of Asom fromtime to time.

"The Government of India is also monitoring the situation at periodic intervals, " the minister said.

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