ULFA not establishing camps in Bhutan : Home Ministry

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) The Home Ministry today said there was no specific report about the cadres of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) establishing camps in Bhutan.

"However, the government is keeping a close watch on the activities of militant outfits along the Indo-Bhutan border," Minister of 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 killed in counter-insurgency operations during the current year (up to February 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 to thwart the threats, posed by ULFA," he said, adding that additional Central Police Forces and Army units had been deployed for co-ordinated action against ULFA and other extremist groups.

Mr Reghupathy said the Centre was also helping the state government in enhancing the capabilities of the state through modernisation of State Police Forces and reimbursement of security-related expenditure.

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

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

UNI