India Bangladesh to set up mechanism to combat terrorism

New Delhi, Aug 3 (UNI) India and Bangladesh today strongly condemned terrorism and extremism and agreed to constitute new institutional mechanisms for enhanced cooperation to combat the menace and take 'swift action' on information received about fugitive elements taking shelter in either country.

Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammed Abdul Karim signed a Joint Statement in this regard after the completion of two-day Eighth Round of Bilateral Home Secretary level talks between the two countries.

Terming the talks as ''fruitful, positive and constructive,'' Mr Gupta said that both sides agreed that terrorism was a common threat and it was reiterated that the use of the territory of either country would not be allowed for terrorist and criminal activities against the other country and the sustained cooperation and information sharing would benefit both the country. He said that an effective nodal mechanism would be established for this and the modalities for which would be worked out soon.

''The Indian side repeated its request to Bangladesh to take deterrent action against IIGs and their members. The Indian delegation requested for expeditious action on red corner notice subjects through enhanced interaction between the interpol designated points. The Bangladesh delegation noted the request,'' he said.

On the pointed question of some ULFA leaders taking shelter in Bangladesh, Mr Gupta said that the issue came up during discussion and both the side showed ''openness and receptivity in this regard.'' In return, India assured all possible assistance, within the law of the land, to the request made by Bangladesh in tracing criminals wanted for criminal activities in that country and were reportedly taking shelter in Indian territory.

Bangladesh side agreed to examine India's long pending request to permit construction of fence within 150 yards of the border to fill the gaps in about 250 places which would help in the effective border management and in checking the movement of criminal elements and illegal migrants.

The issue of Teen Bigha corridor was also discussed, Mr Gupta said and added that a positive response was received from Mr Karim.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the joint visit to a few enclaves and territories under adverse posscsion in May 2007 and the two sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the joint boundary working groups at an early date.

More UNI