Author: Indo-Asian News Service
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: September 7, 2003
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_365512,0008.htm
Security forces in eastern region
have formulated strategies to jointly combat narco-terrorism as well as
mercenaries allegedly operating out of Bangladesh and Nepal.
A meeting of police and intelligence
chiefs of the seven northeastern states, besides Sikkim and West Bengal,
which concluded in this Meghalaya capital, expressed concern over threats
posed by cross- border terrorism and the narcotics trade involving separatists.
"Besides insurgent groups, jehadis
and narco-terrorists are systematically making their way to India through
the unfenced and porous border that the region has with Bangladesh and
Nepal," Meghalaya police chief L Sailo said.
"Bangladesh is a known shelter and
sanctuary of many separatist groups who enter the region to indulge in
anti-India activities."
"Several banned terrorist outfits
like Hizbul Muzahideen and Lashker- e-Taiba are taking advantage of the
porous and open borer with Nepal and Bangladesh to enter India," a senior
intelligence official said.
"Most militants are involved in
the narcotics trade and the illegal money generated is being spent on buying
arms and ammunition and training of terrorists."
India says that around 50 camps
belonging to separatist groups active in the northeast have bases in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh denies the charge.
As part of the joint strategy to
curb cross-border and narco- terrorism, the meeting resolved to coordinate
with different counter- insurgency agencies.
"From now on, Assam Rifles, various
other paramilitary agencies, the army, besides officials of the Narcotics
Control Bureau will work in tandem like a common force to deal with the
twin threats of narco- terrorism and other terrorist elements," the intelligence
official said.
At least 30 rebel groups are active
in the northeast with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy.
Over 50,000 people have lost their
lives to insurgency in the states since India's independence in 1947.
