It was a sombre week at the National Assembly as the members, after a prolonged debate on the ULFA-Bodo issue, made a resounding call for military action. Although it was a majority agreement that peaceful negotiations must be given a chance, it was clear that not many Assembly members believed that it was a credible alternative.

What we heard - and sensed - was that none of the members believed that the peaceful negotiations were working. Rather than resort to rhetoric and allow the problem to fester, the people felt that stronger action had to be taken no matter how painful it might be.

Those of us listening to the discussions for several days saw it coming. But it was still a shock to hear the National Assembly record a call for military action in its resolution.

It was not an abrupt decision. In fact the discussions had been equally hot outside the National Assembly, right through the weekend, culminating in Monday's resolution.

Not to say that there were no members protesting against the idea of military action. But there were just four or five out of 150 members who proposed that Bhutan should continue to seek a peaceful solution even if the militant leadership did not show much interest. The overwhelming majority called for the eviction of the militants.

The debate was dramatic as members who defended a peaceful approach were even challenged on their perspective.

His Majesty the King intervened in the discussions more than once to help focus the discussions. After the Speaker summarised the debate following two days of discussions on the issue, His Majesty advised the members to, once again, consider their decision carefully as it would have a very significant impact on the nation.

While last year's resolution was to cut off supplies to the militants, punish those who helped the militants, and to seek peaceful negotiations with the leaders, this year's session will be remembered for giving birth to the fourth alternative: military action.

The call for military action, even if it was not a specific resolution in itself, triggered some profound thinking, among the Assembly members as well as observers. In fact the entire perspective of the problem appears to change instantly.

We realise that the ULFA and Bodo problem is not just the case of a few thousand militants hiding behind trees. It is a part of a regional political imbroglio with complex connotations, the most significant being Bhutan's relations with Assam and with New Delhi.

The Assembly members pointed out that there may be other players in the game. Nobody, today, doubts India's well meaning friendship towards Bhutan but, in the free-for-all democracy which is India's most admired asset and the number of anti Indian elements who infest the area, there must be plots and sub plots which are beyond the perception of the average Bhutanese citizen.

The financial implications of military action appeared to stun some members. Be it the cost of arms or infrastructure, what seemed to be a collosal reserve fund during peace times suddenly diminished in size when seen as a budget for military activity.

The calls for action, too, take on a new dimension when translated as a decision. Debate is harmless as long as it remains a debate. But, when it becomes a decision the difference is that we are called on to back up our statements.

Yes, there is much anger in the Bhutanese citizen today at this rude intrusion on our land. And there is a sense of helplessness.

Bhutan is, in every sense, a victim. The militants had fled Assam from army operations and had set up camps before we knew it. There was no question of stopping them because the border has been proven too long and the forests too hostile to be policed even by the Indian army.

Then came the erratic press reports - albeit just a few stray stories - that the government was assisting the militants, although the allegations defied all logic and common sense. Assam state government officials even went on record with some of these allegations, although it is debatable whether even they believed it themselves.

So our dilemma is that it would be a great risk to take up arms against the militants who, incidentally, are hiding in Bangladesh and other jungles as well. But it is becoming a more alarming security threat if we don't.

That was why several Assembly members called, once again, on India, our friend and partner, for economic assistance, military support, and for its understanding of the problem. Most Bhutanese believe that the solution is not in Bhutan, it is in India, and that the real solution is not military but politics. (Editorial; Kuensel; Thimphu; July 8, 2000)

NEW DELHI, July 3 (PTI): India has asked Bhutan to take pro-active steps to flush out ULFA militants who have taken shelter in the forests in that country, Home Ministry sources said today. They were responding to reports that Bhutanese officials had extended help to ULFA in obtaining arms and ammunition from foreign countries. "The issue of ULFA militants taking shelter in the forests in Bhutan has been taken up by the government with Thimphu. Bhutan has assured New Delhi that it will take steps in this regard," the sources said. They said Bangladesh, which has denied presence of ULFA insurgents, has also assured India that its territory would not be allowed to be used for anti-India activities. Meanwhile, Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry PD Shenoy visited Manipur for three days to review the internal security situation and economic development programmes there. Shenoy, who met the Governor, the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues and top officials, said the state government had taken "commendable" steps in the last two months to tackle militancy. (PTI; The Sentinel; Guwahati; July 4, 2000)

NEW DELHI, July 5: In a significant development, the Royal Government of Bhutan today broke its silence confirming that the outlawed ULFA was indeed transferring funds through its diplomatic bags to foreign countries. The two employees of the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan responsible for the act were sacked and legal proceedings initiated. That the shocking disclosure has shaken the Royal Government of Bhutan was evident from the three-page long statement issued by the government, on the incident. Normally, the Royal Bhutan government does not react to stories carried by the media. However, in view of the serious nature of the allegations, it has become necessary for the Royal Government to again clearly explain its position and the incidents which have been referred to as evidence of the allegation, the unsigned statement said. "While it is true that two junior employees of the Protocol Division were found to have received money and extended some assistance to the militants, this was purely on the individual level and had nothing to do with the Royal Government of Bhutan. The two employees involved were identified as Wanchuk Dorji a Grade-15 employee and Lhaba Tshering, a grade-17 hand. Both the employees were in the junior most level and not senior officers, the statement clarified, adding that as the handling of the diplomatic bags fell within the purview of the Protocol Division, both the employees had been assigned mail bag duty on different occasions. "Before these articles of our diplomatic pouches being used appeared in the papers, they had been terminated from services, charge-sheeted by the police and their cases forwarded to the district court in Thimphu. "One of the charges against these two persons is sending money for ULFA through the diplomatic bags," it said. Police investigations have revealed that these persons had sent about 38,000 US dollars and Rs 3,00,000 in the diplomatic bags between January and July, 1996, the statement said, adding that two other government employees and two private individuals have been sentenced by the district court in Sandrup Jongkhar to life imprisonment and five years imprisonment respectively for having dealings with the ULFA militants. This indicates the stern action that the Royal Government of Bhutan has been taking against anyone found to be assisting the ULFA, the statement said. The Bhutan government's reaction came even as a spokesman of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that they are taking up the issue with the External Affairs Ministry with a request that the matter be taken up with the Royal Government of Bhutan. Significantly, rattled by the developments the Royal Government sternly warned the ULFA and the NDFB militants that armed forces of Bhutan would be used to remove the militants if they do not leave as a result of the peaceful means as decided by the National Assembly last year. During its current session, the National Assembly once again held detailed discussion on the problem of the ULFA and the Bodo militants and reiterated the resolution. The statement also left indication to suggest that it did not like the manner in which the story was leaked to the press. While the two government employees are being dealt with, it is unreasonable to deduce that because of their activities, Royal Government is involved in supporting the ULFA militants. It is most unfortunate that Bhutan is mentioned in the same breath with other suspected supporters of ULFA," it said. If the state government of Assam truly believes that the Royal Government is involved in supporting the ULFA militants in any manner it is extremely unfortunate and could not be further from the truth. Assam is a close neighbour whose security and well-being is important to Bhutan. The perception that Bhutan's involvement with the militants is contributing to the continuity of militancy in Assam could also not be further from the truth, it should be clear as to who are causing the problem and who the victims are. Clearly, everybody can see that Bhutan is an innocent victim of the ULFA militants, it asserted. Bhutan, for the last century, has enjoyed peace and tranquillity and has maintained a friendly and open border with neighbouring states. As a result if finds itself invaded by the militants from Assam, which, in many ways, has exported this problem to Bhutan and not the other way around, the government has clarified. The Royal Government, on its part, have tried to deal with the problem in a most reasonable and responsible manner by trying to find a peaceful resolution without loss to life and property and also in a manner that does not strain the good relationship between Bhutan and India particularly between the people of Bhutan and Assam. At the same time, the statement pointed out, the Royal Government has spent tremendous amount of resources to establish army camps and outposts and deploy troops in the area along the Bhutan-Assam border affected by the presence of the ULFA and the Bodo militants. The people of India should know that Bhutan is also suffering as a result of this problem and has had to face tremendous cost, both in terms of resources and lives. Bhutan would like to see the situation in Assam return to normalcy as quickly as possible. It is unfair to imply that this problem continues because of involvement of Bhutan when the Indian government itself, despite the greater resources available and has not been able to tackle the problem of militancy. About the activities of outlawed ULFA in the country, it said that in recent years, the outfit has been trying to infiltrate the Bhutanese administration and the community by using cash inducements, entrapments through financial advances and intimidation. While this has been largely resisted, there are some cases where people have fallen victims to such practice. "We understand that the same practices are being followed by the ULFA militants in Assam," the government said. In an effort to resist attempts of the militants to intimidate, coerce and corrupt the Bhutanese community to cooperation, Bhutan has taken a number of steps to stem this tide of infiltration. The statement then went on to mention the National Assembly resolution of 1999, building up of its army, revamping its communication system among others to tackle the ULFA menace. Referring to the story that first appeared in this newspaper, the statement said that not only were the allegations ridiculous but what was even more shocking was these have been attributed to the state government of Assam and Indian Intelligence sources. (Kalyan Barooah; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 6, 2000)

NEW DELHI, July 6: The Royal Government of Bhutan's first ever clarification of its stand about the free run of country enjoyed by the ULFA and Bodo militants has left several vital questions about its role unanswered. Although the Royal Government sought to set the record straight, officials familiar with the happenings in the country wondered why the government failed to clarify how the top leaders of the ULFA and the NDFB enjoy VIP treatment in the Himalayan Kingdom. Intelligence reports pouring in from the country suggest that whenever top leaders like commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa arrive at Paro Airport, the ULFA cadres are seen receiving them in style reflecting a picture as though some head of state was being received. The leaders are normally accompanied in a convoy of vehicles complete with gun-toting bodyguards. Unless they enjoy some kind of patronage from the powers that be they cannot enjoy such free run of the country. Incidently, most of the leaders of the ULFA who frequent the Himalayan country have interpol red corner alert notices out against them. However, officials here admit that Paresh Baruah has for reasons best known to him curtailed his trips to the Himalayan Kingdom. He was not even present during the ULFA raising day ceremony leading to serious misgivings among the junior and middle-level cadres based in the Kingdom. Sources here said that they are also aware about secret meetings with the ULFA and few officials in the government including the Army. Sources said that following pressures from India, Bhutan did act tough with the militants and some camps were indeed shifted to Myanmar and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, but again its business as usual for the militants. In the wake of the crackdown in Myanmar by the Army, camps were again re-located back in Bhutan. The ULFA currently has all its three headquarters - General HQs, Central HQs and Mobile HQs in the Kingdom. 'The locations of all these bases are known to us as well as to the Royal Government of Bhutan ', sources said. Meanwhile, these issues are likely to figure in a big way when the External Affairs Minister, Jashwant Singh visits the country later this month. The Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the Assam government have both made separate requests to the Foreign Ministry to take up the issues. (Staff Correspondent; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 7, 2000)

NEW DELHI, July 6: The Bhutan National Assembly, after three days of deliberation on the ULFA-Bodo infiltration inside its territory, passed a resolution empowering the government to use the Army against militants if they do not respond to pleas of peaceful withdrawal. A Royal Bhutanese Embassy spokesman told The Hindustan Times today that the National Assembly had been discussing this issue since 1997, as it not only posed a security threat to Bhutan but also harmed its relations with India. King Jigme Singhye Wangchuk had adopted a policy of persuasion for two years, which has not yielded desired results. Last December, in his National Day address, the King threatened to use force for the first time. The militants haven't been given a deadline to withdraw from Bhutanese territory. For over three years they are known to be operating out of bases in the southern district of Gelekphu. The Indian External Affairs Ministry is yet to respond to this development. The 78th (current) session of the National Assembly began June 28. Responding to the demands of the 'chimis' (representatives) of Gelekphu, it was decided to take stock of the progress on the resolution passed in 1999 banning any kind of support from the public. The sanction given for the use of force is significant when considered against the backdrop of accusations the Assam government has levelled against Thimphu for aiding militants. Two officials of the Protocol Division, who the Assam government said were 'senior' but Thimphu described as belonging to lower levels of the bureaucracy, and two non-government persons were sentenced to life imprisonment for having dealings with the ULFA. (Udayan Namboodiri; The Hindustan Times; Guwahati; July 7, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 7: In a significant development, the Bhutan's highest decision-making body, the parliament has passed a resolution, entrusting the Royal Government to launch military operation to flush out the militants from their territory, if it becomes necessary. Sources in Thimphu told The Asian Age over phone that the Parliament has also asked the government to persuade the militants to vacate their territory at the earliest and if it does work, the government should use the force to drive out more than 1,000-heavily armed rebels taking shelter in the hills of the kingdom. The resolution reported to have been passed on Tuesday may have a serious implication over the militancy scenario in Assam as the armed cadres of the ULFA and the NDFB are taking shelter in the hills of Bhutan. Sources said that the Parliament also took serious note to the movement of the armed militants in and around their educational institutions. The movement of the heavily armed militants in the Deothang area of Bhutan had recently forced the government to shift the Royal Bhutan Polytechnic College at Deothang to Kharbandi in Phuentsholing. The King of Bhutan Jigme Sigme Wangchuk confessed this while addressing the students of Bhutan. This was also reported in Kuensel, an official news bulletin of the government. "The decision to shift the polytechnic college had to be taken because of the seriousness of the security situation and the possibility of students and staff being kidnapped and targeted by the militants if the situation became worse," a report in Kuensel said quoting Bhutan monarch. The safe passage to the militants in Bhutan became more embarrassing recently when media exposed the nexus of the Bhutanese officials with the ULFA militants. The officials of the protocol division were found involved in transferring money for the ULFA militants in diplomatic baggage. Besides the ULFA militants were also alleged to have been procuring Chinese arms from the international arms market in Tibet with direct help of the officials of protocol division of Royal Government of Bhutan. (Manoj Anand; The Asian Age; Guwahati; July 8, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 9: The Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Jigmi Thinby has admitted that the ULFA and Bodo problem was a security threat not only to Bhutan but also to India and if not solved, the problem could affect the close friendship between India and Bhutan. According to a report in the latest edition of the Bhutanese government-run weekly Kuensel, the National Assembly of Bhutan recently discussed the issue of presence of the ULFA and NDFB militants in Bhutan for three days and many of the members expressed the view that the government had no option but to resort to military action if peaceful negotiation to persuade the insurgents to leave Bhutan fails. Many expressed doubts about negotiations, given the poor response from the militant leaders. Addressing the National Assembly, the Bhutanese Foreign Minister said that the presence of the ULFA and NDFB militants in Bhutan would create serious misunderstanding among India and Bhutan. He admitted that some people in India believed that Bhutan was not taking any step against the militants. "The misunderstanding arose because the people of India are not aware of the grave concern of the King and the steps taken to evict the militants", he added. The Bhutanese people, on the other hand, believed that the source of the disease, which inflicted pain to them, was India. The Bhutanese people also believed that a big and strong country like India should have been able to resolve the problem if they wanted to do so. The Foreign Minister further said that Bhutan would never support anti-Indian activities from the Bhutanese soil. He also said that the root of the problem was in India and even if Bhutan evict the militants, the problem would persist if it remains unresolved in Assam. Addressing the National Assembly, the Bhutanese Home Minister Lyonpo Thinby Gyantsho gave a detailed account of the talks between the government of Bhutan and the insurgents. He said that he had two rounds of talks with the leaders of the ULFA. The first round of talks was held on November 20, 1998 with the ULFA finance secretary and a local military commander. He said that he had conveyed the concern of the government of Bhutan and made it clear that the Bhutan government would talk only with the top leaders. The ULFA deputed two senior leaders including the Commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah for the second round of talks held on May 7, 1999. The ULFA leaders were informed about the concern expressed by the National Assembly. They were reminded of the problems faced by Bhutan as the presence of militants in Bhutan was infringing on Bhutan's sovereignty and security and could harm Bhutan's close relationship with India. The Bhutan government also asked the ULFA leaders to shift their camps from Bhutan. The Bhutan government also advised the ULFA leaders against fighting the might of the Indian Army and that their objective of achieving independence was not realistic. The ULFA leaders said that they were forced to enter Bhutan in 1992 because of Army operations in India. They said that though they were aware of the problems faced by Bhutan, they were not ready to come out of the Bhutanese soil at least another one and half years. The Home Minister told the National Assembly that the government and the ULFA leaders agreed to continue dialogues and Paresh Baruah told Bhutanese government that the chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa would attend the third round of talks. After that there was no response from the ULFA for eleven months. He said that Paresh Baruah called up in April and assured that Arabinda Rajkhowa would come for talks before June 15. However Paresh Baruah later called up again and said that they could not come due to security risk. The Bhutanese Home Minister told the National Assembly that he spoke to the NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary over telephone in May this year and asked him to come for talks before June 15. However, about a month later, Ranjan Daimary called up and said that he would not be able to come for talks due to security reasons. "We feel disappointed at the attitude of the ULFA and NDFB leaders. The attitude of the militants was most unfortunate. They have not only violated the territorial integrity of Bhutan but also seem hardly concerned over the difficulties they are causing to Bhutan and its people. They have now added insult to injury by not coming for talks", he added. The Home Minister said that the government has taken steps to cut off the supply lines of the militants and those helping the militants would be punished under the provisions of the National Security Act. He said that because of such actions, the militants may try to retaliate and there is every possibility of clashes between the militants and the Bhutanese people. He said that the security forces of Bhutan should be fully prepared to face any such eventuality. He further revealed that the Bhutan government has completed the ground work for the purpose like deployment of forces procurement of arms, construction of barracks etc. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 10, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 10: Close on the heels of Bhutan National Assembly's resolution to start a military operation to drive out Indian militants from its territory, Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta has proposed launching a joint military action against the militants holed up in the Bhutan forests. Distributing a copy of the resolution, published by The Asian Age on Monday, Mahanta said: "In case Bhutan finds it difficult to launch an Army operation on its own against the militants, we think they should not hesitate to take help of the Indian Army. I urged upon the Government of India to discuss with the Bhutan government about the possibility of launching a joint military action against the militants." Welcoming the Bhutan's move on Monday, he said, "We hope that our other neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Burma will also take similar steps without any further delay to evict the ULFA and other insurgent groups operating from their countries." He lauded the Bhutanese leaders for taking such a bold initiative to effectively address the problem that has been disturbing both Assam and Bhutan for last eight years. "Such stern steps, if taken will enable the Bhutanese to get rid of the armed intruders, whose presence is infringing upon their sovereignty and security," Mahanta said, adding that it would also remove the feelings of suspicion and misunderstanding among Indians, who are compelled to perceive that ULFA and Bodo militants had a safe sanctuary in Bhutan and its government was taking a lenient view. About financial problems that may confront small countries like Bhutan in launching military operation, Mahanta suggested that India should also look into this aspect seriously. He said all the bordering district headquarters have been alerted as the ultras may try to sneak into Assam. Vigil along the international border has already been intensified and security forces have been kept on high alert, he added. Assam chief minister also renewed his appeal to the ULFA and NDFB leaders to come forward for talks. He "I appeal them that before they reach the dead end of the tunnel, let them come forward for talks; we still accept them as our friends in our struggle to develop Assam and India," he said. "Whatever pretensions they have so far, it is time for them to reconsider their stand even now and respond positively to our appeal for talks within the frame-work of Indian Constitution. This alone can save them from disaster towards which they are moving fast," Mahanta reiterated. (Manoj Anand; The Asian Age; Guwahati; July 10, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 11: If the King and the Royal Government of Bhutan decide that military operations are necessary to evict the militants from the Bhutanese soil, the officers and men of the three service forces pledge to carry out this important task with the total commitment of their body, speech and mind, said the Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army Goongloen Gongma Lam Dorji. According to a report in the Bhutanese state run weekly Kuensel the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) Chief Operations Officer told the National Assembly that under the personal supervision of the King, the RBA was carrying out training and logistic mobilisation to get ready to launch military operations, if necessary, to drive out the insurgents from the Bhutanese soil. However, at the same time Lama Dorji admitted that the implementation of the 77th National Assembly resolution to stop all ration supplies to the camps of the militants was affected because it was not possible to deploy adequate troops at strategic locations as the construction of the camps at Dewathang, Daifam, Bhangtar, Pinchina and Ngangbm were not completed. Lam Dorji told the National Assembly that the country was facing a serious security threat because of the presence of the armed militants and the RBA has already deployed troops along the Assam-Bhutan border from Kalikhole to Daitam. He said that the deployment of eight wings in the south would not weaken the troops strength in the north. He informed the National Assembly that intensive training of the recruits was being carried out at the Military Training Centre at Tencholing, while, the facilities available at Dechenchholing were also being used to train recruits to meet the manpower requirement. He said that the duration of the training had been reduced from nine to six weeks by intensifying training. Steps have also been initiated to improve the infrastructure of the Royal Bhutan Army. Lam Dorji admitted that shortage of accommodation facilities affected deployment of troops. He revealed that the Royal Bhutan Polytechnic located near the RBA camp at Dewatheng had to be shifted as it was felt that the students would be exposed to grave security risk if the situation deteriorated in the area. Lam Dorji gave an account of the Army deployment in Southern Bhutan and said that one company of the Army was deployed at Pinchina in Samdrup Jongkhar on May 25 this year to provide security to the personnel of the revenue and customs departments. Lam Dorji further revealed that the Royal Government had spent Nu 660.70 million up to June 2000 to meet the cost of immediate requirements of the RBA including construction work, essential administrative requirements and purchase of equipment necessary for improving and strengthening security in the areas affected by the militants. (Staff Reporter; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; July 12, 2000)

GUWAHATI, July 13: The ULFA and NDFB militants may try to use the corridor of West Bengal with Bhutan to cross over the international border if Bhutanese Army launches its offensive to drive out the ultras from their territory. Apprehending that this may pose a serious threat to the law and order of West Bengal's bordering districts with Assam, the security circle, keeping watch over the development in Bhutan, indicated here on Thursday that militants would not dare to enter Assam because of thick presence of Army in border areas. In view of the Bhutan National Assembly's resolution to launch military operation against the ultras holed up in their hill tracts, the state administration has already alerted the border districts of the state to intensify the security arrangements along the border areas. Sources indicated that there are limited alternatives for the ultras to flee from Bhutan. Either they will have to take shelter in West Kameng area of Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunchal Pradesh or in Burma. Another possible hideout for the ultras may be Sylhet and Maimong Singh districts of Bangladesh but all these hideouts are unfavorable for them as it would reduce their striking power besides free movement sources said while indicating that ultras may try to enter West Bengal taking the advantage of free passage. For logistic support fledgling Kamatapur Liberation Front may also play a crucial role, sources said and pointed out that security forces in West Bengal bordering districts are not having enough strength to meet the situation. The reports suggest that at least six ULFA camps in Bhutan are at Kalikhola across Phuentsholing and logistically West Bengal's bordering district would be nearest to cross over the international border. However, refusing to divulge anything if West Bengal government has also been informed about this possible intrusion sources said that the home ministry have these feedbacks. Meanwhile, sources said that possible intrusion of ULFA and NDFB militants in Bangladesh cannot be ruled out but present government is opposed to allow their territory to be used by militants of India. Even Bangladesh government is also reported to have been contemplating to flush out the ultras of banned National Liberation Front of Tripura from their territory. Several abducted persons of Tripura have been kept in Bangladesh camp of NLFT that has also been pointed out to the Bangladesh government through diplomatic channels. In such a circumstances West Bengal becomes the most vulnerable for the possible intrusion of ultras, sources said. (Manoj Anand; The Asian Age; New Delhi; July 14, 2000)