November 21, 2001

'5'

    Neighbouring countries are being used by militant groups active in the North-East. Available information say that there are camps in some of our neighbouring countries including Bangladesh which are being used by many militant groups active in the North East as safe havens and sanctuaries and for training purposes. The Government of India has taken up the matter regarding such camps with the Government of Bangladesh at various fora and on several occasions. The Government of Bangladesh has assured that they would not allow undesirable elements to use their territory for activities prejudicial to the interests of India.

    The Government has also taken various measures to deal with the cross-border terrorism and the militancy in the North Eastern States. These include, inter-alia, raising of additional battalions of Border Security Force, reduction of gaps between the border out posts, intensification of patrolling both on the land and the riverine border, accelerated programme of construction of border roads and fencing increase in the number of outpost towers, provision of surveillance equipments, coordinated action by Army, Para-military forces and State Police for counter militancy operations, declaration of major militant groups as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967; declaration of militancy affected States as "disturbed area" under the Armed Forces (Special powers) Act, 1958; reimbursement of security related expenditure to the State Goverments and modernisation/upgradation of the police in the north Eastern States. The progress of these measures is reviewed regularly at various levels.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Home, Shri I.D. Swami in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.