India, China seal deal to fight terror

Guwahati: In what may have cascading impact over the insurgency scenario of northeastern states, India and China has signed an agreement to share real-time intelligence to combat terrorism jointly.

Pointing out that India and China have agreed to continue dialogue on the differences over some of the key bilateral issues, authoritative security sources in the home ministry told this newspaper that formal agreement signed between the two countries has operationalised a mechanism to combat terrorist activities.

Informing that China has been apprised about the presence of elusive Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Baruah in its frontier province, security sources said China has also reiterated its commitment not to allow any terrorist activities from its territory.

Admitting that India has opposed construction of corridor by China through the Pakistan occupied Kashmir, security sources said such contentious issues would not come in between the agreed cooperation on terrorism front.

Pointing out that China has sought the help of India in identifying the terrorist leaders holed up in China, security sources indicated that they are expecting action soon.

When contacted the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee Mr R.N. Ravi who was involved in working out joint mechanism with China told this newspaper, “India and China have differences on several fronts, but at the same time, both are aware that under the present day scenario, no country can survive without cooperation on issues of common interest.” India has been adopting a zero tolerance policy on terrorism, while, at the same time, China has also started feeling the terrorism threat, particularly in Xinjiang  adjoining the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan.