India says ULFA (I) chief in China, shares photos; seeks action

Guwahati: After signing a formal bilateral agreement between with China for cooperation on insurgency front, India has shared the photographs of elusive ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah and his Chinese associates with the neighbour, seeking action against them.

Disclosing that ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah was holed up in Ruili, a frontier township of China, authoritative security sources in the home ministry told this newspaper that they have shared the information with its Chinese counterpart for action.

Pointing out that home ministry was working on a mechanism to institutionalise the real time intelligence sharing arrangement with China after the bilateral agreement between the two countries, security sources however said that once this mechanism gets functional, it would be difficult for insurgent groups to operate from China.

Indicating that China was firm on its commitment to stop illegal movement of Northeast insurgents in its territory, security sources said that central government has also informed China about its citizens helping ULFA (I) chief in getting shelter and other logistic supports.

Admitting that the ULFA (I) chief was shuttling between Myanmar and China, security sources said that bilateral cooperation between India and China has also improved manifolds. “We have also shared information on illegal supply of arms and ammunition from China to insurgent groups in India,” security sources said.

Claiming that ULFA (I) chief was under the constant vigil of the security agencies in Myanmar also, security sources said that Myanmar has also started strengthening the presence of its army along the border with India.

Asserting that work has started on setting up bases of Myanmar army close to Indian border, security sources said that India has also taken initiative to improve their bilateral cooperation with Myanmar army.

Informing that relationship with political leadership of Myanmar was at its best, security sources said that military establishment of Myanmar has also acknowledged it.

The home ministry was also keeping a close watch on strategic alliance of insurgent groups of North-eastern states, security sources said adding that home ministry was also taking steps to tackle them effectively.