Bhutan operations against Indian separatists in final stage
IRNA
Guwahati, Jan 5, IRNA -- Bhutan said the military operations to expel Indian separatists out of the Himalayan kingdom has reached its final stages with troops capturing the last of the rebel bases. "We are in the final stages of the operation with our troops cordoning the jungles and now in the process of rejecting the militants out of the kingdom," a Royal Bhutan Army commander told IRNA by telephone from the southern Samdrup Jhonkhar district on Monday. "We had captured all the 30 rebel camps and 35 observation posts and set them on fire." The commander said a `sizeable number` of militants were still holed up inside the dense jungles in the south of the kingdom. "It could be matter of time before the militants are forced to leave our soil or else face a tough challenge from our advancing troops," he said. "The bitter winter and food shortage faced by the rebels is adding up to their woes. The pressure from the army is continuing relentlessly. The militants are running out of time and option as well." Indian army chief General N.C. Vij said 650 militants had been killed or taken into custody. He did not break down the figure. The Indian army, which is backing the operation, had earlier reported the deaths of 141 militants and eight Bhutanese troops and support personnel since the offensive started. Bhutan has not released casualty figures. India says it has sealed the 380 kilometer long unfenced border with Bhutan to cut off the rebels` escape routes. The government in Assam, bordering Bhutan, has offered militants an amnesty and financial aid to start new lives if they surrender by the end of January. "We would take care of the militants if they surrender," Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi told IRNA. Bhutan had earlier said that 500 rebels had already surrendered to its forces, while Indian officials say they have at least 100 rebels in custody. 1260/210 End
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