1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

problem. The members pointed out that while the embargo on supply of rations
and other provisions to the militants should be enforced by all parties
concerned, and not just by Bhutan, there appeared to be no visible effort made
by the Assam government or the Indian army to stop transportation of supplies
to the militants from their side of the border. Although the central Government
and the Assam state government should stop the militants from crossing the
international boundary and entering Bhutanese territory, their infiltration has
continued unabated. The members could not fathom whether there was any
inner objective of the ULFA and Bodo militants and observed that the problem
was very difficult and complex.
The members noted that while the Royal Government continued in its efforts to
find a peaceful solution to this problem, the ULFA and Bodo militants were
gaining time for stocking supplies and weapons besides carrying out extensive
training. They pointed out that the continued presence of these militants on
Bhutanese soil will affect Bhutan’s excellent relations with its closest friend and
neighbour, India besides posing an increasingly serious threat to the security
and sovereignty of the country.
The members emphasized that the security and sovereignty of the country is of
utmost importance to the Bhutanese people and they will not back out from their
responsibility of defending the country and safeguarding its peace and
prosperity. It was evident that the militants would not leave the country as a
result of peaceful measures. Although it would involve considerable loss of
lives and property, there was no option left but to resort to military action as
decided during the 78 th session of the National Assembly. They submitted that
a resolution should be adopted to make preparations and deploy the armed
forces to remove the ULFA and Bodo militants.
The members also pointed out that it was important to understand from before
hand that once military action is taken against the militants it would lead to
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