Myanmar to help India catch Ulfa chief Paresh Baruah

Myanmar's ruling junta plans to launch coordinated operations with India to flush out Northeast militants in its territories and has promised to help track down elusive United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa)'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah.

The assurance to New Delhi was given at a three-day home secretary-level talks between the two countries which concluded in Myanmar capital Nay Pay Taw on Thursday.

"Security forces of India and Myanmar will conduct coordinated operation in their respective territories in the next two-three months. The objective of the operation is that no militant can escape to the other side after facing heat in one side," a home ministry official said.

Major insurgent groups in the Northeast like National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and Ulfa have over two dozen camps and training centres along both sides of 1,650km long India-Myanmar border, which touches Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Ulfa 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah is also believed to have been hiding in the Kachin area of Myanmar.

"We have conveyed to the Myanmar delegation that we have information that Paresh Baruah is hiding in their territory and they assured us to track him down if found in their territory," the official said. The security forces of both India and Myanmar will also intensify their vigil along the border to check smuggling of arms, narcotic drugs and other goods.

The Indian delegation, headed by Union home secretary GK Pillai, had held extensive discussions with the Myanmar contingent led by Brigadier General Phone Swe on issues like border security, cross-border movement of militants, border trade and cross-border projects.

"The meeting was very positive as Myanmar has assured us to address all our security concern and promised us to carry forward the cordial relations between the two countries," the official said.