The Assam Rifles today said that the North East militants, facing heat in Bangladesh, were reportedly moving out of the country, but it was not clear if they were in India or had shifted to Myanmar.
"There are reports that some of the militants have crossed back to India to avoid being caught by Bangladesh authorities. But it is not clear whether they are in the jungles or have entered Myanmar," Assam Rifles director general Lt Gen KS Yadava told reporters here.
Bangladeshi security forces had earlier this month launched a major crackdown on ULFA militants operating from its soil by apprehending the outfit's self-styled foreign secretary Sashadhar Choudhury and finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika and subsequently pushing them into Indian territory from where the BSF took the duo into custody.
Appreciating the gesture, Lt Gen Yadava said, "It is a very good thing that Bangladesh is cracking down on these anti-national elements. We only hope that the Bangladesh government continue to ensure that those who are functioning against the interests of our country are not given shelter."
He confirmed that the Hasina government had built up pressure on these militant groups operating from her country. Asked if there was any crackdown in Myanmar where many of the groups, including the ULFA and NSCN, are known to have established bases, the DG commented, "Myanmar and India are on extremely friendly terms and Myanmar continuously keeps supporting our actions."
"They are ensuring that anti-national elements do not operate from their territory. At times they have carried out operations against the militants and it has been of great help to us," he said.
Asked to comment on reports of a crackdown on ULFA camps by Myanmarese security forces a fortnight back, Yadava said any recent crackdown could not specifically be confirmed, but pressure had been on the militants holed up there.
