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| Wednesday, 10 November 2004 |
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Indian troops seize three rebel bases in northeast GUWAHATI, India, Tuesday (Reuters) Indian troops have captured three key rebel bases, possibly including the temporary headquarters of a powerful separatist group in the northeastern state of Manipur that borders Myanmar, the army said on Tuesday. Troops found large quantities of ammunition, explosives and foodgrains as well as computer peripherals after seizing the rebel camps in heavily-forested areas that share a 350-km (220-mile) border with Myanmar. Around 6,000 troops are taking part in a military strike against rebel-controlled areas of troubled Manipur, part of India's isolated and restive northeast, since early last week. At least 30 separatist rebels have been killed and more than 100 arrested in attacks on dozens of rebel camps. Two soldiers were killed in a landmine blast during the offensive, officials said. "The general layout of the camps and the incriminating documents seized from the spot reveal that the camp at Zou Khunam was probably the temporary general headquarters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)", Major Santanu Dev Goswami, military spokesman in Imphal, the state capital, said by telephone. The PLA is a powerful insurgent group battling New Delhi's rule for independence for the small and largely mountainous state. There are more than six smaller insurgent groups in Manipur and more than 3,000 rebels operating in the state. Around 10,000 people have been killed in more than three decades of conflict. Myanmar, which borders four Indian northeastern states, has assisted New Delhi in its offensive by sealing its frontier with Manipur to cut off escape routes for fleeing guerrillas. The rebels accuse New Delhi of plundering the state's resources and neglecting its economy and welfare. "While (militant) cadres fled the area, troops recovered large quantities of grains, medicines, computer peripherals, uniforms, formation signs, ammunition magazines and explosive material from the camps," said Goswami. New Delhi's offensive came after it laid out the red carpet for Myanmar military strongman Senior General Than Shwe who visited India last month, a trip that highlighted warming ties between the neighbours. Senior General Than Shwe vowed not to allow Myanmar's soil to be used by Indian rebels, in response to requests by New Delhi. |
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