Army ops along Bhutan border to flush out rebels - Times of India

Guwahati: Thousands of troops on Saturday scoured the 350-km India-Bhutan border from multiple points in search of the Bodo militants, who had unleashed terror in Assam on Tuesday night killing 76 people. Army chief General Dalbir Singh prepared the unified command for a 'renewed focus of operations' against the rebels by plugging all gaping holes in the intelligence exchange system between security forces.

The general also reviewed 'the blue print' prepared by his field commanders for a major readjustment in the army's deployment pattern. Singh arrived in Guwahati in the morning.

The general's visit comes after questions were raised about the army not being made accountable despite heading the unified command structure set up specifically for counter-insurgency operations. Questions were also asked about the need for the army to have a re-look at the deployment pattern in the aftermath of the free-run by NDFB(S) militants, who slipped out within two hours of the blood-letting.

Defence PRO Lt Col S Newton said the general, while expressing satisfaction with the steps taken by the commanders, asked for greater synergy with central and state intelligence and security agencies.

Later in the day, when the general chaired the operation group meet of the unified command, which was attended by the Army Commander of the Eastern Command, Lt Gen MMS Rai, along with Gajraj Corps Commander, state chief secretary Jitesh Khosla, Assam Police DG Khagen Sarma, the gap in intelligence sharing was the principle talking point.

The Assam Police and the central paramilitary forces are the key component forces of the unified command. "Coordination among various central, state security and intelligence agencies as well as close coordination with the state police was felt to be the need of the hour. There was need for covering gaps in intelligence sharing and smooth passage of information laterally," the PRO said.

Taking note of the road map being planned by the Army, Sigh directed his troops to extend all possible support to the state administration in bringing back normalcy, while at the same time carrying out relentless operations against the perpetrators. Assuring additional support for the renewed focus of operations, he hoped it would rapidly bring about lasting peace and harmony in the state.

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