51 anti-Indian bases in Bangladesh, says Tripura CM

Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Sarkar yesterday said his government has definite information that there were 51 bases of anti-India organisations in Bangladesh.

"It's the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan) and the CIA which are funding these terrorists for their survival in Bangladesh," said Sarkar at a 'Meet the Press' at the Kolkata Press Club yesterday.

However, Sarkar did dot blame Dhaka for the 'anti-Indian bases conducting their operations in Bangladesh'. "They have their own problems to look after. The impetus should be from our side to try and find out a solution. But strangely that National Democratic government at the Centre plays a silent role," he said.

When journalists asked him about the involvement of the CIA, Sarkar replied, "It was they who gave birth to the ISI. So, they should also be held responsible for all the activities that the ISI carries on today."

The Tripura chief minister added that intelligence departments of his government had a detailed report as to where the 51 bases were in Bangladesh and the total amount of firepower and manpower they had. "We have given the entire report to the Central Government in Delhi. And our reports have matched the facts that they had gathered."

Citing the growing dangers of terrorism as the main obstacle to Tripura's development, Sarkar said he had also asked the Central Government to take certain preventive measures.

"But they have not done so," he said. "I had asked for fencing off the entire 156 kilometres that separate Tripura from Bangladesh. Along with that I had also asked the Central Government in Delhi to start discussions with the Bangladesh government regarding the dismantling of these camps in a joint operation. But they have not done so.

"... Unless a joint effort is made by the Bangladesh and the Indian governments in tackling the ultras, development in Tripura will not take place. Mind you I am always talking about a joint operation."

When asked whether his government was willing to start discussions with the Bangladesh government on this issue, he pointed out, "This is an international matter. We can be a part of the discussion if the Indian government wants us. But we cannot start it."

The Tripura chief minister stated that he was optimistic about an immediate launch of the bus service between Agartala and Dhaka. "I am sure it will start by the middle of this year."

Asked what he thinks about use of roads in Bangladesh for a transit to Tripura, Sarkar said, "We surely want that. Tripura is hemmed in by Bangladesh on three sides. But then you cannot only think of us. Bangladesh also has certain opinions regarding transit. Their opinions and proposals will also have to be considered.

"But if transit does take place it will really be beneficial to us. We just cannot demand the rights for transit. We have to consider the merits and demerits. And above all, we have to see to it that the interest of Bangladesh is never hampered."

He was also admitted that Awami League leaders like Joynal Hazari and Shamim Osman had taken refuge in Tripura immediately after the change of government in Dhaka. "They were in Tripura for sometime last year. But at present we have no idea about their whereabouts," he concluded.