China not to shelter insurgents from N-E

Taking note of reports that some Indian insurgents may move northward from Bhutan and enter Chinese territory to seek shelter, China today assured India that it will closely monitor the situation and not allow its territory to be used by anybody for activities against other countries.

Beijing’s response came after New Delhi drew the attention of Chinese Embassy here to media reports about a letter addressed to the Chinese Government by United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) requesting safe passage through its territory for members of insurgent groups seeking to escape the mopping up operations being carried against them out by the Royal Bhutan Army.

‘‘The embassy was requested to convey this information to the Chinese Government for appropriate action,’’ External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters here.

In its response, the Chinese Government said it attaches ‘‘great importance’’ to the development of friendly and cooperative relations with India, Sarna said. It was conveyed to New Delhi that ‘‘China has always followed the policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and will not allow its territory to be used by anybody for activities against other countries,’’ Sarna said.