Vajpayee hails Bhutan for military action

Bhutans’ operation to flush out Indian insurgents came in for special praise at the SAARC summit, with Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee today saying the ‘‘courageous’’ action was an ‘‘outstanding example’’ of the country’s sensitivity to the security concerns of a neighbour.

‘‘I would like to draw attention to the courageous action taken by His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and his Government against insurgent groups, which were tying to use Bhutanese territory to launch terrorist activities in India,’’ he said.

‘‘It is an outstanding example of sensitivity to the security concerns of a neighbour, which is at the same time in the direct long-term security interest of Bhutan itself.’’ Bhutan’s PM L. Jigme Y. Thinley said almost all leaders of ULFA, NDFB and KLO operating from its territory have been apprehended, while others continue to surrender.