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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Indian army 'capture rebel bases' |
| 2004-11-09 |
| The Indian army says it has captured key rebel bases of a major separatist group in the north-east of the country. The temporary headquarters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) bordering Burma in the remote Indian state of Manipur has been seized, an army spokesman said. The army began a major offensive against the rebel bases last month. The north-east of India is home to many groups who often cross back and forth into neighbouring countries. The PLA is the main target of the ongoing offensive in which 6000 soldiers are believed to be involved. An Indian army spokesman said explosives, ammunition, food and computer equipment had been recovered from what the army suspects was the PLA's temporary headquarters. "This is a major blow to the group," spokesman Major Santanu Dev Goswami told the BBC. He said that the rebels had fled from the bases and "some may have crossed the border into other states". Burma had stationed troops along its side of the border to prevent the rebels from escaping. So far, the action in Manipur has led to the deaths of two Indian soldiers and 20 rebels, Major Goswami said. The army had also captured 59 rebels, he added. About 40 different rebel groups exist in the north-east of India, with many demanding independence for the states they are based in. |
| Posted by:Steve |