As Bhutan is turning the heat on ULFA, the move is being described as a mutual admiration society of sorts for mutual benefit.

NEW evidence is surfacing to suggest a close nexus between ULFA and Maoist rebels of Nepal.  It is a mutual admiration society of sorts for mutual benefit, say cynics. The outfits have set up common training camps in the Terai region, as Bhutan is turning the heat on Ulfa. The Bhutanese Government had set June 30 as deadline for the Ulfa militants to close down their nine camps and leave.. Though the ULFA has not complied with the notice, it has, nonetheless, been forced to look for alternative sites.

According to informed sources, Ulfa has established links with the Nepalese Maoists through members of the minority Nepali community in southern Bhutan who have taken shelter in Nepal as refugees. Some of those refugees have been in touch with the Maoists.. About a decade ago, these people had launched an agitation against the Bhutanese Government.

The sources stated that the Maoists are trying to organise themselves along Ulfa lines. They are also banking on the ULFA to tide over their financial problems. That suits the Ulfa well enough as they now have an alternative supply and communication route..

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