Notwithstanding the claim of the Bhutan Government, the ULFA leadership has reportedly refused to quit the Bhutan soils completely. The Bhutan Government has set a deadline till December-end for the militant group to vacate its camps.

 But it is learnt that the ULFA leadership had refused to abide by the instructions of the Bhutan Government causing problems among the people of the Himalayan kingdom. Reports available suggest that the ULFA has decided to close down only three camps located in various parts of Bhutan instead of going for complete shifting. The ULFA was willing to relocate other camps, the sources informed.

 There are as many as 27 camps in Bhutan of which 14 belong to the ULFA while the rest have been set up by the NDFB. Out of the 14 camps, the ULFA has agreed to close down only three. Sources informed that in view of pressure mounted by the Royal Government, the ULFA is trying to strengthen its base in Bangladesh. The four militant groups of the North-East — ULFA, NDFB, PLA and NLFT — have of late been setting up several camps in bordering areas of Bangladesh, being encouraged after Khaleda Zia’s return to power. 

 The ULFA has been operating from the country since 1991. The central headquarters (CHQ) of the outfit is located in and around the Samdrup Jongkhar district comprising about 200 cadres.  The ULFA was also trying to strengthen its base in the bordering areas of Meghalaya in a bid to sneak into Bangladesh. In recent times, the ULFA is facing problem to operate from Bhutanese soil. Apart from the Royal Government’s pressure, the militant outfit is finding it difficult also following the Centre’s move to deploy BSF.
     
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