Siliguri (WB): The Bhutan government is taking steps to curb activities of Indian militant organisations in the country, the Bhutanese Ambassador to India Lynpo Dago Tshering said on April 19.

The royal government was taking these measures as the country wants to have good relations with New Delhi, Tshering, who was here on the occasion of the first cultural exchange between India and Bhutan, said.

Tshering said there were 20 camps of anti-India militants running in Bhutan, including nine operated by the ULFA.

Of the nine, four were already destroyed by the Bhutan government, he said adding a number of new check posts were also set up at a great expenditure.

Security men have blocked the entry points inside Dooars jungles usually used by militants to enter the Himalayan country, he said.

Besides, Sunday markets inside Bhutan along the international border were also closed by Thimpu, so that militants cannot enter the country on the pretext of a visit to the weekly market.

Some of the measures against the anti-India elements, particularly the closure of the Sunday markets, were causing inconvenience to the local people, he admitted but said, "We are doing this as Bhutan wants a good neighbouring relation with India."

PTI