Question : SHIFTING OF BASE BY MILITANTS

(a) whether the militants and Islamic extremists in Pakistan have decided to shift their base in Bangladesh as reported in the `Hindustan Times` dated 17.2.2002;

(b) if so, whether the Bangladeshi militant groups are helping the Pak militants in Kashmir;

(c) if so, the facts in this regard;

(d) whether the Government have taken up the matter with the Bangladesh Government;

(e) if so, the reaction of Bangladesh Government thereto; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to deal with the situation?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( SHRI CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO )

(a): Government is aware of the news report. However, there is no specific input about the dispersal of militants and Islamic extremists from Pakistan to Bangladesh.

(b) & (c): Government has received certain reports which indicate that fundamentalist elements/terrorists of Bangladesh are helping the terrorist outfits operating in J&K. Outfits such as Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba etc. have been using Bangladesh for logistical support and transit of men and materials etc.

(d) to (f): The Government has raised the issue of militants operating from Bangladesh against the interest of India at various official meetings, fora and through official demarches. The Government of Bangladesh has been categorically stating that it would not allow its territory to be used for terrorism or against the interest of another friendly country.