THIMPU - Enhancing security along the Indo-Bhutan border to check infiltration of Indian insurgent groups and anti-social elements into Bhutanese territory was one of the issues discussed at the 17th border districts coordination meeting (BDCM) in Thimphu on November 18 between Bhutanese officials and a delegation from the Indian state of West Bengal.

During the meeting, the Indian delegation expressed their commitment to beef up security and check infiltration at a time when Bhutan was gearing up for its first general election.

"We will not let any insurgent groups use our territory for any anti-social movements," said IAS Commissioner, Jalpaiguri division, Mr B L Meena.

The meeting also supported the proposal of further widening the clearance from the Phuentsholing gate up to the Jaigaon Police station to make it easier to monitor the movement of people and traffic.

Home ministry's joint secretary, Dasho Tshering Wangda, said that the removal of taxis, tempos and rickshaws from the Phuentsholing gate had enabled security on both sides of the border to properly monitor the movement of people.

On the matter pertaining to Indo-Bhutan boundary pillars on the Bhutan-West Bengal sector, the Indian delegation submitted that the locations for construction of pillars had been identified and construction would start as soon as possible, after the meeting of the concerned authorities of both countries on November 30.

The meeting also reached an understanding to resolve the issue of the adverse effects of dolomite mining in Pugli-Gomtu, Bhutan, on the rivers of North Bengal.

The chief conservator of forest (North Bengal) Dr S Patel said that Bhutan did not have to close down the mines, but must manage them scientifically with all the necessary measures in place.

"Two chalk mines in Samtse were closed down and additional walls built in other mining areas as measures to curb the adverse effects on the Indian side," said an official of the department of geology and mines, who was part of the Bhutanese delegation to the meeting.

Issues related to curbing poaching and smuggling of forestry products were also discussed at the meeting.

A home ministry official said that the border district committee meetings began in 1991 to provide a forum to discuss border related issues of the two countries.

The minutes of the meeting was signed in Punakha on November 19.