OPERATION ALL CLEAR – DEFENCE & SECURITY

News: Bhutan King’s India visit: Recalling Operation All Clear, which Bhutan launched against Assam’s insurgent groups

 

What's in the news?

       Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi today after a historic three-day visit to Assam.

       Despite the 265.8 km border shared by Assam and Bhutan, this marked the first visit of a Bhutanese monarch to the state.

 

“Operation All Clear”:

       It was a military operation conducted by the Royal Bhutan Army against Assam separatist insurgent groups in the southern regions of Bhutan between December 15, 2003 and January 3, 2004.

       It was the first operation ever conducted by the Royal Bhutan Army.

 

Targeted Groups:

       The operation was aimed at combating Assam separatist groups that had set up camps in Bhutan. These groups included the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF), and Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO).

 

Significance:

       The operation resulted in the destruction of rebel encampments and the expulsion of the remaining rebels, marking a Bhutanese victory.

       The operation was part of a broader effort to maintain peace and stability in the region