The ‘vitiated’ atmosphere in the wake of the Uri terror attack is said to be stated as one of Bhutan’s primary reasons for pulling out of the Saarc summit, reports PTI. The nation conveyed the decision to the Saarc chair in Nepal, supporting India’s national interest.
“We also share concerns of Bangladesh, India and Afghanistan about deteriorating peace. We have also conveyed that as far as India’s national interest is concerned, we are very clear that we will support India where its national interest lies,” Bhutan is believed to have conveyed to Nepal.
In 2003, Bhutan had destroyed military camps of ULFA, Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), all detrimental to Indian security concerns.
The Himalayan nation had said that terrorism emanating from Pakistan was a matter of concern for South Asia and affected peace and stability in Bhutan as well, sources told PTI.
The SAARC Summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November, had to be postponed after five member states of the grouping, including India, Bangladesh and Bhutan, decided against attending the meet following the terrorist attack on an Indian army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in which 19 soldiers were killed.
