Bhutan has promised action against guerrillas fighting the Indian authorities from its territory.

The Home Minister, Thinley Gyamtsho, said Bhutan was determined to evict Assamese guerrillas but would only consider Indian military support if absolutely necessary.

He gave no details of Bhutan's plans.

Indian military officials have said it will not be easy to dislodge the heavily armed fighters.

Guerrilla groups who have bases in southern Bhutan include the United Liberation Front of Assam ULFA, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland and the Bodoland Liberation Tigers Force.

A ULFA leader Paresh Barua has warned of what he called dire consequences if rebel bases are attacked by the Bhutanese or Indian military.