'Burma attacks' Naga rebels bases

By Subir Bhaumik
BBC News, Delhi

A faction of Naga separatist rebels in north-east India say five of their bases in Burma's Sagaing division have come under attack.

A rebel spokesman told the BBC a whole brigade of Burmese troops are closing in on these bases, forcing the rebels to fight a rearguard action.

The Naga rebellion is India's oldest ethnic conflict, going back 40 years. One faction is in peace talks.

The rebels have been campaigning for a separate homeland in the north-east.

The spokesman of the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) said the Burmese troops are firing mortars and light artillery on the bases.

"They are positioning themselves for a frontal infantry assault on these camps. They are now trying to soften us up by mortar and artillery fire," the spokesman, Kughalu Mulatonu, said.

"We are sniping at their patrols, trying to make it difficult to consolidate their positions for the final assault on these camps."

'Major offensive'

He said three NSCN fighters were captured by the Burmese troops and few injured.

It is not know if there are any causalities on the Burmese side.

Mr Mulatonu said the fighting was expected to intensify in the next three to four days.

"This is developing into a major offensive, much bigger than what we faced last summer," he said.

The Khaplang group of the NSCN which has several bases in Burma's border region with India lost several bases during the offensive last summer.

The group later recaptured the bases when the Burmese troops withdrew during monsoon after facing logistical difficulties.

The NSCN was formed in 1981 to carry on an armed insurrection against India that had started in 1956. The group split in 1988.

While one group is negotiating with the Indian government, the other - headed by Burmese Naga leader, S S Khaplang - has announced a ceasefire with the Indian forces.

But its bases in Burma have been attacked at regular intervals by Burmese troops in the past two years.

Thousands have died in the long insurgency.