Burma 'to fight India militants'

Burma will launch military operations soon against Indian separatists based in the country's western Sagaing Division, Indian officials say.

The statement came after a meeting between border officials from both countries.

Correspondents say separatists have been using Burma as a staging ground for attacks against India for years.

A number of separatist groups are fighting in India's north-eastern border regions.

"We have been given a firm assurance that the Burmese military is mobilising additional troops to attack these bases along India's long border with Burma," an unnamed official at the meeting in Burma said.

Indian Home Secretary Mr. V K Duggal and Burmese Deputy Home Minister Brigadier General Phon Shwe led the delegations of their countries.

Indian officials say that recently Burmese forces have only targeted Naga separatists.

"We told them that the bases of the Manipuri and the Assamese rebels also should be attacked" a senior official accompanying Mr Duggal told the BBC.