New Delhi, Sept 15: Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk today said he had invited militants operating in North-Eastern states from Bhutanes soil for a dialogue to resolve the insurgency problem. "I have written letters to the representatives of these organisations to come to Thimpu so that this issue could be resolved through dialogue," he told reporters after the ceremonial welcome for him was shifted indoors due to heavy downpour. The King who was received by President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and senior officials and diplomats said that as long as both governments show a resolve and "if they are together on this, I am confident that there could be a solution to the problem." The King, who arrived here yesterday on a five-day state visit will call on the president and have a meeting with vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

India's assistance to the ninth five year plan of Bhutan will also come up during the parleys.

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He will also have meetings with Advani, Sinha, Finance Minister Jaswant Singh and Power Minister Anant Geete.
During his visit, India and Bhutan, will sign a memorandum of understanding for the preparation of a detailed project report on Punatsangchhu hydroelectric project.

The project, with an estimated generation capacity of 870 mw, has been identified for implementation under the 10th five year plan of India. Wangchuk is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Bhutanese Foreign Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk.

Bureau Report