Insurgent groups operating in the northeast have been reportedly augmenting their armoury by acquiring arms from China and routing them through Myanmar, the Lok Sabha was today informed.

Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran replied with a "no" when asked whether the government has received information regarding assistance provided by China to separatist groups involved in large-scale violence that took place in the northeastern states in recent years.

"However, there are reports that the insurgent groups operating in the north eastern states of India have been augmenting their armoury by acquiring arms from China and Sino-Myanmar border towns and routing them through Myanmar. There are no confirmed reports to suggest that the insurgent groups are receiving funds from China," he said in a written reply.

"The government of India has taken up the matter with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels. The Chinese government has conveyed that it would never support armed groups that are against the government of India.

"The Chinese foreign ministry has stated that the Chinese government always adhered to the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs and they do not support any anti-government forces in India," Ramachandran said.

"India and China have an annual counter-terrorism dialogue under which the two sides discuss all such issues. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it," he said.