New Delhi: The Indian Army has denied carrying out drone attacks on the eastern headquarters of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) in Myanmar.
On Sunday, ULFA-I claimed that its eastern headquarters in Myanmar had been targeted by the Indian Army with drones in the early hours. In a press statement, the proscribed outfit alleged that 19 of its cadres were killed and another 19 injured in the cross-border strikes.
Reports suggest that senior ULFA-I commander Nayan Medhi was among those killed in the attack. Additionally, some cadres from Manipuri insurgent groups, including the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF)—the political wing of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur—who were present at the camp were also reportedly killed or injured.
However, the Indian Army has officially denied these claims. Speaking to IANS from Guwahati, Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence Guwahati, stated, "There are no inputs with the Indian Army on such an operation."
ULFA-I, led by Paresh Barua, is now reportedly left with only one senior functionary, Arunodoy Dohotiya, who remains in Myanmar. Another senior commander, Rupom Asom, who operated from Myanmar camps, was arrested by Assam Police in May.
Sources have indicated that Barua, who is believed to have strong ties with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was reportedly residing in the border areas of China, Myanmar, and India (Arunachal Pradesh), is currently at the lowest point of his militant career.
Individuals familiar with the situation told IANS that the attacks on ULFA-I headquarters may be the result of infighting among these banned outfits.
Myanmar, currently governed by the Tatmadaw (Army), has been experiencing a surge in attacks by various militant groups. The India-Myanmar border has frequently been used by proscribed outfits like ULFA-I to establish camps.
The ongoing conflict near the border remains a serious concern for the Indian security establishment. In May 2025, at least 10 militants were killed during an encounter with security forces near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur's Chandel district.
(inputs from IANS)