ULFA-I Claims Drone Hit in Myanmar; Indian Army Denies

ULFA-I Claims Drone Strike by Indian Army Killed 19 Cadres in Myanmar, Army Denies Involvement

The banned militant outfit **United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I)** on Sunday alleged that its Eastern headquarters in **Myanmar** was targeted by **drone attacks**, which it claimed were carried out by the **Indian Army**. According to a press release issued by the group, the strikes resulted in the death of **19 cadres**, while another **19 were injured**.

 Indian Army Denies Allegation

The Indian Army, however, has **denied any involvement** in the alleged drone strike. Speaking to IANS, **Lt Col Mahendra Rawat**, PRO Defence Guwahati, stated, *“There are no inputs with the Indian Army on such an operation.”*

Senior ULFA-I Commander Reportedly Killed

Unconfirmed reports cited by IANS suggest that **senior ULFA-I commander Nayan Medhi** may have been among those killed in the alleged drone strike. Members of **other northeast insurgent groups**, including the **Revolutionary People's Front (RPF)**—the political wing of Manipur's **People's Liberation Army (PLA)**—were also reportedly present at the targeted camp and may have suffered casualties or injuries.

 Internal Infighting Suspected

While ULFA-I has blamed the Indian Army, sources familiar with the situation suggested that the strike may have resulted from **internal conflict or power struggles** among various **insurgent groups operating out of Myanmar**. Infighting within these outfits has long been a feature of militant dynamics in the region.

 ULFA-I’s Myanmar Nexus

ULFA-I, under the leadership of **Paresh Baruah**, has maintained a stronghold in Myanmar’s border regions. Following recent arrests—including that of commander **Rupom Asom** in May 2025—the outfit has reportedly been weakened, with only one senior leader, **Arunodoy Dohotiya**, believed to be currently active in Myanmar.

Baruah is also reported to have **close ties with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)** and is suspected to be moving between **border areas of China, Myanmar, and Arunachal Pradesh**.

 Militancy in Myanmar’s Border Regions

The India-Myanmar border continues to be a hotspot for insurgent activity, especially amid Myanmar’s ongoing political turmoil under the military junta (Tatmadaw). In **May 2025**, at least **10 militants were killed** in a gunfight with Indian security forces in **Chandel district** of Manipur, highlighting the volatility of the region.

The recent developments underscore growing concerns for Indian security forces regarding **cross-border insurgency** and the **use of Myanmar’s territory by banned outfits** as a safe haven.

(*With inputs from IANS*)