A recent claim by the United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) has stirred controversy, with the organization alleging that the Indian Army conducted a drone attack on their camps in Myanmar. The Indian Army has denied these claims, leading to a complex situation with conflicting reports.
The Alleged Attack
According to ULFA-I, the attack occurred on a Sunday night between 2 and 4 AM. They claim that over 150 drones of French and Israeli origin were used in the operation. The organization stated that three of their top commanders were killed and 19 others were injured. The alleged attack took place near the border between Nagaland’s Longwa village and Arunachal Pradesh’s Pangsau Pass.
ULFA-I further detailed the attacks, stating they happened in three waves over two hours. The first wave reportedly killed Lieutenant General Nayan Medi. A second drone attack, according to the group, occurred during Medi’s funeral, resulting in the deaths of Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradeep Asom.
Official Response from Indian Authorities
In response to these allegations, the Indian Army has issued a firm denial. Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat, PRO of the Indian Army in Guwahati, stated that there was no information about such an operation. Similarly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the Assam Police were not involved in any such operation and that no operation was conducted on Assam’s territory.
Background on ULFA-I
To understand the context of this claim, it’s important to look at the history of ULFA. The organization was founded in April 1979 by Paresh Barua, Arabinda Rajkhowa, and Anup Chetia with the goal of creating a separate state for the Assamese people. It was banned by the Indian government in 1990 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Around 2011, ULFA split into two factions:
- ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I): Led by Paresh Barua, this faction opposed peace talks with the Indian government and continues to engage in violent anti-India activities. Their camps are now believed to be located across the border in Myanmar.
- ULFA Pro-Talks: Led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, this faction signed a peace accord with the Indian and Assam state governments in December 2023, abandoning violence and embracing democracy.
Previous Incidents The video also highlights previous incidents involving ULFA-I, including a similar claim of an attack on their camps in January of the previous year. In May of the same year, senior ULFA-I commander Rupam Asom was arrested by the Assam Police. Additionally, in November 2023, ULFA-I was responsible for a grenade attack outside an Indian Army camp in Assam.