ULFA-I Alleges Drone Strikes on Myanmar Base; Indian Army Denies Involvement

New Delhi – The Indian Army has denied claims made by the banned militant group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) that drone strikes were carried out on its eastern headquarters located in Myanmar.

On Sunday, ULFA-I released a statement alleging that its Myanmar base had been targeted by Indian Army drones in the early hours of the day. The group claimed that 19 of its cadres were killed and another 19 injured in what it described as cross-border drone attacks.

According to reports, a senior ULFA-I commander, Nayan Medhi, was among those killed. The group also claimed casualties among members of allied insurgent outfits from Manipur, including the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) — the political wing of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) — who were reportedly present at the camp.

In response, the Indian Army strongly refuted these allegations. Speaking to IANS from Guwahati, Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence Guwahati, said, “There are no inputs with the Indian Army regarding such an operation.”

ULFA-I, led by Paresh Barua, has seen a significant decline in its strength in recent years. With Barua reportedly operating in the border regions between China, Myanmar, and India (particularly Arunachal Pradesh), sources indicate that his influence is at an all-time low. Barua is also believed to maintain links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

The group has now been reduced to only one senior leader, Arunodoy Dohotiya, still based in Myanmar, after another top commander, Rupom Asom, was arrested by Assam Police in May.

Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the reported attack could be the result of internal rifts or infighting among militant factions, rather than a coordinated cross-border operation by Indian forces.

Myanmar, currently under military rule by the Tatmadaw, continues to witness rising militant activity. Several insurgent groups, including ULFA-I, have taken advantage of the unstable environment and porous India-Myanmar border to establish camps in the region.

Cross-border militancy remains a pressing concern for Indian security forces. In May 2025, at least 10 militants were killed in an encounter near the India-Myanmar border in Manipur’s Chandel district, further highlighting the volatility of the region.

With inputs from IANS