Indian Army denies ULFA-I claim of drone strike on Myanmar camp

The Indian Army on Sunday (July 13) denied carrying out drone attacks on the eastern headquarters of the banned insurgent group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) in neighbouring Myanmar, rejecting claims made by the outfit.

Earlier in the day, ULFA-I alleged that the Indian Army had launched cross-border drone strikes on its base in Myanmar in the early hours, killing 19 cadres and injuring another 19.

Reports also suggested that senior ULFA-I commander Nayan Medhi was among those killed, alongside members of other northeastern insurgent outfits, including cadres from the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of Manipur.

However, the Indian Army dismissed the allegations.

“There are no inputs with the Indian Army on such an operation,” IANS quoted Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, PRO Defence Guwahati, as saying.

More from World

Over 500 civilians, troops flee to Thailand after ethnic fighters attack Myanmar border base To get a better perspective on the ongoing instability in Manipur, turn your attention to catastrophic crises in Myanmar

ULFA-I, led by Paresh Barua, has seen its leadership ranks significantly thinned in recent months. With the reported death of Medhi and the earlier arrest of senior commander Rupom Asom by Assam Police in May, only one key figure—Arunodoy Dohotiya—is believed to remain active in Myanmar.

Barua, who is said to have longstanding ties with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is reportedly operating near the tri-junction of China, Myanmar, and India’s Arunachal Pradesh. According to sources, he is currently at the “lowest point” of his insurgent activity.

IANS cited people familiar with IANS as saying that the reported attacks could stem from internal rivalries among banned insurgent groups operating along the India-Myanmar border.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Trump urges Nato to back sanctions on Russia, calls for 50–100% tariffs on China

Myanmar’s military-ruled government, led by the Tatmadaw, is facing ongoing conflict with various armed groups, and its porous border with India continues to be used by proscribed outfits like ULFA-I to establish camps.

The fighting in the region remains a significant concern for Indian security agencies. In May 2025, at least 10 militants were killed in a gun battle with Indian forces near the Myanmar border in Manipur’s Chandel district.