In a significant cross-border operation, the Indian Army launched a drone strike targeting camps of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), or ULFA-I, in Myanmar, resulting in the deaths of three senior leaders of the outfit. According to a statement released by ULFA-I to media outlets, the attack, carried out from Indian soil in the early hours of July 13, claimed the lives of Lieutenant General Nayan Asom, Brigadier Ganesh Asom, and Colonel Pradeep Asom.
The statement, signed by ULFA-I’s Assistant Secretary of the Publicity Wing, Second Lieutenant Ishan Asom, detailed the sequence of events. It revealed that Lieutenant General Nayan Asom was killed in the initial strike. While his last rites were being performed, the Indian Army allegedly launched a second missile attack, which resulted in the deaths of Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradeep Asom. The outfit has declared all three leaders as ‘Amor Mritak’ (martyrs) and vowed to retaliate against the Indian Army’s actions.
The drone strike targeted four key ULFA-I camps in Myanmar’s remote Sagaing Region, with reports indicating the use of over 100 drones in a coordinated offensive. The operation is seen as a strategic move by the Indian Army to dismantle the insurgent group’s safe havens across the border, amid heightened militant activities in Northeast India, particularly in Assam.
However, the Indian Army has not officially confirmed the operation, with a defense spokesperson stating they have “no inputs” regarding such an action.
The attack has sparked concerns about escalating tensions along the India-Myanmar border. Security forces and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as analysts predict potential repercussions for the security dynamics in Assam and the broader Northeast region. The deaths of these senior ULFA-I leaders, particularly Lieutenant General Nayan Asom, a key strategist, are likely to deal a significant blow to the outfit’s operational capabilities.
