ULFA‑I Alleges Major Drone and Missile Strikes on Camps Across Myanmar Border; Army Denies Any Such Operation

A map showing locations in Myanmar's Sagaing Region where Indian Army drones struck ULFA-I camps. Self-styled commander Nayan Asom was reportedly killed in the strikes. Courtesy & source: https://newsarenaindia.com

KalimNews, Guwahati, July 13, 2025 : The banned United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent (ULFA‑I) claimed on Sunday that drone and missile strikes by the Indian Army targeted multiple mobile camps along the Myanmar border between 2 am and 4 am, resulting in the death of senior leaders and injuring nearly 20 cadres. In a detailed press release, the outfit alleged that over 150 drones—manufactured in Israel and France—were deployed in the assaults, spanning regions from Longwa in Nagaland to Pangsai Pass in Arunachal Pradesh  

ULFA‑I identified Lieutenant General Nayan Asom (alias Nayan Medhi), chair of its lower council, as one of those killed. It further alleged that while his burial rites were underway, missile strikes were directed at the gathering, killing Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom, and wounding several officers, cadres, and civilians A spokesperson added that ULFA‑I “vowed to give a befitting reply” to the operation .

However, the Indian Army has rejected the claims in strong terms. Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat, Defence spokesperson in Guwahati, confirmed to PTI that “there are no inputs with the Indian Army of such an operation” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also dismissed allegations of involvement by state security forces or operations originating from Assam soil, stating “Assam Police is not involved in this incident. There has been no strike from the soil of Assam” 

This report marks the second time ULFA‑I claims drone attacks on its Myanmar camps since 2024. In January last year, a similar allegation surfaced, alleging minor drone strikes against its base. ULFA‑I, led by Paresh Baruah and refusing peace talks unless Assam sovereignty is conceded, continues to operate from camps inside Myanmar alongside groups like Manipur’s Revolutionary People’s Front.

Security experts note the India–Myanmar border has become a flashpoint for counter‑insurgency efforts amid the volatile situation in Myanmar post‑coup, with several insurgent outfits utilizing camps near the border . India increasingly relies on aerial surveillance and intelligence to monitor these cross‑border movements, though official confirmation of any counter‑strike remains absent.

With both sides presenting sharply conflicting narratives, the situation remains tense. ULFA‑I’s claims indicate a substantial escalation in its declaration of armed resistance, while the Army’s denial underscores a possibly cautious approach to overt military involvement across international borders. The absence of evidence or third‑party confirmation means independent verification remains inconclusive.

As tensions simmer, observers suggest the coming days may see renewed scrutiny of India’s cross‑border counter‑insurgency strategy. Until then, the claims and disclaimers will continue to shape political debates, security assessments, and regional stability analysis.