News Reporter
ULFA‑I alleges three top leaders killed in air raid; officials dismiss reports, cite no cross-border action
Guwahati / Dibrugarh, July 13, 2025
In a dramatic development that has stirred speculation across the Northeast, the banned outfit United Liberation Front of Asom‑Independent (ULFA‑I) claimed on Sunday that an Indian Army drone strike targeted its hideout in Myanmar, killing at least three senior leaders and injuring several others.
However, the Indian Army has categorically denied any involvement, stating that no military action was undertaken across the international border. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also stated that no information regarding such an operation has been confirmed by state agencies or the Army.
ULFA‑I’s Statement: What the Group Claims
In a statement issued in Assamese, ULFA‑I claimed that combat drones and missiles were used to carry out a pre-dawn attack between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. IST on a camp located in Myanmar’s Sagaing region.
According to the group, the following top commanders were killed:
-
Lt Gen Nayan Medhi (alias Nayan Asom), alleged eastern command chief
-
Brig Ganesh Asom
-
Col Pradip Asom
ULFA‑I further alleged that at least 19 cadres sustained injuries during the strikes. The group has vowed to retaliate, warning civilians to stay away from Indian security installations.
Government and Army Denials
The Indian Army's Eastern Command, through spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, dismissed the claims, stating:
“There are no inputs or confirmation of any drone strike or cross-border military action conducted by Indian forces.”
Echoing the Army’s stance, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters:
“There is no verified report of any such operation. We are looking into the matter, but nothing has been confirmed.”
Defence experts, while noting India’s history of covert cross-border operations against insurgent groups (notably in 2015 and 2019), stated that any action inside Myanmar would require a high-level clearance and likely coordination with the country’s military regime.
Why Myanmar Is Strategic for Insurgent Groups
-
Sanctuaries for NE Militants: Myanmar’s remote Sagaing and Kachin regions have long served as hideouts for insurgent groups like ULFA‑I, NSCN‑K, and others.
-
Border Porosity: India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km porous border, making surveillance and military operations logistically complex.
-
Current Instability: The ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar since the 2021 military coup has weakened governance in border areas, enabling both insurgent mobility and potential clandestine actions.
Claims vs. Confirmation: Where Things Stand
| Reported Claim | Verification Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Drone and missile strike occurred | ❌ Unverified | Only ULFA‑I statement, no independent media proof |
| Death of three senior ULFA‑I leaders | ❌ Unconfirmed | Names shared by ULFA‑I, not verified independently |
| Indian Army conducted the operation | ❌ Officially Denied | Denial from both Army and Assam government |
| 19 cadres injured | ❌ No official medical or local data | No hospital confirmation or visual evidence available |
Security and Diplomatic Implications
-
Tighter Security in Assam: Security forces have increased surveillance in Assam’s eastern districts, especially along highways and riverine routes, amid fears of retaliatory attacks by ULFA‑I.
-
Diplomatic Sensitivities: A confirmed Indian military strike in Myanmar could strain diplomatic relations with Naypyidaw, already under pressure from regional instability and refugee outflows.
-
Insurgent Setback?: If confirmed, the loss of top ULFA‑I leadership—especially Lt Gen Nayan Medhi, considered a key military strategist—could be a major setback for the group.
Editorial Note
While ULFA‑I’s claims have generated headlines, no independent verification has emerged so far. Given the sensitive geopolitical context, it is essential for the media and public to refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports that could inflame tensions in border regions or disrupt peace efforts in Assam.