The banned militant group, United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I), alleged that the Indian Army conducted drone strikes on its camps near the Myanmar border on Sunday, resulting in the death of a senior leader. However, there has been no confirmation of such events by the Indian armed forces.
ULFA Claims Drone Attacks
In a press statement, ULFA (I) claimed that several mobile camps were attacked by drones early Sunday. The organization claimed that a senior leader was killed and approximately 19 others were injured. When contacted, a defense spokesperson told PTI that there is no knowledge of any such attack. Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat said, 'The Indian Army has no information regarding any such operation.'
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Reports suggest the organization claimed more than 150 drones were used in the attack. The organization mentioned the death of its lieutenant general, Nayan Asom, alongside the injury of 19 others. In another press release, ULFA-I claimed that two more leaders, Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradeep Asom, were killed in subsequent missile attacks.
Military Rejects Claims
Led by Paresh Baruah, ULFA (I) is not part of the peace agreement with India. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles stated they have no information on strikes in the neighboring country, which has been embroiled in civil unrest since the military coup in February 2021. Indian armed forces are deployed to secure the approximately 1,643 kilometers long India-Myanmar border.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented on ULFA (I)’s statement, noting that Assam Police is not involved, and no attack was launched from Assam. Defense officials typically issue statements following such incidents, but there have been no statements this time.
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ULFA (I) remains Assam’s sole militant group that has not entered into any peace agreement with the government or disbanded. The group has refused ceasefire talks unless the government agrees to discuss Assam's sovereignty. The central government banned the militant group in 1990, shortly after its inception in 1979.
ULFA (I) Not Part of Peace Agreement
Recently, a tripartite peace agreement was signed between the Central Government, Assam Government, and ULFA. It was the first instance in 40 years that an armed militant organization signed a peace agreement. However, the radical faction of ULFA (I), led by Paresh Baruah, declined to participate.
The division of ULFA occurred in 2010, leading to two factions. One group, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, was in favor of negotiations with the government, while the other, led by Paresh Baruah, was opposed to talks.
