ULFA (I) claims major losses in a covert drone attack near the Myanmar border; questions raised over India’s military involvement and regional security strategy
ULFA (I) Claims Drone Strike by Indian Forces in Myanmar
On Sunday, 13th July, some exciting news came to the forefront of the country.
ULFA (I)—a group that wants to break India and separate Assam from it—posted a press release on social media.
They claimed that the Indian Army had launched a major drone attack on them. This was a significant strike, and according to ULFA (I), they were hiding in Myanmar at the time.
ULFA (I) Bases Near Myanmar Border
If we look at the map, we can locate Assam state, and near the Myanmar border, ULFA (I) members are known to stay hidden.
These militants have frequently attacked government officers, police officials, and security personnel in Assam.
Suddenly, ULFA (I) emerged and claimed that they had suffered a major drone strike.
Indian Army Responds with Silence
When multiple journalists approached the Indian Army to confirm whether India had conducted a surgical strike in Myanmar (not Pakistan this time), the Army quietly responded:
“We cannot say anything about this.”
It appeared they did not want to glorify the event publicly.
ULFA (I) Reports Heavy Losses
ULFA (I) claimed significant damage, including the death of a senior leader.
Despite this, India maintained complete silence on the matter.
If you’re thinking, “I’ve heard of ULFA, but what is ULFA (I)?” — Here’s the distinction.
Difference Between ULFA and ULFA (I)
There is a clear difference between ULFA and ULFA (I):
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ULFA is ready for dialogue with the Indian government regarding Assam’s rights.
It has dropped its demand for Assam’s separation from India. -
ULFA (I), where the “I” stands for Independence, is led by Paresh Barua.
This group has openly demanded Assam’s separation from India.
Lack of Local Support for ULFA (I) in Assam
ULFA (I) does not enjoy much support within Assam.
Many residents—visible even in online comment sections—identify as proud Indians.
If you travel to Assam, you’ll feel the patriotism.
The majority population has no desire to separate from India.
Operational Network Across Northeast and Myanmar
Despite limited support, ULFA (I) still exists and operates actively.
Over the years, it has established a presence in:
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Arunachal Pradesh
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Nagaland
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Several regions of Myanmar
They have collaborated with militant groups like
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NSCN
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NDFB
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Various Manipuri insurgent outfits
Pakistan’s ISI and Chinese Support
According to intelligence reports, Pakistan’s ISI funds ULFA (I) and provides resources.
In multiple cases, Chinese-made weapons have been recovered after their militants were killed.
India has consistently told Myanmar that ULFA (I) members hide in the Sagaing region.
Cross-Border Escapes and Rebuilding Attacks
Whenever ULFA (I) suffers attacks within India, they escape into Myanmar’s jungles.
There, they regroup and rebuild and launch fresh attacks.
Major Drone Strike in Myanmar’s Jungles
In recent news, ULFA (I) operatives hiding in Myanmar’s jungles were hit by a massive drone strike.
Reports claim
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100+ drones were deployed
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The entire sky was filled with drones
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Loitering munitions were dropped continuously
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Many ULFA (I) members were killed in the operation
ULFA (I) stated in their release that their leader, “Nayan Asom”, was killed.
Yet, India remains officially silent.
No confirmation has come from the Indian side regarding this alleged strike in Myanmar.
Does Myanmar protect ULFA (I)?
This leads to a key question:
Is Myanmar protecting ULFA (I) operatives?
Since 2010, Myanmar has officially maintained that it wants to help India capture Paresh Barua.
They have even shared intelligence in the past.
Myanmar’s Internal Conflict Weakens Cooperation
However, Myanmar is now internally unstable.
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Military rule continues
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Several rebel groups have emerged
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A civil war is ongoing against the regime
Myanmar no longer feels secure or in full control.
The situation is genuinely disheartening to observe.
Missed Strategic Opportunities for India
If Myanmar had remained stable, India could have:
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Developed its North Eastern region
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Easily neutralized separatist groups like ULFA (I)
But the current instability in Myanmar—due to civil war and a power struggle—has complicated cooperation.
India–Myanmar–Thailand Highway Dream
India has long held a 23-year-old dream—to build the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
This route would:
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Connect India to Myanmar and Thailand
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Greatly boost trade with ASEAN countries
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Expand tourism
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Transform the Northeast’s economy
Trade and ASEAN Agreement Hopes
India already has a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN.
Although Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has recently suggested that it needs to be revised,
The economic potential remains strong.
Unfortunately, China and Pakistan fund separatist outfits like ULFA (I),
leading to long-term economic setbacks for India.
Recent Surrender of ULFA (I) Militants
There is positive news too —
Several ULFA (I) militants have recently surrendered.
Their surrender has led to the discovery of critical intelligence, such as
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Explosives hidden in jungles
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Recently, 30 kilos of explosives were recovered
Was It a Secret Covert Operation?
The drone strike has caused heavy losses for ULFA (I).
But the key question remains:
Who carried out the strike?
The Indian Army denies involvement.
Could it be that India’s secret agencies conducted a covert operation?
That remains unconfirmed as of now.