Fresh visuals, purportedly from Myanmar, have ignited a storm of controversy, showcasing widespread destruction at what are alleged to be camps of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent (ULFA-I). The images circulating depict a scene of utter devastation, with bamboo structures and thatched-roof shelters reduced to splintered debris, painting a grim picture of a powerful assault.
The ULFA(I) has been quick to attribute these alleged strikes to Indian armed forces, asserting that the attacks transpired in the pre-dawn hours of July 13. According to a statement released by the outfit, the targeted locations were its mobile camps situated in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, proximate to the India-Myanmar border. The group further claimed a heavy toll, reporting the demise of three senior leaders and injuries sustained by at least 19 other members in the alleged offensive.
In a detailed statement, the militant organisation identified the deceased as Lieutenant General Nayan Medhi alias Nayan Asom, Brigadier Ganesh Asom, and Colonel Pradip Asom. The ULFA(I) recounted a harrowing sequence of events, alleging that the initial assault occurred during an attempt to rescue two ailing cadres. They further claimed a second, more devastating wave of drone strikes during the funeral rites of Nayan Asom, which, according to them, led to the deaths of the other two prominent leaders.
Adding fuel to the fire, ULFA(I) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah disseminated an audio message to media outlets, vehemently asserting that “the strike was launched from Indian territory using high-precision drones, allegedly of Israeli and French origin.” Baruah did not mince words, directly accusing the Indian Army of dishonesty in their official press statement and vowing to release photographic evidence of the attack within a week. “This attack occurred four times. It is 100% true. We will soon make the proof public,” he claimed, steadfast in his assertion.
Baruah also took the opportunity to dismiss any notion of ongoing dialogue with the Indian government, stating unequivocally, “There have been no talks in the last four years. They keep saying they want peace, but never reach out,” casting a shadow of doubt over any prospects of reconciliation.
In a firm rebuttal, the Indian Army has categorically denied all such allegations. Defence PRO Colonel MS Rawat, speaking from Guwahati, issued a concise statement: “There are no inputs with the Indian Army regarding any such operation,” maintaining the force’s non-involvement.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds the crucial Home Department portfolio, mirrored the Army’s position. “We have not received any official communication from the Centre. The Assam Police was not involved, and no strike was conducted from our soil. All information so far is based solely on Paresh Baruah’s statement,” Sarma clarified, distancing the state from the alleged incident.
The purported strike has, however, ignited sharp criticism from opposition leaders in Assam. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President and Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi questioned the Centre’s conspicuous silence, asking pointedly, “Can a drone strike of this scale take place without the knowledge of top officials, including the Home Minister? Is this another Operation Sindoor or a shadow of the era of secret killings?” his words echoing historical controversies.
Echoing the demand for clarity, Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, called for immediate clarification from both the state and central governments. “Such attacks could jeopardize the fragile peace process initiated in 2023. The public deserves to know who ordered this strike and why,” Saikia urged, highlighting the potential ramifications on regional stability.
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