According to ULFA’s press release, on January 8, a drone attack took place in the deep forests of Myanmar, allegedly targeting a camp linked with the United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent), or ULFA(I).
Two ULFA(I) cadres were hurt in the attack, which was carried out from the air from the Indian territory side, according to the release, which was signed by ULFA(I) captain Rumel Assam, in command of the organization’s media wing.
According to sources, Paresh Baruah’s ULFA(I) claimed that the Indian Army was responsible for the attacks. Moreover, the camp in Myanmar is one of many that act as bases for cross-border operations into India, giving new recruits training grounds and housing.
Reportedly, the initial drone attack happened at 4.10 AM, followed by another at 4.12 AM and the third at 4.20 AM. The drones emerged in the Arunachal Pradesh border region. While the third one did not explode, the first two did. A total of two ulfa members were injured.
Despite other factions holding discussions, the commander-in-chief of the ULFA(I), Paresh Baruah, has remained consistent in his resistance to peace talks with the Indian government. Due to its connections to other rebel groups in Myanmar and the Northeast, the group has been able to survive in part because of outside assistance.
Assam and the neighbouring areas continue to experience unstable conditions, despite the Indian government’s persistent attempts to negotiate peace agreements with rebel factions. But ULFA(I)’s existence in Myanmar and their apparent ability to conduct assaults from across the border highlight the continuous difficulties in establishing long-term security and stability in the area.
The organisation argues that, “by taking such measures, if the Indian state hopes to throw off the organization’s ideologies, then they are in false hopes and beliefs”. The ULFA(I) pledges to keep working towards its objectives until they’re achieved.
In contrast to ULFA(I), however, neither the government of New Delhi nor that of Myanmar has confirmed the accuracy of this report. Paresh Barua has been silent about the incident as well. A few days prior, India and the pro-talks faction of ULFA signed a peace accord. Not too long afterward, Paresh Baruah—who is currently managing ULFA(I) from overseas carefully avoided using the term sovereign and made media suggestions regarding a potential political history-based discussion. It is significant that ULFA(I) claimed it was targeted by drones from the Indian Army while it was in the Myanmar camp.