Three top ULFA leaders ‘killed’ in Myanmar, India denies involvement in attack

The Assam-based insurgent group claims 19 died in cross-border attack

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has said three of its senior leaders have been reportedly killed in Myanmar in a drone strike that the banned armed separatist group claims was carried out by the Indian military.

India has denied the claim.

The Assam-based insurgent group issued multiple statements on Sunday, alleging that Indian forces conducted drone attacks targeting their eastern headquarters in Myanmar, the NDTV reported.

According to ULFA, the strikes killed 19 members and injured another 19.

The NDTV reported that these statements were shared with the Press Trust of India (PTI).

ULFA claimed the attack took place early Sunday, between 2am and 4am, targeting several camps stretching from Longwa near Nagaland’s border to Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh.

In its first statement, ULFA said its Lt Col Nayan Medhi was killed. A later statement added that Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradeep Asom had also died in the attack.

The group further alleged that the Indian military used Israeli and French drones in the assault. However, NDTV pointed out that India does not operate any French-made drones.

Colonel Mahendra Rawat, spokesperson for the Indian Army’s Guwahati-based public relations wing, dismissed the allegation, saying: “The Indian Army has no information of any such operation.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also denied state involvement. Citing him, local outlet Pratidin Time reported that Assam police played no role and no attack originated from Indian territory.