Recent reports indicate that three senior members of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), a separatist group in northeastern India, have been killed in what the group claims were cross-border strikes by the Indian Army on their camps in Myanmar. The incident has sparked controversy, with the ULFA-I vowing retaliation, while the Indian Army has denied involvement.

According to ULFA-I, the attacks occurred on Sunday in areas near the border with Myanmar, close to Longwa in Nagaland and Pangsai Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. The group stated that the initial attack involved over 150 drones, allegedly manufactured in Israel and France, which targeted multiple mobile camps between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. This initial strike resulted in the death of Lieutenant General Nayan Medhi, also known as Nayan Asom, and wounded 19 others.

In a subsequent statement, ULFA-I claimed that two more leaders, Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom, were killed in follow-up missile attacks. These attacks reportedly occurred while the last rites for Nayan Asom were being carried out, resulting in injuries to several officers, cadres, and civilians. ULFA-I has strongly condemned the actions, describing them as "brutal and unprovoked aggression" by "Indian occupational forces" and has vowed to retaliate. The group further alleged that the Indian Army operations in the area across the border were continuing as of Sunday morning.

However, the Indian Ministry of Defence has denied any involvement in the reported strikes, stating that there were no confirmed reports of drone or missile strikes in Myanmar. Despite the Indian Army's denial, ULFA-I maintains its claims of the attacks, reporting that camps belonging to another rebel group, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), were also targeted.

The reported strikes have heightened tensions in the region, with concerns raised over potential violations of sovereignty and international law. Some regional observers have warned that such cross-border military actions could destabilize relations between India and its neighbors. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging both countries to avoid escalation.

ULFA-I is one of several insurgent groups operating in northeastern India, seeking independence for the state of Assam. The group has ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties with minorities across the border in Myanmar, where they maintain a presence. While one faction of ULFA laid down arms and signed a peace deal with the Indian government in 2023, the ULFA-I faction continues to pursue its separatist goals. Separatist attacks in the region have decreased in recent years, but the decades-long violence has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily civilians.