ULFA (I) Claims Drone Strikes on its Headquarters

ULFA (I) Claims Drone Strikes on its Headquarters

Why in News ULFA (I) Claims Drone Strikes on its Headquarters? 

Recently, the ULFA (Independent) claimed that its headquarters in Myanmar was attacked by drone strikes on July 13, 2025. This marks a rare development involving cross-border militant activity and drone warfare in the region.

• According to the ULFA (I) statement, the incident occurred during the funeral of a senior leader, ‘Lieutenant General’ Nayan Asom, who had been killed earlier in a separate drone assault. 
• The group claimed that two more top commanders—Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom—lost their lives in this new strike.
• Missiles reportedly struck ULFA (I)’s camp situated in Myanmar’s forested region close to the Indian border.
• Official Indian sources denied any knowledge of such an operation. 

What is ULFA (I)?

• Introduction: United Liberation Front of Asom – Independent, also known as ULFA (I), is a militant group that operates with the aim of establishing a sovereign Assam. It functions mainly outside Indian territory. ULFA (I) emerged from a split within the original ULFA organization. The group does not accept India’s authority over Assam and labels Indian rule as colonial. It continues to reject peace talks unless sovereignty is considered.

• Origin and Evolution: The original ULFA was formed in 1979 by a group of young Assamese men who felt alienated by the political and economic conditions of that time.

• The group gained popularity in the 1980s, especially during the Assam Movement, which focused on the issue of illegal immigration. 

• Over time, ULFA adopted armed struggle as its main strategy. In 1990, the Indian government banned the organization under anti-terror laws.

• • • By the early 2000s, increasing pressure from the Indian Army led to internal differences. 
    • A section of ULFA leaders chose the path of negotiation in 2011. 
    • Paresh Baruah, the military chief, refused to join talks. This resulted in the formation of ULFA (I), the hardline faction, in 2012, which continued to operate independently.

• Organizational Structure: ULFA (I) follows a military-style chain of command. Paresh Baruah remains the Chief of Staff and controls most of its decisions from undisclosed locations believed to be outside India.

• • • The group gives military ranks to its members, such as “Brigadier,” “Colonel,” and “Lieutenant General.”

• Ideology: ULFA (I) believes that Assam has a separate identity and should not be governed by India. It argues that Indian governance represents a colonial mindset.

• The group claims that the people of Assam are being denied political rights and economic benefits. This ideology promotes the idea of self-rule. 

• ULFA (I) refuses to accept India’s constitutional framework and avoids engaging in electoral or parliamentary systems.

• It considers any engagement with Indian authorities as surrendering Assam’s freedom. 

• The group encourages youth to join the movement and view it as a national struggle.

• Operational Bases: ULFA (I) operates mainly from Myanmar, especially in the Sagaing Division near the India-Myanmar border. This area lies in the dense forests and is difficult for security forces to access. 

• Sources of Funding: ULFA (I) raises funds through multiple illegal means. 

• One of its major sources is extortion from businessmen, tea estate owners, and contractors in Assam. 

• The group often sends threat letters demanding large sums.  

• ULFA (I) is involved in arms smuggling and may have international links that help with money and supplies. 

• Role of Myanmar: Myanmar plays a critical role in the survival of ULFA (I). After the 2021 coup, the country’s central control weakened in several regions. This gave insurgent groups more freedom to set up bases. 

• ULFA (I) has used this opportunity to rebuild its network in areas along the border. 

• India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border, but coordination on insurgent issues remains limited.

• • These bases are often shared with other insurgent outfits like NSCN(K).
    • The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang faction), commonly known as NSCN(K), is a Naga militant group formed in 1988 after splitting from the original NSCN. 
    • It was led by S.S. Khaplang, a powerful insurgent leader from Myanmar. 
    • The group seeks an independent “Greater Nagaland” or Nagalim, combining Naga-inhabited areas of India and Myanmar.

Militant Groups in Myanmar

• Arakan Army (AA): The Arakan Army aims to secure political and administrative rights for the Rakhine people residing in western Myanmar. Formed in 2009, the group has grown rapidly in strength. This group forms part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which includes two other ethnic armed factions: MNDAA and TNLA.

• Kachin Independence Army (KIA): The KIA represents the interests of the Kachin people in northern Myanmar. It was founded in 1961, making it one of the oldest ethnic armed groups in the country. The KIA controls areas in Kachin State, particularly near the China border. The group demands greater autonomy and preservation of its ethnic identity. 

• Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA): The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) serves as the military branch of the Karen National Union, leading armed efforts for Karen self-determination. It has fought for Karen independence since 1949, shortly after Myanmar gained independence. This force mainly conducts its operations across the Kayin State region in southeastern Myanmar. Though it signed a ceasefire in the past, conflict resumed after the 2021 coup. 

• Chin National Army (CNA): The Chin National Army (CNA) operates as the military wing of the Chin National Front and maintains its stronghold in Chin State, located along the Indian border. It has demanded federalism and greater ethnic rights since its formation in 1988. After the military takeover in 2021, the group increased its presence in the region. It supports the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) that were formed to fight the military.
• Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA): The Ta’ang National Liberation Army defends the interests of the Ta’ang community, primarily active in parts of Shan State. It was formed in 2009 and became well known for its fight against drug trafficking and its opposition to the central military. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) operates in alliance with the Arakan Army and MNDAA, forming the Three Brotherhood Alliance to jointly resist Myanmar’s military forces.