Missile allegedly hit ULFA(I) camp when 'funeral function' was on for militant commander Lt Gen. Nayan Asom
Nayan was killed earlier in an alleged drone attack.
Two other commanders of the banned militsnt organisation have been also eliminated.
Indian army has not confirmed anything. Officials say there is no intel of such operations. But the ULFA (I) statement and other reports hint at the "surgical strikes" by Indian forces in close coordination with the Myanmar military.
The strikes targeted camps in the Naga self-administered zone in Myanmar near international border with India.
The ULFA (I) statement says : “The occupying forces crossed all limits of humanity by launching a missile this time on funeral of Hon’ble President of the Lower Council of the United Liberation Forces of Assam [Independet] Lt. Gen. Nayan Asom, killed in the drone strike by the colonial forces".
Sources say ULFA's self-style Brig. Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradeep Asom were killed and several other officers/members and civilians were injured in this "brutal and inhuman attack".
"We would like to inform the indigenous people of Assam that; we are determined to take revenge on this barbaric attack ....," the statement said reflecting the depth of damage caused in their camp.
The bombardment reportedly began at around 2:00 a.m on July 13 (Myanmar Time and) continued for about two hours.
More than 40 bombs were dropped.
Reporting quoting sources in the NSCN-K say that the attack did not involve ground troops; instead, the Indian military initiated a 'surprise offensive' using drones and artillery from a distance. The ULFA statement says Israeli and French-made drones were made use of during operation. Assam is going to polls early next year and the ULFA mainstream faction led by Arabinda Rakkhowa are already in the peace process engagements with government interlocutors.
Reports say ULFA(I) commanders had 'expected' assaults near Nayang and preparations had been made in advance. However, an aggressive strike near Hoyat village in Lahe township reportedly caused casualties in the militant camp.
It appeared the attack was carried in close coordination with the Myanmar military and hence panic and words of extra cautioning have been sounded even for other north east guerrilla groups.
The Govt of India is taking some concrete, result-0riented and crucial steps vis-a-vis north east India including in states such as Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.
The multi-pronged approach also include finalising and expediting of the Naga peace talks, installation of a popular government in Manipur and also heralding an era of peace, prosperity and infrastructure developments in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment