Missile Strike Amid Mourning: ULFA(I) Vows Revenge for Attack on Top Commanders

In a significant escalation of conflict in Assam’s insurgency-prone regions, the United Liberation Front of Asom – Independent (ULFA[I]) has claimed that a missile strike targeted the funeral ceremony of one of its senior-most leaders, killing two top commanders and injuring several others, including civilians.

According to an official statement issued by the banned outfit, the attack took place during the last rites of Lt. General Nayan Asom, who was posthumously honoured by the group as an "immortal martyr" after being killed in a recent drone strike allegedly carried out by what the group refers to as "colonial occupational forces."

ULFA(I) has alleged that the missile was launched by Indian security forces, calling the act “barbaric and inhumane,” especially given that it struck during a solemn funeral procession. The strike reportedly resulted in the deaths of Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom — both senior figures within ULFA(I)’s lower council. Several other members of the group and civilians were also reported to have sustained injuries in the attack.

The outfit further claimed that aerial attacks by fighter aircraft are still ongoing in specific locations within its operational zones. It has vowed to take "revenge" for what it termed a “cruel violation of humanitarian norms,” and called upon the people of Assam to remain aware of the intensifying aggression by state forces.

There has been no official confirmation or response from the Indian Army or Ministry of Defence at the time of filing this report. Security agencies typically do not comment on operations involving anti-insurgency activities in sensitive border areas, particularly those involving proscribed outfits like ULFA(I).

Lt. Gen. Nayan Asom, whose funeral was being conducted when the attack reportedly took place, was considered a prominent ideological and strategic figure within ULFA(I). His death in the prior drone strike marked a significant loss for the group.

The back-to-back attacks — if confirmed — could signal a shift in tactics, from ground-level counter-insurgency to more technologically precise operations including drone and missile strikes. Analysts believe this may be part of a broader push to dismantle insurgent infrastructure in the region.

The developments come amid rising tensions between the state and ULFA(I), which has rejected peace talks and continues to demand Assam’s “sovereign independence.” The group has operated largely from bases across the Myanmar border, launching sporadic attacks on security forces and infrastructure over the years.

As the situation unfolds, concerns are growing over the potential for retaliatory violence and further instability in Assam’s vulnerable eastern and upper regions.

Also Read: Indian Army Carries Out Major Drone Strikes on ULFA-I, NSCN(K) Camps in Myanmar