Myanmar’s NUG Seeks Clarity from India on Border Operation That Killed 10
Karishma Hasnat
Guwahati: Five days after ten “armed cadres” were killed in an operation by the Assam Rifles along the Indo-Myanmar border, Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) released a press statement in Burmese on Monday (May 19), stating that discussions are being held with Indian authorities to arrive at the truth and the identity of the slain cadres.
The NUG is a shadow administration formed by ousted Myanmar parliamentarians and pro-democracy activists.
Meanwhile, the mystery around the identity of the deceased deepens, with Indian authorities stating they are ‘awaiting confirmation’ on the matter, and describing those killed as “individuals in camouflage fatigues”.
In the absence of official clarity, conflicting narratives have emerged from both sides — some pointing to a cross-border ambush, others suggesting a botched detention.
Security sources told this correspondent that the incident occurred on May 14, at around 6.30 am near Border Pillar 61, four to five kilometres deep inside a jungle. India shares a 1,643-km border with Myanmar, spanning four northeastern states including Manipur (where the border id 398 km).
An official statement by defence authorities the same day stated that the incident took place near the New Samtal village in Manipur’s Chandel district. As per the Eastern Command statement, troops came under heavy fire by “suspected cadres” during a patrol, and the response was “precise, measured and calibrated”.
Acting on specific intelligence on movement of armed cadres nearby New Samtal village, Khengjoy Tehsil, #Chandel District near the #Indo_MyanmarBorder, #AssamRifles unit under #SpearCorps launched an operation on 14 May 2025.
During the operation,… pic.twitter.com/KLgyuRSg11
— EasternCommand_IA (@easterncomd) May 14, 2025
Sources maintained that those killed belonged to a Burmese Buddhist group in Myanmar, possibly with temporary shelters inside Indian territory. Further, sources near the Indo-Myanmar border said that the deceased were part of the Public Defence Organisation (PDO) or Pa Ka Pha, as they are known, under the National Unity Government (NUG)’s Ministry of Defence.
A day after the incident, images circulating on social media showed blood-stained gear, which sources attributed to a Pa Ka Pha member from Myanmar’s Sagaing Region.
The Pa Ka Pha is one of several units formed during the Spring Revolution to fight the military regime. They operate as protection groups alongside Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), Public Administrative Organisation (Pa Ah Pha) and Local Defense Forces. The Pa Ka Pha plays a vital role in securing territorial domination, and is typically tasked with internal security in areas under PDF control.
According to a report by Myanmar Television (MMTV) on Monday, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of the National Unity Government (NUG), Daw Zin Mar Aung announced on Facebook that they had received “reports and complaints” on the killing of “ten Pa Ka Pha members near border town Tamu along the India-Myanmar border”.
While a statement by defence authorities on May 16 claimed that the “neutralised individuals were known for involvement in cross-border insurgent activity, a security official on condition of anonymity said that the individuals were “opposing border fencing work” and attempted to “lay an ambush against Assam Rifles personnel and labourers” in the area.
Border Pillars No. 61 and No. 62 are close to the New Samtal Area with Lajang, Aivomjang and Jangnomphai villages under Khengjoi Sub-Division, Chandel district. Sources said the last border personnel meeting between India and Myanmar must have been held before the 2021 Myanmar coup.
Weapons recovered during a combing operation by Assam Rifles after the incident included seven AK-47 rifles, an RPG launcher, one M4 carbine, four single-barrel breech-loading rifles, and assorted ammunition, as per another official statement by Indian authorities on 15 May.
On the other hand, the MMTV report cited resistance sources alleging that Assam Rifles crossed over into Myanmar territory on May 13 and captured ten PDF fighters from their camp near Tamu. “The fighters were reportedly taken alive during the evening and later returned dead on May 16. The bodies bore gunshot wounds and signs of torture, including injuries on the face and body,” the report read.
A section of Indian media referred to official sources in Manipur, stating that the slain cadres were “suspected Kuki militants”.
However, no Kuki-Zo insurgent outfit has claimed involvement or acknowledged any losses in the recent incident. Even anti-junta resistance groups in Myanmar have not announced of any recent engagement with Indian security forces or reported losses.
The Diplomat's report suggested a possibility that Assam Rifles “erroneously identified” the PDO functionaries as belonging to a Kuki volunteer group called the United Tribal Volunteers (UTV), active in Tamu area.
The Chandel encounter has shifted attention back to the eastern frontier, even as the country remains engaged in Operation Sindoor — a major offensive targeting terror bases along the western border with Pakistan.
In Manipur, where the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act remains in effect, the state continues to be under President’s Rule following two years of brutal ethnic violence that left hundreds dead and displaced tens of thousands.
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