Indian insurgent groups (IIG) operating from Myanmar, in particular ULFA-I (United Front for the Liberation of Asom-Independent), NSCN-K (Nagaland National Socialist Council – Khaplang), led by its current president Yung Aung, and NSCN -IM (Nagaland National Socialist Council – Isak Muivah), are trying to relocate their bases near the border due to persistent action by the Myanmar Army in recent months, according to an assessment by central intelligence agencies.
People familiar with the events told HT that ULFA-I and NSCN-K were closely monitoring both the Indian security forces and the Myanmar military to save their cadres from action.
ULFA-I was relocating its cadres with the help of NSCN-K to safer hiding places.
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The NSCN-IM was also planning to relocate its bases due to the presence and movement of the Myanmar Army in areas controlled by them on the other side of the border.
A counterinsurgency official, who requested anonymity, argued that cadres from the northeast-based teams have always moved to different locations whenever there has been an action by the Myanmar military. “In recent years, there has been more coordinated action against these teams by the armies of India and Myanmar and the rebels have faced major setbacks, but they always manage to move to a different location,” he said.
Intelligence data also suggests that insurgent groups based in the Northeast are trying to take advantage of unemployment caused by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic to recruit more unemployed youth into their separatist teams.
The reports come at a time when the government’s peace talks with NSCN-IM have failed due to differences between the insurgent group and the Center’s interlocutor, RN Ravi.
In early September, the NSCN-IM had reiterated its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.
Undoubtedly, the intelligence contributions speak largely of the movement of insurgent groups near the border during July and August. However, another counterinsurgency official said there is an increased threat of attack on the security forces.
“We are attentive to the situation,” said a security official, who did not want to be named.
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