Everything You Need to Know About India’s Myanmar Operation

India’s first cross-border targeted strike successfully eliminated 15-20 insurgents with no casualties to the forces.

The army troops involved in the Myanmar operation. (Photo: Anjana Dutta)

In response to the June 4 ambush that killed 18 soldiers in Manipur, special army forces,  in coordination with the air force, carried out a surgical strike inside Myanmar yesterday killing 15-20 insurgents of the groups believed to be responsible for the attack.

The strike was carried out by commandos in coordination with Burmese authorities. The Army said that “significant casualties” had been inflicted on two militant groups believed to be NSCN(K) and KYKL. No casualties were reported among the soldiers.

This is the first time that the Indian army carried out a cross-border commando action, which marks the pro-active approach against terror. The strike was carried out inside Myanmar with the coordination of local authorities.

Why and How Was the Operation Conducted?

Noting that the army had been on “high alert” after the Manipur attack, Major General Ranbir Singh, Additional Director General Military Operations, said that in the course of the last few days, “credible and specific intelligence” was received about further attacks that were being planned within Indian territory.

While the army carried out the strike, helicopters were on standby.

NSCN(K), which reneged from a ceasefire in March, has been involved in a series of attacks in tandem with some other militant groups under the banner of the so-called ‘United Liberation Front of South East Asia’.

These attacks were to be carried out by some of the groups involved in earlier attacks on our security personnel and their allies. In view of the imminent threat, an immediate response was necessary. Based on intelligence, we conducted operations to counter these planned assaults. - Maj. Gen. Ranbir Singh, Additional Director General Military Operations

He asserted that “any threat to our security, safety and national integrity will meet a firm response” while ensuring peace and tranquillity along the border and in the border states.

I think it was the need of the hour as well, the entire nation wanted it and that’s perhaps a reason why they voted a strong government at the Centre. It had become like a habit (for militants). It is not like a ‘kushti’ match that if you go back into your area nobody will catch you. This message is very critical that we will strike you wherever you are. - Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, MoS Information and Broadcasting

Rathore described the strike as “unprecedented and extremely bold” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ordered “hot pursuit” into Myanmar. He said the Army has strong capabilities and “it needed an equally strong leader to take such a bold decision. We will carry out such attacks”.

As part of an exercise to fine-tune the strike, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had dropped out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 6-7 visit to Bangladesh, the sources said.

The army troops involved in the Myanmar operation. (Photo: Anjana Dutta)

What Does This Mean for India’s Foreign Relations?

“We are in communication with the Myanmar authorities on this matter. There is a history of close cooperation between our two militaries. We look forward to working with them to combat such terrorism,” Maj Gen Singh said.

When MoS Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, a former colonel, was asked if such attacks could be carried out on India’s western borders, he said, “western disturbances will also be equally dealt with”.

This is a message to all such neighbours who harbour terror intentions. Friendship and zero tolerance (towards terror) will go hand-in-hand. This is a beginning. India is strong.This message should go to everyone. - Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, MoS Information and Broadcasting

(With PTI inputs.)