Imphal, India – June 9, 2025 – The India-Myanmar border conflict continues to escalate sharply as the Indian Army suffers three major militant attacks in just three weeks along the 1,643-kilometer-long unsecured border. This volatile situation is increasingly drawing comparisons with Kashmir, raising serious concerns about a potential full-blown insurgency in the northeast.
Three Attacks in Three Weeks Spark Alarm
Over the past three weeks, the Indian Army has repeatedly come under heavy fire amid growing unrest in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, states that directly border Myanmar. On June 5, militants ambushed Indian forces in the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh. Armed with sophisticated weapons, the attackers exploited dense forests for cover before retreating back into Myanmar territory.
The very next day, on June 6, Indian forces launched a swift search operation, successfully killing two militants. Authorities identified them as members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K-YA), a group that has outright rejected all ceasefire agreements with India.
Earlier incidents add to the gravity of the situation. On May 14, Indian forces killed ten militants in Chandel district, Manipur. Moreover, on April 27, three militants died during a separate clash in Longding. Despite these deadly skirmishes, the Indian Army has not disclosed any of its own casualties, and national media outlets remain silent, allegedly under government pressure.
Censorship and Civilian Casualties Raise Questions
Observers argue that New Delhi deliberately suppresses the full extent of the conflict to avoid global scrutiny. This media blackout follows a notorious incident in May 2022 in Nagaland’s Oting village, where Indian troops killed 13 civilians in what was claimed to be a “mistaken identity” operation. Enraged locals retaliated by setting army vehicles on fire and accusing the military of human rights abuses. Consequently, public distrust and tensions have surged, complicating efforts to restore peace.
Multi-Billion Border Project Still on Paper
In September 2024, the Indian government approved a ₹31,000 crore border security plan aimed at strengthening defenses. However, it has so far failed to implement the project effectively. The region’s rugged terrain, combined with local opposition and constant cross-border attacks from Myanmar-based groups such as the People’s Defense Force, continues to hinder progress. As a result, infrastructure to patrol and secure this strategic border remains incomplete and vulnerable.
Meanwhile, the NSCN-K-YA has risen as the most dangerous militant faction. Operating from bases inside Myanmar, the group, once part of peace talks, is now actively reorganizing and rearming. Intelligence sources warn they aim to exploit India’s eastern border vulnerabilities with renewed deadly assaults on Indian forces.
Conclusion: The “New Kashmir” in the Making
In summary, experts warn that unless the Indian government improves transparency and seriously engages local communities, the India-Myanmar border conflict risks spiraling into a prolonged insurgency, resembling the Kashmir issue. Dense forests, emboldened militants, and weak policy execution have trapped India in a silent, covert war that it is currently ill-prepared to fight.
