Fierce gunfight erupts as Assam Rifles repel insurgent attack on a Company Operating Base in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang near the India–Myanmar border, prompting intensified counter-insurgency operations and heightened security across the sensitive frontier region.
A tense security situation unfolded in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district on Monday after armed insurgents opened fire on an Assam Rifles Company Operating Base (COB), triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire in the sensitive border region near Myanmar, officials confirmed.
According to security sources, the Assam Rifles COB located at Ranglum village came under coordinated fire from multiple directions. Ranglum is a remote and strategically significant village situated close to the India–Myanmar international border, near border pillar number 168. The location’s proximity to the unfenced international boundary makes it particularly vulnerable to cross-border militant movement and infiltration attempts.
Troops stationed at the COB responded swiftly and effectively, engaging the insurgents in a controlled counter-fire operation. Sources said the exchange of fire continued for some time, after which the insurgents reportedly dispersed into the surrounding forested terrain. As of the latest reports, no injuries or fatalities have been confirmed on either side.
Security officials stated that the counter-insurgency operation remains underway. Additional Assam Rifles units and reinforcements have been deployed to strengthen the operational grid in and around the area. The entire region has been cordoned off, and intensive search operations are being conducted to track down the armed militants and prevent their escape across the international border.
A senior police official said that state police teams have also rushed to the border areas to assist in ground-level coordination and gather further inputs. However, the identity of the militant group involved in the attack has not yet been officially confirmed, as detailed operational information from the Assam Rifles is still awaited.
Arunachal Pradesh shares a long and largely unfenced 520-kilometre border with Myanmar, a factor that has historically posed significant security challenges. Dense forests, difficult terrain, and limited connectivity in border districts like Changlang have often been exploited by insurgent groups for movement, regrouping, and logistics.
Security agencies recalled that the latest incident follows a series of attempted militant attacks in the region over recent months. A few months ago, cadres of the NSCN-K (YA) faction carried out a standoff attack on the Hedman Camp in Changlang district. That attempt was successfully foiled due to the swift and decisive response of alert Assam Rifles troops, preventing any damage or casualties.
In another related incident, ULFA (Independent) extremists attempted to launch an attack on the Kakopathar Camp in Tinsukia district of eastern Assam. The assault was repulsed, resulting in casualties among the insurgents and the apprehension of an Over Ground Worker involved in the conspiracy.
Following these incidents, the Assam Rifles significantly intensified counter-insurgency operations across the eastern Arunachal Pradesh and upper Assam region. An extensive security grid was activated, supported by advanced surveillance systems, drone reconnaissance, and intelligence-driven, high-technology operational teams.
These efforts led to a major operational success during an ambush at the 6 Mile Lekang Khampti area in Namsai district of south Arunachal Pradesh. In that operation, one ULFA (Independent) cadre was neutralised, and a cache of warlike stores was recovered.
During a subsequent search operation in the same area, security forces recovered the body of a militant identified as Iwon Axom, a self-styled Sergeant Major of ULFA (Independent). The recovery included one rifle, one rocket-propelled grenade round, and three rucksacks containing operational supplies.
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Sources within the security establishment said such rapid, intelligence-led, and precise actions have repeatedly foiled insurgent attempts, disrupted militant networks, and reinforced morale dominance of the security forces across the region.
The Assam Rifles’ steadfast presence, professional planning, and resolute execution continue to play a critical role in maintaining peace and stability in the Northeast. Their operations reaffirm their long-standing legacy as the “Sentinels of the North East,” ensuring security in one of India’s most challenging frontier regions.
