Indian Army's Covert Myanmar Border Operation Revealed Through Shaurya Chakra Citation
In a significant development, the Indian Army carried out a cross-border operation along the Indo-Myanmar Border in July 2025. The first formal details of this covert exercise have emerged through a Shaurya Chakra citation released on the eve of Republic Day, 2026. This marks the initial official account of the operation, which had previously been shrouded in secrecy.
Operation Details and Recognition
Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar of 21 Para (Special Forces) was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his pivotal role in planning and personally leading the precision strike. According to the citation released by the Ministry of Defence, the operation took place between July 11 and July 13, 2025. It resulted in the destruction of a fortified Anti-National Element camp, leading to the elimination of nine armed cadres, including senior leaders of a notorious anti-national group. Several other members of the outfit were left critically injured.
The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, highlighting the exceptional courage and strategic importance of this mission. The citation credits Lieutenant Colonel Shrikumar's exemplary leadership and tactical acumen for the success of the operation.
Background and Initial Denials
Prior to this revelation, defence forces had remained tight-lipped about the operation. The details first came to light when the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), headed by Paresh Baruah, issued multiple statements claiming that its eastern headquarters in Myanmar had been targeted by the Indian Army with drones in the early hours of July 13, 2025. At the time, the Army denied any such operation.
Last year, amid reports of this covert mission, the Indian Army and the paramilitary Assam Rifles, which guard the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border, stated they were unaware of any bombardment in neighbouring Myanmar. Myanmar has been torn by civil war since the military coup in February 2021. A Guwahati-based Defence spokesperson, Lt. Col. Mahendra Rawat, mentioned in an earlier report that there were no inputs available on the operation.
ULFA-I Claims and Government Responses
On July 13, 2025, ULFA(I) claimed that a missile attack carried out by what it described as "colonial occupational forces" on its camp in Myanmar killed two of its top commanders. ULFA(I) is the only extremist group in Assam that has neither signed any peace accord with the government nor been disbanded.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that the Assam Police were not involved in the operation and that no attack was launched from the state's soil. He noted that defence authorities typically issue statements after such incidents, but no such statement had been released at the time.
Lieutenant Colonel Shrikumar's Role
The Shaurya Chakra citation provides detailed insights into Lieutenant Colonel Shrikumar's contributions. From planning to execution, he was instrumental in establishing a robust intelligence network, directing mission-specific training of troops, and personally undertaking multiple high-risk reconnaissance missions in extremely hostile terrain. To ensure operational security, he enforced stringent deception protocols and seamlessly coordinated with multiple combat and support elements.
Republic Day Gallantry Awards
On the eve of Republic Day this year, President Droupadi Murmu approved Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards for 70 Armed Forces personnel, including six posthumous awards. Among these are one Ashok Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, and 13 Shaurya Chakras—one of which was awarded posthumously. The honours also featured one Bar to the Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) including five posthumous awards, six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
In addition, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was named by the government as a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal in the 2026 Republic Day honours list, showcasing the broad recognition of military excellence across various operations and services.
