According to an assessment by central intelligence agencies (as reported by HT) Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) operating from Myanmar, particularly ULFA-I (United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent), NSCN-K (National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang), led by its current chairman Yung Aung, and NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak Muivah), want their bases to be relocated near the border due to persistent action by the Myanmar Army over the last few months.

As per initial reporting by HT, ULFA-I and NSCN-K kept eyes on both Indian security forces and the Myanmar Army to save its cadres. NSCN-K helped ULFA-I to relocate its cadres to safer hideouts.

Myanmar Army’s presence and movement in the areas controlled by NSCN-IM across the border, made the Isak Muivah faction of the NSCN plan to relocate its bases.

A counter-insurgency official, demanding anonymity, argued that the cadres of north-east-based outfits have always moved to different locations whenever there has been action by the Myanmar Army. He further added that over the last few years, there has been more coordinated action against these outfits by both Indian and Myanmar armies. These have led the rebels to face huge setbacks but they have always managed to move to a different location.

According to the intelligence inputs, north-east-based insurgent groups are trying to recruit more jobless youths in their separatist outfits by taking the advantage of unemployment caused by the raging Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

The reports have come at a time when due to differences between the insurgent group and the Centre’s interlocutor R N Ravi, the government’s peace talks with NSCN-IM have failed.

Previously in September, the demand for NSCN-IM’s separate flag and a constitution for the Nagas had been re emphasised by the group.

The intelligence inputs, to be sure, largely talk about the insurgent groups’ movements near the border during July and August this year. However, another counter-insurgency official added on a cautionary note that there is a heightened threat of attack on security forces. The official added that the forces are on high alert after the detection of the threat perception.