New Delhi: A fierce encounter between Indian security forces and suspected militants in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district on June 6, 2025, has brought renewed attention to the volatile India-Myanmar border. The gunfight, which occurred in the Pongchau Circle, resulted in the deaths of two cadres from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), Yung Aung faction. This incident underscores the persistent security challenges in India’s Northeast, where insurgent activities, drug trafficking, and refugee influxes continue to destabilize the region along the 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar border.
The Encounter: Firefight in Pongchau Circle
On Thursday, June 6, 2025, security forces launched a patrol operation in the Pongchau Circle of Longding district, acting on specific intelligence about the movement of armed individuals near the India-Myanmar border. According to a Ministry of Defence spokesperson, the operation aimed to dominate the border area and prevent unauthorized crossings. Around 10 a.m., while traversing the dense forest near Langkhu village, inside Myanmar territory adjacent to Pongchau, the patrol spotted a group of armed individuals.
When challenged, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire with heavy-calibre weapons, prompting an immediate and effective retaliation from the security forces. The intense firefight forced the militants to retreat across the international border into Myanmar, exploiting the thick jungle cover to evade capture. A thorough search of the area was conducted, but no additional recoveries were reported, as the militants had fled. The spokesperson stated, “The patrol observed the movement of unknown individuals and challenged them. In response, the patrol drew heavy and indiscriminate fire, which was effectively retaliated by the Security Forces.”
Casualties: Two NSCN-K (YA) Militants Killed
The NSCN-K (Yung Aung faction) confirmed the deaths of two of its cadres, Sergeant Major Nyaklung and Lance Corporal Neyung Aung, in what it described as a “well-coordinated ambush” by Indian forces. The encounter occurred under the Indian Army’s Western Command, which acted on precise intelligence about insurgent movements. Security officials believe the group was attempting either a cross-border infiltration or a regrouping manoeuvre, a tactic frequently employed by militants in the region.
The TCL Region: A Hotbed of Insurgency
The districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL) in Arunachal Pradesh are notorious for insurgent activities, making them a focal point for security operations. A senior official from a security agency noted, “Militants from the area use this region as a transit route while they move in and out of Myanmar.” The TCL region’s proximity to the 500-kilometer Arunachal Pradesh-Myanmar border, coupled with its dense forests and rugged terrain, provides ideal cover for insurgent groups like the NSCN-K, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). These groups exploit Myanmar’s ungoverned spaces for training, regrouping, and launching attacks on Indian forces.
Security Challenges in India’s Northeast
The Longding encounter highlights the multifaceted threats along the India-Myanmar border, which include:
Insurgent Activities
Militant groups such as NSCN-K, ULFA-I, PLA, and NDFB have long used Myanmar as a safe haven, particularly since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar destabilized the region. These groups establish camps across the border, leveraging political turmoil to plan and execute cross-border operations against Indian security forces.
Refugee Influx and Ethnic Tensions
The coup in Myanmar has triggered a significant influx of refugees, particularly ethnic Chins and Rohingyas, into India’s Northeast, especially Manipur and Mizoram. This spillover has caused law and order issues, strained local resources, and fueled resentment among indigenous communities, exacerbating ethnic conflicts in the region.
Arms and Drug Trafficking
The India-Myanmar border is a major conduit for arms and drug smuggling, with the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) serving as a primary source of heroin and synthetic drugs. These substances enter India through Manipur and Mizoram, worsening drug abuse problems and providing financial support for insurgent activities.
Government’s Response: A Multi-Pronged Strategy
To counter these threats, the Indian government has implemented a range of measures:
Legal and Policy Initiatives
- National Register of Citizens (NRC): In Assam, the NRC aims to identify and address illegal migration, a significant issue along the porous border.
- Scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR): The FMR, which previously allowed visa-free movement up to 16 kilometers across the border, was discontinued to curb insurgent crossings and illegal immigration.
Counter-Insurgency Operations
- Operation Sunrise: This joint operation between the Indian Army and Myanmar Army targets cross-border insurgent camps, disrupting their logistics and operations.
- Anti-Drug Efforts: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) actively intercept drug smuggling networks, focusing on routes from the Golden Triangle.
Border Infrastructure and Surveillance
- Smart Fencing: The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) deploys advanced fencing to secure the border.
- Strengthened Outposts: Upgraded border outposts and enhanced surveillance systems aim to deter infiltration and trafficking.
AFSPA: Special Powers in Disturbed Areas
In March 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, along with areas under the Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations bordering Assam, as “disturbed areas” under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for six months. AFSPA grants security forces special powers to conduct operations, make arrests without warrants, and use force to maintain public order in these insurgency-prone regions.
Implications and Challenges
The Longding encounter reflects the Indian security forces’ proactive approach to countering insurgent threats, with the neutralization of two NSCN-K (YA) militants showcasing the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations. However, the militants’ retreat into Myanmar highlights the challenge of securing a porous border with dense forest cover. Myanmar’s political instability further complicates cross-border operations, as insurgents exploit ungoverned spaces to evade capture.
The incident also underscores the need for enhanced bilateral cooperation with Myanmar to disrupt insurgent networks. Additionally, addressing the refugee influx and trafficking requires a balanced approach that combines security measures with humanitarian and developmental initiatives to mitigate local tensions.
Conclusion
The June 6, 2025, encounter in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district is a stark reminder of the complex security dynamics along the India-Myanmar border. While the deaths of two NSCN-K (YA) militants mark a success for Indian security forces, the escape of others into Myanmar highlights ongoing challenges. By strengthening border infrastructure, deepening diplomatic engagement, and addressing socio-economic issues in the Northeast, India can work toward lasting stability in this volatile region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happened during the Arunachal Pradesh encounter on June 6, 2025?
On June 6, 2025, Indian security forces engaged in a gunfight with suspected militants in the Pongchau Circle of Longding district, near the India-Myanmar border. Acting on intelligence about armed individuals, a patrol challenged a group, leading to heavy firing. Two NSCN-K (YA) militants were killed, while others fled into Myanmar.
2. Who were the militants involved in the Longding district clash?
The militants belonged to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), Yung Aung faction. The group confirmed the deaths of two cadres, Sergeant Major Nyaklung and Lance Corporal Neyung Aung, during the encounter near Langkhu village.
3. Why is the India-Myanmar border a security concern?
The 1,643-kilometer India-Myanmar border, particularly the 500-kilometer stretch in Arunachal Pradesh, is porous and used by insurgent groups like NSCN-K, ULFA-I, PLA, and NDFB for cross-border activities. It also facilitates drug and arms trafficking from the Golden Triangle and sees refugee influxes, especially since Myanmar’s 2021 coup.
4. What measures has India taken to secure the India-Myanmar border?
India has implemented the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, scrapped the Free Movement Regime (FMR), conducted joint operations like Operation Sunrise with Myanmar, and deployed smart fencing under the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) to curb insurgency and trafficking.
5. What is the role of AFSPA in Arunachal Pradesh?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is in effect in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, declared “disturbed areas” in March 2025. It grants security forces special powers to conduct operations, make arrests, and maintain order in insurgency-prone regions.
