Assam Rifles successfully thwarted a major insurgent attack on COB Hedman in Changlang district, demonstrating exemplary professionalism and vigilance. Around 30–40 insurgents from NSCN-K and ULFA(I) launched a pre-dawn assault between 3:50 am and 5:20 am on October 16, aiming to target troops while exploiting civilian structures for cover.
The attackers opened fire with Lothad guns, M-16s, and AK-47s, taking positions behind village houses and a local church. According to a Defence Ministry statement, the “terrorists” even fired from a moving vehicle at the Kakopathar camp. “The troops on duty responded immediately and effectively, taking due caution to avoid collateral damage to civilian houses in the close vicinity,” the statement said.
Assam Rifles personnel returned precise and coordinated fire from defensive positions, forcing the attackers to retreat. Preliminary reports indicate at least one insurgent was killed and two sustained serious injuries, while no major casualties were reported among the troops, apart from minor abrasions to three personnel. Two personnel received minor splinter injuries and were swiftly evacuated by helicopter in coordination with the Indian Army. 
The Defence Ministry further noted that the area has been sanitized and joint searches are ongoing with police forces. Officials said that the ULFA(I), led by fugitive leader Paresh Baruah and operating from the China-Myanmar border, continues to be neutralized through vigilant operations along the Indo-Myanmar border.
