On Friday, the government refuted social media claims that 3,000 Ukrainians had entered India and were hiding in the northeast to train insurgent groups, labeling the posts “Fake.” The statement noted that “7 individuals (6 Ukrainians and 1 American) have been arrested by the NIA for illegal entry into Myanmar via Mizoram.” (PIB/X) The government stated that social media posts claiming over 3,000 Ukrainians have entered India and are hiding in the North-East to train insurgent groups—allegedly backed by US mercenaries and supplying cheap drones to terrorists—are “Fake.” It added that “7 individuals (6 Ukrainians and 1 American) have been arrested by the NIA for illegal entry into Myanmar via Mizoram.” Immigration and security agencies are staying fully vigilant, with the investigation still underway. Among the seven individuals arrested is Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a U.S. citizen and international security analyst detained at Kolkata airport. He founded the “Sons of Liberty International (SOLI)” and describes himself as a veteran of the “Libyan Revolution.” Six Ukrainian nationals—Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor—were initially detained at the Delhi and Lucknow airports. Officials state that all have been charged with illegal activities for assisting armed militias in Myanmar that collaborate with anti-India insurgent groups. The arrests occurred last week based on a specific tip-off. The Bureau of Immigration apprehended the seven individuals as they tried to pass through key Indian transit hubs. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) later arrested them. Per an FIR lodged by the NIA, 14 Ukrainians arrived in India on tourist visas at different times, then traveled to Guwahati in Assam and onward to Mizoram without obtaining the required Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Protected Area Permit (PAP). The group subsequently crossed into Myanmar illegally to deliver pre-arranged training in drone warfare and jamming technology to Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs), which are known to back terrorist outfits active in India, according to the FIR. “These EAGs are also recognized for aiding banned Indian insurgent groups by providing weapons, other terrorist equipment, and training, thereby threatening India’s national security and interests,” the FIR further stated. On March 16, the suspects were brought before a local court, which granted the NIA 11 days of custody.
