A senior leader of the United Liberation Front of Asom Independent (ULFA I), Arunodoy Dohutia, surrendered to the Assam Rifles on Sunday at the Phangsu Pass along the Indo Myanmar border.
The development has been viewed as a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to bring insurgent groups into mainstream peace initiatives. Officials confirmed that Dohutia, along with his personal security officer and another cadre, handed over their arms during the surrender. “Arunodoy Dohutia, a top leader of Paresh Baruah-led ULFA (I), along with another ULFA (I) cadre & his PSO Franshis Asom, surrendered before the security personnel, and they deposited arms & weapons.”
Dohutia, regarded as a close associate of ULFA I chief Paresh Barua, reportedly decided to lay down arms after years of involvement in the militant outfit’s upper ranks. His surrender was followed by political reactions in Assam, particularly from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who addressed the media on the issue. Sarma said the surrender, although significant, does not change the fundamental position of the state government regarding peace negotiations. According to him, meaningful dialogue can only progress if the ULFA I chief personally joins the process. “Discussions will only be effective if they happen with Paresh Barua and not with anyone else from ULFA(I). It would be of no use to hold talks with others,” Sarma said during an interaction with the press in Rangapara, Sonitpur.
He further said that Barua has never agreed to enter talks in the past, adding that without his direct participation, the situation will remain unchanged. “Paresh Baruah has not been on the same page as us when it comes to sitting for discussions. Unless he expresses willingness, there can be no real forward movement,” the Chief Minister noted.
Sarma also rejected speculation that the surrendered cadres might be taken to Delhi for further discussions. “I believe they will not go to Delhi; there is no plan for any Delhi meeting. At most, they may stay in Tinsukia or come to Guwahati to meet the DGP, but nothing beyond that,” he added. Despite repeated appeals for peace, the ULFA I leadership remains firm on its long standing demands. (With NENow inputs)
