Guwahati: In a major setback for the anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa), one of its top leaders surrendered before security forces on Sunday.
Arunodoi Dohutia, also known as Arunodoi Asom was a self-styled ‘Major General’ of the banned Paresh Baruah-led Ulfa-Independent or Ulfa-I that is not ready for peace talks with the government. He has been a trusted lieutenant of Baruah. His surrender is being seen as a major blow to the insurgent group, which has not yet reacted to the desertion.
Dohutia gave up arms along with his personal security officer, Francis Asom, near Pangsau Pass on the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh.
He is among the last few extremists in the northeastern states to have been trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan by the ISI and the Afghan Mujahideen, nearly five decades ago.
The two will be taken to Guwahati for questioning. Dohutia is known to h
ave been involved in violent attacks against security forces.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the surrender but dismissed speculation that he Dohutia would be taken to New Delhi to participate in peace talks.
“What I know is that they are not going to Delhi. They will stay in Tinsukia and may come to Guwahati to meet the DGP. The Assam government has no plans to take them to Delhi,” Sarma said.
He categorically said that any discussion with the Ulfa-I would have to be held with Baruah, stating that there is no point in talking to others. He further said that Baruah was unwilling to engage in talks in the manner the government wants.
While most factions of the Ulfa have agreed to peace talks, Baruah’s Ulfa-I has remained adamant. Recently, its cadres attacked an Army camp at Kokrajhar in Assam’s Tinsukia, injuring three soldiers. One of the attackers was later killed in an encounter with security forces in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Assam government has been actively working towards bringing Ulfa-I to the talks table for the last 2-3 years. Baruah has, however, held all along that any talks will be held only on the ground of Assam’s sovereignty.
Security agencies believe that the Ulfa-I is a much depleted force with few cadres and equipment. They expect to learn more from Dohutia.