Guwahati, Nov 23: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday reaffirmed that any concrete progress in peace talks with the proscribed ULFA (Independent) hinges solely on the participation of its elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Barua.
His statement came within hours of the high-profile surrender of ULFA(I)’s self-styled Major General Arunoday Dahotia—one of Barua’s trusted military lieutenants—and his personal security officer Francis Axom. The pair reportedly laid down arms early Saturday at Pangsau Pass along the Indo-Myanmar border, a region long used as a strategic corridor by the outfit.
Addressing reporters at an event in Rangapara, Sonitpur, Sarma stressed that while the development is significant, it does not change the primary condition set by the government.
“Discussions will only be meaningful if they happen with Paresh Barua and not with anyone else from ULFA(I),” he asserted. “Unless he shows willingness, there can be no real forward movement.”
The Chief Minister also dismissed speculation about the surrendered leaders being flown to the national capital for any political-level deliberations.
“There is no plan for a Delhi visit,” Sarma clarified. “They may remain in Tinsukia or come to Guwahati to meet the DGP, but nothing beyond that.”
Despite sustained pressure and repeated peace overtures from the government, Barua—believed to be operating from Myanmar or China’s border areas—has long remained adamant on demands seen as incompatible with the Constitution of India.
Security officials view the surrender of Dahotia—considered part of ULFA(I)’s top command structure—as a morale setback for the outfit. They also hope the move may trigger further cracks within the insurgent group, potentially reviving momentum toward a negotiated settlement that Assam has sought for decades.
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