Ulfa-I Leader Arunodoi Dahotia Surrenders in Arunachal

A senior figure of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa-I), Arunodoi Dahotia, has laid down arms in a remote area of Arunachal Pradesh near the India–Myanmar border. His surrender marks a major development in Assam’s ongoing effort to bring insurgent leaders into dialogue and reduce militant activity in the region.

Key Ulfa-I Functionary Quits Underground Path

Dahotia, also known as Arunodoi Asom or Bijit Gogoi, served as the organisation’s finance secretary. He joined the outfit in 2002 and became a trusted associate of its chief Paresh Baruah. Over the years, he was linked to operations in eastern Assam and accused in multiple insurgency-related cases.

Legal Cases and Security Implications

The National Investigation Agency has charged him in connection with several militant incidents. This includes his alleged involvement in the 2018 killing of Assam Police officer Bhaskar Kalita during an encounter in Tinsukia. He has also been named in extortion attempts and other armed activities in the region.

Government Position on Peace Talks

Following the surrender, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated that any meaningful peace process with Ulfa-I can progress only if the group’s leader Paresh Baruah agrees to participate. Authorities stated that Dahotia will remain in custody in Tinsukia and may be brought to Guwahati for procedural requirements, but there is no plan to transfer him outside Assam.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Ulfa-I operates mainly from areas near the India–Myanmar border.
• Paresh Baruah remains the key decision-maker for any future peace talks.
• The last major Ulfa-I surrender was by Drishti Rajkhowa in 2019.
• The outfit emerged in the 1980s amid demands linked to the Assam Movement.

Context from Previous Surrenders

Dahotia’s decision follows earlier high-profile surrenders, including that of Drishti Rajkhowa, who headed the outfit’s 109th battalion. Such developments signal gradual weakening of Ulfa-I’s operational structure and renewed prospects for resolving long-standing insurgency issues in Upper Assam.