Archive · 23 Nov 2025
Assam CM: ULFA(I) Talks Possible Only with Paresh Barua
Assam's Chief Minister said that peace talks with a rebel group called ULFA(I) can only happen if their leader, Paresh Barua, agrees to join.
This is because a high-ranking member of the group, Arunoday Dahotia, surrendered but the chief minister won't talk to anyone else.
He also said that the surrendered members won't be taken to Delhi for talks.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said peace talks with ULFA(I) can only move forward if its chief, Paresh Barua, personally agrees to join the dialogue.
ULFA(I)'s Arunoday Dahotia, a close aide of Paresh Barua, surrendered along with his personal security officer, Francis Axom, at the Indo-Myanmar border.
CM Sarma maintained that the surrender does not change the wider equation around talks with ULFA(I) and will not engage in political discussions with anyone else from the group.
He dismissed speculation that the surrendered ULFA(I) cadets may be taken to Delhi for discussions.
CM Sarma noted that Paresh Barua has not been on the same page as the government when it comes to sitting for discussions.
- Who
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, ULFA(I) chief Paresh Barua, ULFA(I) self-styled general Arunoday Dahotia
- What
- Assam CM's statement on peace talks with ULFA(I)
- When
- November 23, 2022
- Where
- Guwahati, Assam
- Why
- To clarify the government's stance on peace talks with ULFA(I)
- Group
- United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent)
- Surrendered Member
- Arunoday Dahotia
- Surrender Location
- Pangsau Pass, Arunachal Pradesh
- CM's Stance
- Talks only with Paresh Barua
- No Plans
- No plans to take surrendered members to Delhi
