Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday reiterated that peace talks with ULFA(I) can progress only if the outfit’s chief, Paresh Barua, personally agrees to participate. His statement came a day after senior ULFA(I) leader and self-styled general Arunoday Dahotia surrendered along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Dahotia, long regarded as one of Barua’s closest aides in the outfit’s military command, and his personal security officer, Francis Axom, reportedly laid down arms early Saturday morning at Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking to the media at Rangapara in Sonitpur, Sarma made it clear that the surrender — while significant — will not alter the government’s position on negotiations.
“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.
Also Read: ULFA-I Leader Arunoday Dohotia Surrenders at Indo-Myanmar Border
Emphasising that Barua has never shown willingness to engage in dialogue, the Chief Minister added, “Unless he expresses readiness for talks, there can be no real forward movement.”
Sarma also denied speculation that the surrendered ULFA(I) cadres may be flown to Delhi for discussions. “I believe they will not go to Delhi. There is no plan for any such meeting. At most, they may stay in Tinsukia or come to Guwahati to meet the DGP, but nothing beyond that,” he said.
