The surrendered high-profile ULFA (Independent) commander, Arunodoi Asom, will be kept within Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed on November 23, signalling the state government’s approach to managing the case. Asom, also identified as Arunodoi Dohotia, turned himself in alongside his bodyguard; however, authorities have not yet released details regarding the location or circumstances of the surrender. Chief Minister Sarma stated that the former insurgent would be held in Tinsukia, with the only planned movement being a potential brief transfer to Guwahati for a meeting with the Director General of Police. The Chief Minister definitively ruled out any external transfer, asserting, “They won’t be taken to Delhi,” and clarifying that the state government has “no plan” to move them outside of Assam.
This significant development has brought the broader peace process with ULFA(I) back into focus. Sarma reiterated the state’s firm position, stressing that meaningful dialogue can only proceed if the group’s commander-in-chief, Paresh Baruah, participates. “Talks can happen only with Paresh Baruah. There is no point talking with someone else,” the Chief Minister emphasized. Dohotia, regarded as a senior member of the banned outfit, is among those named in a National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge sheet related to the 2018 death of Assam Police officer Bhaskar Kalita, who was killed during an operation targeting ULFA(I). Officials have yet to comment on how Dohotia’s surrender might affect the ongoing investigations concerning these charges.
