Senior Ulfa-I Functionary Quits Insurgency, Boosting Assam’s Peace Efforts

Ulfa-I Leader Arunodoi Dahotia Surrenders in Arunachal

A major breakthrough in Assam’s counter-insurgency efforts emerged as senior Ulfa-I leader Arunodoi Dahotia surrendered in a remote part of Arunachal Pradesh close to the India–Myanmar border. His decision is being viewed as a significant setback for the banned insurgent group and a step forward for peace-building in the region.

Senior Functionary Leaves Militant Fold

Dahotia, known within the outfit as Arunodoi Asom and originally named Bijit Gogoi, served as the organisation’s finance secretary , a role central to Ulfa-I’s extortion networks and operational planning. He joined the organisation in 2002 and became a close associate of its commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah. His surrender is expected to impact the group’s fundraising channels and logistical strength in eastern Assam.

Pending Cases and Security Assessment

Investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have implicated Dahotia in several violent incidents. Among them is the 2018 encounter in Tinsukia in which police officer Bhaskar Kalita was killed. He is also accused in extortion attempts and operational support for Ulfa-I’s cross-border movement. Following surrender formalities, Dahotia will remain in custody in Tinsukia, with officials indicating that there is no plan to move him outside Assam for further procedures.

Government Stand on Peace Dialogue

Reacting to the development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated that any meaningful peace talks with Ulfa-I require the direct participation of Paresh Baruah. While earlier surrenders, including that of Drishti Rajkhowa in 2019, weakened the outfit, Dahotia’s exit further signals declining militant influence in Upper Assam.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Arunodoi Dahotia served as Ulfa-I’s finance secretary .

• He surrendered near the India–Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh.

• NIA has charged him in cases including the 2018 Tinsukia encounter.

• The last major Ulfa-I surrender was by Drishti Rajkhowa in 2019.