Top ULFA leader lays down arms, setback for Baruah

THE Paresh Baruah faction of banned insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) suffered a setback on Sunday when one of its top leaders, Arunodoi Dohutia, also known as Arunodoi Asom, surrendered before security forces.

- PRASANTA MAZUMDAR @ Guwahati

Top ULFA leader Arunodoi Dohutia (in grey jacket) surrenders before security forces

Dohutia gave up arms along with his personal security officer Francis Asom near Pangsau Pass on the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh. The two are likely to be brought to Guwahati.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the surrender of the ULFA leader but dismissed the speculation that he (Dohutia) would be taken to New Delhi in connection with peace talks.

"What I know is that they are not going to Delhi. They will stay in Tinsukia and may come to Guwahati to meet the DGP. The Assam government has no plans to take them to Delhi," Sarma told the media.