Two More ULFA-I Cadres Surrender in Arunachal Pradesh

Recent Surrenders of ULFA-I Members

Jorhat, Dec 3: Following the recent surrender of Arunoday Axom, a self-proclaimed general of the United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent (ULFA-I), two additional members of the banned group surrendered to authorities in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.

The individuals, identified as Baan Axom and Astitva Axom, turned themselves in to the police from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh at Namtau-Khamti in the Namsai district, where they were promptly taken into custody.

According to reports from Tinsukia Police, a collaborative effort between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh law enforcement led to the discovery of the two men at Namtau-Khamti, where they surrendered without any resistance.

Initially, they were held at the Namsai Police Station before being transferred to Tinsukia Sadar Police Station for further questioning.

Authorities recovered a substantial amount of weaponry from the surrendered individuals, which included one MQ-series rifle, 153 rounds of live ammunition, three magazines, and one EY shell.

Police recovered significant amount of arms & cache from the duo

Initial investigations suggest that both individuals were affiliated with the main ULFA-I camp under Dahotia's command and had escaped from Camp 779 in Myanmar on November 27, intending to surrender upon entering Assam.

In recent weeks, security operations targeting ULFA-I have escalated, particularly following an ambush on an Indian Army camp in Kakopathar on October 17.

This incident prompted a series of counteractions, resulting in the arrests, detentions, and surrenders of various cadres and supporters across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

On November 23, Dahotia himself surrendered to Assam Police, significantly impacting the leadership structure of the group.

The following day, three youths from Maithong village in Kakopathar—Nabottam Bowlari, Jayanta Konwar, and Manjit Neog—were apprehended in Kharsang, Arunachal Pradesh, while allegedly attempting to join the banned organization.

Officials indicated that the trio had been in communication with Dahotia prior to his surrender.

In the wake of Dahotia's surrender, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that any substantial peace negotiations with ULFA(I) would necessitate the direct involvement of its leader, Paresh Barua.

“Discussions will only be effective if they happen with Paresh Barua and not with anyone else from ULFA(I),” Sarma remarked to reporters in Rangapara, Sonitpur, on November 23.