Guwahati: In a major setback for the anti-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa), one of its top leaders surrendered before security forces on Sunday.

Arunodoi Dohutia, also known as Arunodoi Asom was a self-styled ‘Major General’ of the banned Paresh Baruah-led Ulfa-Independent or Ulfa-I that is not ready for peace talks with the government. He has been a trusted lieutenant of Baruah. His surrender is being seen as a major blow to the insurgent group, which has not yet reacted to the desertion. ADVERTISEMENT

Dohutia gave up arms along with his personal security officer, Francis Asom, near Pangsau Pass on the India-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh.

He is among the last few extremists in the northeastern states to have been trained in Pakistan and Afghanistan by

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