Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday reaffirmed that any concrete progress in peace talks with the proscribed ULFA (Independent) hinges solely on the participation of its elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Barua.

His statement came within hours of the high-profile surrender of ULFA(I)’s self-styled Major General Arunoday Dahotia—one of Barua’s trusted military lieutenants—and his personal security officer Francis Axom. The pair reportedly laid down arms early Saturday at Pangsau Pass along the Indo-Myanmar border, a region long used as a strategic corridor by the outfit.

Addressing reporters at an event in Rangapara, Sonitpur, Sarma stressed that while the development is significant, it does not change the primary condition set by the government.

“Discussions will only be m

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