ULFA (I) Cadre Arunjay Bora Surrenders Before Tinsukia Police, Strengthening Assam’s Anti-Insurgency Efforts

In a major development in Assam’s fight against insurgency, ULFA (Independent) cadre Arunjay Bora, also known as Ujjal Asom, has surrendered before Tinsukia Police on February 25, 2025. His surrender is seen as a major step towards peace and stability in the region, as security forces continue their efforts to curb militant activities and reintegrate former insurgents into mainstream society.

Arunjay Bora’s Journey in ULFA (I) and His Decision to Surrender

Arunjay Bora, a resident of Tekeri village in Pengeri, Tinsukia, had joined the banned insurgent group ULFA (I) in 2018. ULFA (I), or United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), is a militant outfit that has been engaged in separatist activities in Assam for decades.

Bora’s surrender took place at Ritukathalguri, where he voluntarily laid down arms and renounced his association with the insurgent group. The exact reasons behind his surrender have not been disclosed, but experts believe that increasing pressure from security forces and government initiatives for rehabilitation played a crucial role in his decision.

ULFA (I) in Assam: A Brief Overview

The ULFA (Independent) faction, led by Paresh Baruah, has been operating in northeastern India and Myanmar with the aim of establishing a sovereign Assam. However, over the years, the group has weakened due to:

• Strong counter-insurgency operations by the Assam Police, Indian Army, and paramilitary forces
• Increased surrenders by ULFA (I) cadres, leading to a decline in militant strength
• Government-led peace initiatives, offering amnesty and rehabilitation to surrendered militants
• Public opposition to insurgency, with many realizing that violence hampers Assam’s progress

Bora’s surrender marks yet another success in Assam’s mission to eradicate insurgency and bring former militants into the fold of peace and development.

Security Forces’ Role in Assam’s Anti-Insurgency Operations

The Assam Police and security agencies have been instrumental in neutralizing militant activities. Over the past few years, the Tinsukia district, which has historically been a stronghold for ULFA (I), has seen a decline in insurgent activities due to:

• Surveillance and intelligence-based operations targeting militant hideouts
• Continuous engagement with local communities, encouraging militants to surrender
• Government-backed rehabilitation programs, providing employment opportunities to surrendered militants

Officials believe that Bora’s surrender is part of a larger trend where more ULFA (I) members are choosing to abandon the insurgent path.

Implications of Bora’s Surrender on Assam’s Peace Process

Arunjay Bora’s decision to surrender has multiple implications for Assam’s socio-political landscape:

1. Boosts Assam’s peace process: Every surrendered militant reduces the strength of ULFA (I) and contributes to the region’s stability.
2. Encourages more ULFA (I) members to surrender: Seeing a fellow cadre reintegrate into society might inspire others to follow suit.
3. Strengthens law enforcement efforts: With fewer insurgents in the field, security agencies can focus on development and governance.
4. Economic growth and investment: Reduced insurgency leads to increased investor confidence, benefiting Assam’s economy.

The Assam government, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been actively working to bring insurgents to the negotiating table, offering rehabilitation, financial aid, and skill development programs to facilitate their return to normal life.

Government’s Rehabilitation Policies for Surrendered Militants

To ensure a smooth transition into mainstream society, the Assam government, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has introduced various policies for surrendered militants:

• Financial assistance and incentives to support their livelihood
• Vocational training and employment programs for economic stability
• Counseling and reintegration programs to help them adapt to civilian life
• Monitoring and security arrangements to prevent them from rejoining militant groups

Such measures have proven effective, as seen in previous instances where former insurgents successfully reintegrated and contributed to Assam’s development.

While ULFA (I) remains active in remote border areas and Myanmar-based camps, continued counter-insurgency operations and successful surrenders like Bora’s indicate that the militant outfit is losing ground.

Experts believe that:

• More ULFA (I) cadres will surrender in the coming months, reducing the group’s operational capacity.
• The Assam government may initiate fresh peace talks to bring ULFA (I) into negotiations.
• Security forces will maintain pressure to prevent any resurgence of insurgent activities.

With sustained efforts from the Assam government, police, and military, Assam is moving closer to a future free from insurgency and conflict.

The surrender of ULFA (I) cadre Arunjay Bora is a landmark moment in Assam’s journey toward peace and security. His decision to lay down arms and embrace a peaceful life highlights the impact of government policies, counter-insurgency measures, and changing societal perceptions regarding militancy.

As Assam continues to witness more surrenders and reduced insurgent activities, the state is paving the way for economic growth, social harmony, and lasting stability. Bora’s surrender serves as a symbol of hope and transformation, encouraging other militants to follow the path of peace and progress.