New Delhi: A trilateral peace agreement, concluding years of negotiations, was signed in New Delhi between the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), the Central government, and the Assam state government on Friday.
The pro-talks ULFA faction pledged to renounce violence, disband, and actively participate in the democratic process. Notably, the hardline faction led by Paresh Baruah did not participate in the accord.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, hailed the occasion as a momentous day for Assam, emphasizing its alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and insurgency-free Northeast, fostering enduring peace, prosperity, and comprehensive development in Assam.
A historic day for Assam.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 29, 2023
Fulfilling PM @narendramodi Ji's vision for a prosperous, peaceful and developed Northeast, today we have arrived at a landmark resolution to the ULFA insurgency problem of Assam.
The Government of India and the Government of Assam have signed a… pic.twitter.com/bWVOnEKOdo
Following the signing of the accord, representatives of the pro-talks faction disclosed that the Central government is committed to undertaking over 60 developmental projects across various sectors in Assam over the next five years. Additionally, a special development package of Rs 5,000 crore will be allocated.
Their demands include the establishment of land banks on encroachment-free land, land allocation to landless indigenous communities, and the formation of a committee to address issues faced by tea gardens and their workers. They have urged the government to prioritize Assam’s flood and soil erosion problems on a national scale.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that all these demands would be met, and a monitoring panel would be established to oversee the accord’s implementation.
Moreover, Shah highlighted a significant reduction in violence, stating a remarkable 87% decline, and acknowledged the toll of 10,000 lives lost since 1979 due to violence perpetrated by ULFA.