Historic Peace Agreement Signed in Assam between ULFA, Centre and State

In a groundbreaking development, the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the Centre, and the Assam government signed a tripartite peace agreement on Friday. The accord, described by Union home minister Amit Shah as a watershed moment, is poised to bring an end to decades of violence in Assam, marking the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the region.

Key Points of the Peace Agreement:

1. ULFA Pro-Talks Faction’s Commitments:

• Shunning violence and disbanding the organization.
• Integration into the democratic process.
• Surrendering arms and vacating designated camps.

1. Government’s Commitments:

• Development initiatives, including an Indian Institute of Management (IIM), new railway lines, and national highways amounting to around ₹1.5 lakh crore.
• Restrictions on land procurement within a 5km radius of iconic structures in the state.

1. Historic Day for Assam:

• Union home minister Amit Shah declared the agreement as a new era of peace for Assam and the entire northeast.
• ULFA cadres are expected to join the mainstream, contributing to a significant reduction in violence in the region.

1. Exclusion of ULFA Hardline Faction:

• The peace agreement did not include the hardline Paresh Baruah faction of ULFA.
• The pro-talks faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, accounted for 726 members compared to around 200 members in the hardline faction.

1. Positive Impacts and Development Packages:

• Shah highlighted the positive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy in bringing Delhi and the North-East together.
• A comprehensive package for the development of Assam announced, emphasizing time-bound implementation.

1. Previous Background and Efforts:

• ULFA-sponsored attacks began in 1979, and the group continued to operate despite a landmark accord in 1985.
• In 2011, ULFA split into pro-talks and anti-talks factions. The pro-talks faction engaged in negotiations with the government.
• Talks resumed in April 2023, culminating in the historic signing of the peace agreement.

1. Reactions and Future Outlook:

• Scepticism expressed by some about the deal’s relevance, as the ULFA hardline faction remains active.
• The absence of details raised questions, with some viewing it as a political strategy ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The peace agreement signifies a significant step towards stability and development in Assam, underlining the collaborative efforts between the ULFA pro-talks faction, the government, and the Centre. As Assam moves towards a more peaceful future, attention now turns to the effective implementation of the accord and its lasting impact on the region.

Title: “Historic Peace Agreement Signed in Assam: ULFA Pro-Talks Faction, Centre, and State Government Unite for Prosperity”

In a groundbreaking development, the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the Centre, and the Assam government signed a tripartite peace agreement on Friday. The accord, described by Union home minister Amit Shah as a watershed moment, is poised to bring an end to decades of violence in Assam, marking the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the region.

Key Points of the Peace Agreement:

1. ULFA Pro-Talks Faction’s Commitments:

• Shunning violence and disbanding the organization.
• Integration into the democratic process.
• Surrendering arms and vacating designated camps.

1. Government’s Commitments:

• Development initiatives, including an Indian Institute of Management (IIM), new railway lines, and national highways amounting to around ₹1.5 lakh crore.
• Restrictions on land procurement within a 5km radius of iconic structures in the state.

1. Historic Day for Assam:

• Union home minister Amit Shah declared the agreement as a new era of peace for Assam and the entire northeast.
• ULFA cadres are expected to join the mainstream, contributing to a significant reduction in violence in the region.

1. Exclusion of ULFA Hardline Faction:

• The peace agreement did not include the hardline Paresh Baruah faction of ULFA.
• The pro-talks faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, accounted for 726 members compared to around 200 members in the hardline faction.

1. Positive Impacts and Development Packages:

• Shah highlighted the positive impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy in bringing Delhi and the North-East together.
• A comprehensive package for the development of Assam announced, emphasizing time-bound implementation.

1. Previous Background and Efforts:

• ULFA-sponsored attacks began in 1979, and the group continued to operate despite a landmark accord in 1985.
• In 2011, ULFA split into pro-talks and anti-talks factions. The pro-talks faction engaged in negotiations with the government.
• Talks resumed in April 2023, culminating in the historic signing of the peace agreement.

1. Reactions and Future Outlook:

• Scepticism expressed by some about the deal’s relevance, as the ULFA hardline faction remains active.
• The absence of details raised questions, with some viewing it as a political strategy ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The peace agreement signifies a significant step towards stability and development in Assam, underlining the collaborative efforts between the ULFA pro-talks faction, the government, and the Centre. As Assam moves towards a more peaceful future, attention now turns to the effective implementation of the accord and its lasting impact on the region.