The News Freedom
New Delhi, December 29
In a significant step towards ending insurgency in the Northeast, the Centre government signed a key peace agreement with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) rebels on Friday, witnessed by Home Minister Amit Shah. The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) marks a culmination of efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to bring peace and development to the region plagued by decades of unrest. Shah hailed the occasion as a “momentous day” for Assam, highlighting the government’s commitment to address regional concerns through inclusive dialogue.
“This agreement reaffirms our commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Northeast,” Shah said, pointing to nine similar agreements signed across the region since 2014.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and officials from both sides were present at the signing ceremony.
Today marks a significant milestone in Assam's journey towards peace and development. This agreement, paves the way for lasting progress in Assam. I commend the efforts of all involved in this landmark achievement. Together, we move towards a future of unity, growth, and… https://t.co/Y8sqPr1KPJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 29, 2023
ULFA the oldest insurgent group of Assam agreed to abjure the path of violence. Speaking on the signing of a memorandum of settlement with ULFA.
https://t.co/6H1DIHmmHy— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) December 29, 2023
Highlighting achievements, Shah noted the surrender of over 9000 cadres and the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from 85% of Assam’s territory. The trilateral agreement inked today, uniting the Government of India, Assam, and ULFA, marks a pivotal step in eliminating violent groups from Assam, paving the way for lasting peace. ULFA’s commitment under the accord includes renouncing violence, surrendering arms and ammunition, disbanding armed units, vacating occupied camps, and embracing lawful democratic processes while upholding national integrity.
Shah reflected on the grave toll of the ULFA conflict, claiming the lives of around 10,000 citizens, but expressed optimism in resolving this longstanding issue. He revealed India’s commitment to allocate substantial resources and significant projects for Assam’s holistic development, assuring strict compliance with the accord’s provisions. Shah attributed a drastic decline in violent incidents, deaths, and abductions in Assam since 2014, with over 8200 cadre surrenders signifying the dawn of a new era of peace.
Enumerating past agreements, Shah positioned today’s pact as a harbinger of peace for the entire Northeast, particularly Assam. He announced plans for a time-bound program under the Ministry of Home Affairs to address ULFA’s demands, along with a monitoring committee. Shah emphasized the government’s proactive stance in fulfilling conditions post-2019 agreements, acknowledging Prime Minister Modi’s overarching vision for an insurgency-free Northeast as instrumental in these strides.