In a historic development, a tripartite agreement was signed between the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA)’s pro-talks faction, the Central government, and the Assam government, paving the way for lasting peace in the state. The agreement, signed in the national capital in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marked the culmination of a decade-long peace dialogue.
A 29-member delegation, comprising 16 ULFA members and 13 representatives from civil society, participated in the signing ceremony. Home Minister Amit Shah expressed optimism, assuring the ULFA representatives of the government’s commitment to implementing the agreement in a time-bound manner. He announced the formation of a committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to collaborate with the Assam government in fulfilling the accord.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the agreement a historic day for Assam, emphasizing that it would fulfill the aspirations of the state’s people. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Home Minister Amit Shah’s guidance for the success of the peace process. Sarma assured that all points outlined in the agreement would be implemented with 100% commitment from both the Centre and the State government.
The ULFA, formed in April 1979, emerged as a response to agitation against undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh, leading to concerns about demographic changes in Assam. The pro-talk faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, engaged in unconditional talks with the government, while the ULFA (Independent) faction, led by Paresh Barua, opposed negotiations without addressing the ‘sovereignty’ clause.
The peace dialogue gained momentum in 2011, with ULFA submitting a 12-point charter of demands to the government. After a series of talks, the Union government sent a draft agreement in April, resulting in the recent signing ceremony. Over the past three years, the Central government has signed peace deals with various rebel outfits in Assam.
Since assuming office in May 2021, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been instrumental in encouraging insurgents to join the mainstream, overseeing programs for their smooth transition. Sarma has consistently urged ULFA(I) leader Paresh Baruah to return to the mainstream and participate in the state’s development.
Assam, grappling with insurgency for decades, has witnessed significant operations, including Operation Bajrang and Operation Rhino. The insurgency led to casualties among civilians, armed forces personnel, and insurgents, with an estimated 10,000 lives lost over the years. The Disturbed Areas Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) were implemented in 1980, primarily in Upper Assam districts, covering about 15% of the landmass, to address security challenges.