In a significant development, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has signed a tripartite peace deal with the Centre and the Assam government, marking a milestone in the peace process in the northeast region. The peace agreement aims to address crucial issues such as illegal immigration, land rights for indigenous communities, and a financial package for the development of Assam.

The peace deal, signed in Delhi, signifies an end to the insurgency of one of the oldest and prominent insurgent groups in Assam. However, it is noteworthy to mention that the ULFA (Independent) faction led by Paresh Baruah remains opposed to engaging in talks.

Speaking about the peace deal, Home Minister Amit Shah assured that all reasonable demands put forth by ULFA would be met within a specified timeframe. He also mentioned that the ULFA organization would be disbanded as part of the peace process. Mr. Shah attributed the success of the peace process to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the efforts made towards bringing peace and stability to the northeast region.

The removal of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) from various areas of Assam and other northeastern states was cited by Mr. Shah as evidence that insurgency is on the decline in the region. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was present at the signing ceremony, expressed confidence that the peace deal with ULFA would significantly address the issue of insurgency in the region.

Under the peace agreement, ULFA, which was founded in 1979, has agreed to renounce violence and lay down their arms. This move is seen as a significant step towards long-term peace and stability in Assam.

The Modi government has been actively pursuing peace agreements with various insurgent groups in the northeast. Several groups have already agreed to lay down their arms and engage in peaceful discussions. In November, the oldest valley-based armed group in Manipur, UNLF, signed a similar tripartite peace agreement with the Centre and the state government.

ULFA initially emerged with the objective of establishing an independent sovereign state for the indigenous Assamese people. However, over time, their tactics escalated to armed struggle against the Indian government. The turning point for their branding as a banned terrorist organization came with the killing of Surendra Paul, a prominent tea planter, and subsequent acts of extortion and threats against tea estate owners. The international pressure mounted on the Indian government following these incidents led to decisive action against ULFA.

With the signing of this historic peace deal, there is optimism that the long-standing issues of insurgency and unrest in Assam will be effectively addressed. The peace agreement holds the promise of a prosperous future for the region, with increased focus on development and the welfare of indigenous communities.