"ULFA to be disbanded," says Union Home minister Amit Shah on historic peace deal

Digital Desk: In a historic development, a tripartite peace agreement was inked in Delhi, marking the end of a prolonged conflict involving the Centre, the Assam government, and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The accord, a significant step toward regional stability, particularly in the northeast, addresses key issues such as illegal immigration, land rights for indigenous communities, and a comprehensive financial package for the development of Assam.

Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing reporters, affirmed the Centre's commitment to meeting ULFA's reasonable demands within a defined timeframe. He announced the disbandment of ULFA as part of the deal and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering peace in the tumultuous northeast. Shah emphasized the government's dedication to the process, highlighting the removal of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) from various areas in Assam and neighboring states as evidence of diminishing insurgency.

Sitting beside Minister Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism that the peace agreement would substantially alleviate the longstanding issue of insurgency in the region. The collaborative efforts of the Centre and state government, he asserted, were pivotal in achieving this milestone.

The ULFA, founded in 1979 to establish an independent sovereign state for Assamese people, witnessed a complex evolution from its early philanthropic endeavors to armed resistance against the Indian government. Figures like Paresh Baruah and Arabinda Rajkhowa led the group, and its trajectory towards insurgency gained momentum in the late 1980s.

The catalyst for ULFA's designation as a banned terrorist organization was a series of events, including the killing of prominent tea planter Surendra Paul and subsequent extortion and threats against tea estate owners. These incidents triggered international pressure on the Indian government, compelling decisive action against ULFA.

This peace deal mirrors the Modi government's broader approach in the northeast, as demonstrated by similar agreements with other insurgent groups like UNLF in Manipur. With this tripartite accord, the hope is that Assam can now move towards a more stable and prosperous future, leaving behind the shadows of insurgency that have persisted for decades.