Memorandum of Settlement of ULFA-Assam Peace Accord | Full Text

New Delhi: A pivotal moment in Assam's four-decade-long struggle amid the ULFA insurgency now etched into history with the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Settlement involving the pro-talks faction of the group. The momentous event took place in New Delhi on Friday. 

The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) marked a significant milestone by signing a peace accord with both the central and Assam governments. The accord, formalised in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, signals a commitment to renounce violence, dissolve the organization, and actively engage in the democratic process.

Describing the event as a pivotal day for the people of Assam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the prolonged suffering caused by ULFA violence, citing a staggering toll of 10,000 lives lost since 1979. Shah underscored that the oldest insurgent group in Assam has now pledged to abandon violence, disband its structure, and embrace democratic participation. Assurances of a substantial development package for Assam formed a part of the agreement, with Shah affirming the full implementation of every clause outlined in the pact.

Highlighting a notable decline in violence metrics, Amit Shah stated that incidents of violence had reduced by 87 per cent, fatalities by 9 per cent, and kidnappings by 84 per cent in Assam. Assam's Chief Minister hailed the accord as a historic achievement, attributing its fruition to the visionary guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Officials revealed that the peace pact culminated after 12 years of unconditional negotiations between the ULFA pro-talks faction, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, and the government. This landmark agreement is anticipated to bring an end to the long-standing insurgency in Assam, marking a significant stride towards peace and stability in the region. However, it's noteworthy that the hardline faction of ULFA, under the leadership of Paresh Baruah, did not participate in the agreement. Baruah is believed to be situated along the China-Myanmar border. Established in 1979 with the objective of a "sovereign Assam," ULFA has been implicated in subversive activities, prompting the central government to outlaw it in 1990. The Rajkhowa faction commenced peace talks with the government on September 3, 2011, following the signing of an agreement for Suspension of Operations (SoO) between ULFA, central, and state governments.

(With agency inputs )