Explained: ULFA Peace Deal: A Pivotal Moment In India's History

December 29, 2023, will go down in history books, etched as a red-letter day. Why so? New Delhi and the state of Assam has inked a memorandum of settlement with the United Liberation Front of Asom, better known as ULFA.

The signing ceremony, held at North Block, saw the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and 16 leaders from the ULFA pro-talks faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa. Notably, this group had engaged in peace talks since 2011.

Meeting Halfway

While the pro-talks faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa has entered into the peace process, the counterpart under Paresh Baruah, known as ULFA-I, remains uninvolved. Paresh Baruah is reportedly residing in Myanmar, particularly along the China-Myanmar border.

The Genesis Of ULFA

ULFA dates back to the Assam Agitation of 1979 when the demand for a sovereign State for the Assamese people began. This new accord is poised to address a range of long standing political, economic, and social issues in Assam.

It also includes provisions for cultural safeguards and land rights for the indigenous population. The Central government's unconditional negotiations with the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led faction spanned over 12 years. And this long-drawn peace pact marks a significant stride toward resolving the decades-old insurgency in the region.

It was April 7, 1979 when with the goal of what it claimed 'restoring Assam's sovereignty,' ULFA came into being. Sadly, it left a trail of attacks over its four-decade existence.

ULFA's Modus-Operandi

Operating from bases in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, with some members trained in China and Pakistan, ULFA was once considered the most formidable among northeast rebel groups, second only to the LTTE.
Having its roots predating the Assam Agitation, ULFA gained prominence afterward. Persistent internal differences among its leadership were evident.

In 2011, the Rajkhowa-led faction initiated negotiations with the government, despite opposition from the hardline wing under Paresh Baruah, who later formed ULFA (Independent) and refrained from the peace deal.

Accord- What It Entails

The signed peace accord represents a notable shift in the government's approach. In 2005, for the first time, the Indian government agreed to discuss core issues raised by ULFA, including sovereignty. Beyond resolving insurgency, the accord addresses long-standing concerns in Assam.

A key ULFA demand is the formal recognition of six communities- Moran, Muttock, Tai-Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, Sootea, and Tea Tribes - as Scheduled Tribes (ST). If granted tribal status, around 50 percent of Assam's population could become classified as tribal, potentially transforming the state into a predominantly tribal-inhabited region.

The peace deal includes a financial package, new land reservation measures, and rights for Assam's indigenous communities. Additionally, it entails a review of the citizenship list, addressing concerns over illegal immigrants. The financial package not only aims to tackle economic issues in the region but also facilitates the rehabilitation of former ULFA members. Provisions for political, economic, and cultural safeguards for the indigenous communities in Assam are also outlined in the agreement.

Milestone for Centre and Assam Government

Union Minister Amit Shah expressed happiness over the signing of the agreement, stating that it marks a bright day for the future of Assam. He highlighted the efforts made since Prime Minister Modi assumed office in 2014 to bridge the gap between Delhi and Northeast, reducing violence in the region.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the deal as historic and credited the collaborative efforts under PM Modi's leadership and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's guidance, noting that three accords have now brought an end to tribal militancy in Assam.