Peace Pact with ULFA

• 06 Jan 2024

For Prelims: United Liberation Front of Assam, Assam Accord, Operation Bajrang, Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Citizenship Act of 1955, Peace Pact with ULFA

For Mains: Major Provisions of Peace Pact with ULFA, Additional Considerations to Enhance the Recent Peace Pact.

Source: TH

Why in News?

The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) signed a tripartite peace deal with the Centre and the Assam government recently.

What are the Major Provisions of Peace Pact with ULFA?

• Context and History:
  • Background: From the 19th century, Assam's rich culture faced challenges due to an influx of migrants drawn by its thriving tea, coal, and oil industries.
    • This influx, compounded by Partition and then refugees from East Pakistan, heightened insecurity among the indigenous population.
    • Resource competition sparked a six-year mass movement, culminating in the 1985 Assam Accord aiming to address the issue of foreigners in the state.
  • Origin of ULFA: ULFA was formed in 1979, advocating for an independent Assam through armed struggle against the Indian state.
    • Over a decade, ULFA recruited and trained members in Myanmar, China, and Pakistan, resorting to abductions and executions to establish a sovereign Assam.
    • In 1990, the government's Operation Bajrang resulted in the capture of a large number of ULFA rebels. Assam was labeled a 'disturbed area,' prompting the imposition of President's rule and invoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
  • Protracted Peace Talks: Negotiations between ULFA, the Indian government, and the Assam state government began in 2011.
• The Recent Peace Pact:
  • Key Terms:
    • ULFA to:
      • Renounce violence and disband their organization.
      • Join the democratic process.
      • Surrender weapons and camps.
    • Government to:
      • Address ULFA's concerns regarding Assamese identity, culture, and land rights.
      • A ₹1.5 lakh crore investment for Assam's holistic development
      • Following the principles applied for the 2023 delimitation exercise for future delimitation exercises in Assam
  • Legislative Safeguards: The pact aims to restrict non-indigenous communities' representation in the Assam Assembly and seeks exemptions from specific sections of the Citizenship Act of 1955.

What Should be the Additional Considerations to Enhance the Recent Peace Pact?

• Transparency and Accountability: Establishing mechanisms for transparent implementation of the pact’s provisions and holding responsible parties accountable for their commitments.
• Engagement with Anti-Talks Faction: Strategically engaging with the ULFA's anti-talks faction to work towards a unified resolution and wider acceptance of the peace pact.
• Legal Safeguards: Ensuring that legislative changes or reforms align with constitutional principles and protect the rights of all residents, ensuring no discrimination based on ethnicity or origin.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration with neighboring countries to prevent cross-border insurgencies and maintain regional stability.
• Long-Term Development Plans: Creating sustainable and detailed developmental strategies beyond immediate investments to foster holistic growth in the region.

Conclusion

The recent peace pact with ULFA presents a significant opportunity for peace and development in Assam. But only by addressing underlying grievances, fostering economic growth, and ensuring social integration can a lasting peace be built in the region.