New Delhi: Decades of extremism in Assam are poised to be quelled as a tripartite peace accord is slated for signing today between ULFA-Assam and the central government. Noteworthy figures involved in negotiations with the ULFA faction on behalf of the ULFA government encompass Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka and AK Mishra, the government's advisor on North-East affairs. In 2011, the Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction undertook unconditional talks with the central government, defying staunch opposition from the Paresh Barua-led faction.
The anticipated tripartite agreement scheduled to e signed today between the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the central government, and the state government aims to establish enduring peace in the northeastern state. Notable leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alongside over a dozen top figures from the pro-talk faction of ULFA, are expected to be present at the agreement signing.
Led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, the pro-talk faction seeks to address longstanding political, economic, and social issues in Assam within this agreement. It also endeavors to safeguard cultural heritage and grant land rights to the indigenous population. Excluded from this accord is the hardline faction of ULFA, led by Paresh Baruah, which has consistently rebuffed government proposals. Last week, two prominent leaders of the Rajkhowa group, Anup Chetia and Shashadhar Chaudhary, engaged in talks with government negotiators in the national capital to finalize the peace agreement.
Notably, ULFA, formed in 1979 with the aspiration for a sovereign Assam, has a history of disruptive activities. Despite facing opposition from the Paresh Barua-led faction, the Rajkhowa-led ULFA initiated unconditional talks with the central government in 2011. Rajkhowa is believed to reside in a location near the China-Myanmar border. Designated a banned organization by the central government in 1990, ULFA's engagement in talks signifies a significant step toward addressing historical grievances and fostering lasting peace in Assam.
