Welcome to ONLiNE UPSC

Understanding the ULFA Peace Accord: Key Insights for Assam

A Comprehensive Overview of the ULFA Peace Agreement and Its Implications

Understanding the ULFA Peace Accord: Key Insights for Assam

  • 09 Jan, 2024
  • 510

Overview of the ULFA Peace Accord

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a militant group in Assam, India, has engaged in an armed struggle for independence for several decades. Recently, after approximately 12 years of negotiations, a significant peace accord has been signed between a pro-talks faction of ULFA, the Indian Union Government, and the Assam State Government.

Key Points of the Peace Accord

  • End of Armed Struggle: The faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa and Anup Chetia will disband within a month.
  • Agreement Details: The Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) comprises 12 main points focusing on political, social, and economic aspects.
  • Indigenous Rights: The agreement addresses Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for certain communities, reservations in education and employment, and issues regarding identity, culture, and heritage.
  • Illegal Immigration and NRC: Concerns regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and illegal immigration are also included.
  • Land and Forest Management: Provisions for land rights, forest conservation, and prevention of encroachments have been established.
  • Development Initiatives: The accord includes rehabilitation measures for armed cadres, a special development package, and planned state development.
  • Monitoring Committee: A joint body, comprising representatives from ULFA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Assam’s administration, will oversee the implementation.

Impacts and Significance

Amit Shah, India’s Union Home Minister, has noted a significant reduction in violence, deaths, and kidnappings in Assam since 2014. The Indian government has committed to a substantial development package and various projects aimed at fostering growth in Assam.

Additionally, the accord includes an understanding regarding delimitation based on principles utilized in the 2023 exercise, ensuring that indigenous people are adequately represented. However, the future stance of the ULFA (Independent) faction, led by Paresh Baruah, remains uncertain, potentially influencing the overall peace process.

Conclusion

This historic agreement marks a pivotal step towards resolving long-standing conflicts in Assam. The successful implementation of the provisions outlined in the accord could lead to sustained peace and development in the region. Nevertheless, the response from the ULFA-I faction and the practical execution of the agreement’s points will be crucial in determining its long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the ULFA peace accord about?
Answer: The ULFA peace accord is a significant agreement aimed at ending armed conflict in Assam, focusing on economic, political, and social rights for indigenous communities.

Q2. What are the key components of the ULFA peace accord?
Answer: Key components include the disbandment of armed factions, provisions for indigenous rights, development initiatives, and a monitoring committee to oversee implementation.

Q3. How does the accord address illegal immigration issues?
Answer: The accord includes provisions addressing concerns related to the National Register of Citizens and illegal immigration, aiming to ensure proper documentation and rights for residents.

Q4. What role will the monitoring committee play in the peace accord?
Answer: The monitoring committee will comprise representatives from ULFA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Assam’s administration, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the agreement.

Q5. What is the expected impact of the ULFA peace accord on violence in Assam?
Answer: The accord is expected to further reduce violence, as noted by Amit Shah, with a commitment to developmental projects enhancing stability in the region.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main objective of the ULFA peace accord?
A) To expand ULFA's territory
B) To end armed conflict in Assam
C) To increase illegal immigration
D) To promote foreign investments
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who leads the pro-talks faction of ULFA involved in the peace accord?
A) Paresh Baruah
B) Arabinda Rajkhowa
C) Anup Chetia
D) Amit Shah
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What issue related to indigenous communities is addressed in the accord?
A) Land acquisition
B) Economic sanctions
C) ST status and reservations
D) Foreign aid
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is a significant change noted since 2014 in Assam's security situation?
A) Increase in violence
B) Decrease in violence
C) Increase in armed groups
D) Decrease in government presence
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is the role of the joint monitoring committee in the peace accord?
A) To conduct elections
B) To oversee implementation of the agreement
C) To provide legal aid
D) To increase military presence
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which aspect of development is part of the peace accord?
A) International trade
B) Rehabilitation of armed cadres
C) Military training programs
D) Cultural exchanges
Correct Answer: B

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Kutos : AI Assistant!
Understanding the ULFA Peace Accord: Key Insights for Assam
Ask your questions below - no hesitation, I am here to support your learning.
View All
Subscription successful!