Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed profound optimism regarding the Memorandum of Settlement inked with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), highlighting its monumental significance in ushering peace across Assam and the northeastern region.
Shah lauded the day as a momentous occasion for Assam, marking the initiation of peace in a region historically marred by violence. He attributed the positive strides towards reconciliation to the efforts since Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, emphasizing the government's proactive engagement with the northeast.
Emphasizing the Ministry of Home Affairs' vision for a conflict-free northeastern landscape, Shah underscored the importance of nine peace and border agreements signed over the last five years, significantly contributing to stabilizing peace in the region.
He cited substantial progress, including the surrender of over 9,000 militant group members and the lifting of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from 85% of Assam. The trilateral agreement between the government of India, the government of Assam, and ULFA signifies a substantial step toward eradicating violence from Assam, Shah noted.
In the pact signed on Friday, ULFA pledged to renounce violence, disarm, disband their armed structure, vacate occupied camps, engage in lawful democratic processes, and uphold national integrity, marking a pivotal shift in their approach.
Shah outlined a time-bound action plan by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address ULFA's demands and proposed the establishment of a monitoring committee for oversight.
Highlighting a substantial decline in violent incidents, deaths, and kidnappings in Assam since 2014, Shah lauded the surrender of over 8,200 cadres as a harbinger of a new era of peace. The Home Minister emphasized the transformative impact of these measures, ushering in an era of stability and tranquility in Assam and the northeastern region.
(With Agency Inputs)
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