Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma signed a peace accord with the militant group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in New Delhi on Friday.
"ULFA is the oldest insurgent group in Assam. Today they have agreed to shun the path of violence," Shah said while signing the memorandum of understanding with ULFA.
Sarma describes the signing of the agreement as a historic day for Assam.
“About 8,700 cadres of militant organisations have joined peace accord with three accords, tribal militancy over in the region. ULFA picked up arms, and many were killed in the 1980s; around 10,000 people were killed, which included security personnel, civilians and also ULFA," said Sarma.
Home Ministry took a decisive step by negotiating with ULFA and bringing a closure. This accord will fulfil people's aspirations. PM Modi’s outreach has brought peace to Assam,“ Sarma added.
A dozen ULFA members, including ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa, were present at the signing of the peace accord.
What Is ULFA, And Why Is the Deal Important?
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was formed in 1979 with the demand for a 'sovereign Assam'.
Since then, it has been involved in many anti-government activities and several attacks in Assam for four decades. It is also considered the most feared militant group in northeast India. The Indian government banned the outfit in 1990.
Since then, the government has been trying to dislodge ULFA members.
In 1992, many ULFA members surrendered. In 2008, the original ULFA split after its member Arabinda Rajkhowa was arrested in Bangladesh and extradited to India.
Three years later, Rajkhowa and his group decided to join the peace talks. However, another key member of ULFA, Paresh Baruah, has announced his decision to stay away from the peace deal being signed today and has since formed ULFA (Independent).
The Centre has also agreed to ULFA's charter of demands to review the citizenship list to address the issue of illegal immigrants.